Nigerian Mashed Beans
If you've got brown or black-eyed beans, ground crayfish and seasoning cubes, you're most of the way to this dish: about 65 minutes of cooking across 7 steps. Below: the ingredients split into pantry staples and a quick shopping list, a built-in serving scaler, and the method in 7 steps.
You'll mainly reach for frying pan / skillet and large pot. At medium difficulty across 7 steps, it's manageable with a little attention. As written, it's pescatarian β fish but no meat.
What you'll need
Shopping list (3)
Pantry staples (you likely have these)
Diet: contains fish or shellfish, no meat, based on every ingredient listed below.
Contains: Shellfish
Allergen labels are informational and may not cover cross-contact; verify every package and consult a qualified professional for medical dietary needs. Diet labels are derived from the ingredient list on this page β how we verify diet and allergen labels.
Food-safety and allergen information is general, not medical advice. Follow current guidance from your local food-safety authority, verify product labels, and seek qualified advice for allergies or health conditions.
How to make it
- Pick over the beans, rinse them well, and soak in plenty of water for at least an hour to shorten the cooking time.
- Drain the beans, place them in a large pot with fresh water, and boil for 45 minutes to 1 hour until completely soft and easily mashed.
- While the beans cook, blend the red bell pepper, scotch bonnet, and one onion into a coarse paste, and finely chop the remaining onion.
- When the beans are tender, drain off most of the cooking liquid and mash them coarsely with a wooden spoon or masher, leaving some texture.
- Heat the palm oil in a separate pot, fry the chopped onion for 2 minutes, then add the blended pepper mixture and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until the raw smell is gone and the oil rises.
- Stir in the ground crayfish, crushed seasoning cubes, and salt, then add the mashed beans and a splash of water and mix thoroughly.
- Simmer the mashed beans over low heat for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring to prevent sticking, until well combined and heated through, then serve warm with bread or fried plantain.
You'll use: Frying pan / skillet Β· Large pot Β· Saucepan Β· Blender
Tips & common questions
How long does Nigerian Mashed Beans take to make?
About 65 minutes from start to finish β an estimate based on the 7 steps and 9 ingredients. Times vary with your kitchen and how much prep you do ahead.
Can I scale this recipe up or down?
Yes β use the servings control above the ingredients and every quantity rescales automatically (fractions included). Cooking times stay roughly the same; very large batches may need a little longer.
How should I store leftovers?
Cool leftovers quickly, refrigerate in an airtight container, and eat within 3 days. Reheat until piping hot throughout.
Related recipes
Adapted recipe β rewritten in our own wording from an open-licensed community cookbook, not yet independently kitchen-tested by Consomee. How we source, test & correct recipes.
Nigerian Mashed Beans is adapted by Consomee from the Wikibooks Cookbook, rewritten in our own wording and used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Photo: Mashed Beans and Potatoes Delight.jpg by NiferO, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons. We add the serving scaler, ingredient tools, timing and structure β how we source recipes.