Nigeria Beans and Stew (Ewa Aganyin)

If you are Nigerian and Yoruba, you must have come across ewa aganyin at some point in your life. This dish is universally loved by all and always a challenge for people to replicate.
The beans itself is easy to cook. The stew is usually the problem. It has a particular look that if you can't get yours to like that way, then you are yet to make proper ewa aganyin. I have tried it a few times using different methods but I always fell short of the authentic one.

Few days back, I decided to have another go after reading different suggestions online and what a surprise. I FINALLY GOT IT! You needed to have seen me, I was jumping up like someone who just won a lottery. The most surprising of all, it was FREAKING EASY!

Give it a try and you shan't be disappointed.

RECIPE
Preparation time : 15 mins
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total duration: 1 hr 15 mins

Ingredients
Beans (as much as you want)
Red bell peppers
Scotch bonnet peppers (ata rodo)
Onions
Palm Oil
Salt
Seasoning Cubes


Method

1. Wash and cook the beans until very soft. This can take about an hour depending on the quantity and burner. Add salt to taste.
2. Whilst the beans is cooking, start preparing the stew (ata aganyin). Wash the peppers and onion and blend lightly (i.e. to a rough consistency).
3. Heat the palm oil in a pan until it turns white. Then add the blended pepper and fry for about 5 mins.
4. Add the seasoning and salt to taste and continue to fry until there is  oil sediment on top. 
5. When the beans is soft to the point of almost being mushy, it is ready.
6. Serve with the stew and enjoy.

TIPS

• To get the beans to cook faster, I used a pressure pot.
• It is best to ensure that the pan is well sealed while heating the palm oil to avoid the heat coming out and causing people in the vicinity to have a coughing fit. Once it is sufficiently hot, remove from burner and leave to cool before opening. After cooling, put back on the burner and continue cooking.
• You can also mash the beans slightly to get the exact mushiness you desire. 

Give it a try and let me know how you get on. If you have any tips, feel free to say using the comment section below.

Have a good day!