How to Make Delicious Porridge Beans with Fried Plantain and Crispy Fried Fish: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introducing Porridge Beans with Fried Plantain and Crispy Fried Fish

If you’re looking for a hearty and delightful meal, look no further than Porridge Beans with Fried Plantain and Crispy Fried Fish. This dish perfectly combines the rich, creamy texture of porridge beans with the sweet crunch of fried plantains and the savoury, crispy goodness of fried fish.

Porridge beans, also known as bean porridge, is a traditional comfort food that is both nutritious and filling. Cooking beans typically makes them soft, and then blending them into a smooth porridge. When paired with golden-brown fried plantains, which add a sweet contrast, and crispy fish that adds a savoury crunch, this dish becomes a true culinary treat.

Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this flavorful combination is sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you feeling full and happy. Enjoy it with a side of your favourite hot sauce or vegetables for an extra kick!

Get ready to embark on a delicious culinary journey that celebrates the vibrant flavours of homemade cooking.

Equipment Needed

• Cooking pot (Preferably a pressure cooking pot)
• Blender or food processor
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Frying pan
• Bowls for washing

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients for the preparation of delicious porridge beans:

For the Porridge Beans:

• 1 cup of brown or black-eyed beans
• 4 cups of water
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1-2 green chillies (optional, for heat)
• 2-4 tablespoons of palm oil or vegetable oil
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons of ground ginger
• 2 teaspoons of ground cumin
• Salt to taste
• Spinach, tomatoes, or other vegetables of your choice (Optional).

For the Fried Plantain:

• 2 ripe plantains
• Vegetable oil for frying
• A pinch of salt (optional)

For the Crispy Fried Fish:

• 2-3 pieces of your favourite fish (tilapia or catfish recommended)
• 1 cup of seasoned flour (mix flour with salt, pepper, and your choice of spices)
• Oil for frying

Preparation Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Porridge Beans

1. Pick and wash the beans:

• Spread the beans on a flat surface, such as a tray or bowl, and manually pick out any stones and other debris.
• Wash and rinse the beans under cold water to remove any dirt. Soaking them for a few hours can reduce cooking time, but it’s not necessary.

2. Cook the Beans:

• In a pot, add the beans and 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat.
• Simmer until the beans are soft, which usually takes about 30-45 minutes.

3. Blend the Mixture:

• Once the beans are cooked, carefully blend them until smooth.
• You can adjust the consistency by adding more water if needed.

4. Season the Porridge:

• In a separate pot, heat the palm oil over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onions and green chillies, sautéing until fragrant.
• Pour in the blended beans and stir well.
• Cook for another 10-15 minutes, adding salt to taste

Step 2: Fry the Plantains

1. Slice the Plantains:

• Peel the plantains and slice them diagonally into about 1-inch-thick pieces.

2. Heat the Oil:

• In a frying pan, add enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom.
• Heat over medium-high heat.

3. Fry the Plantains:

• Once the oil is hot, add the plantain slices.
• Fry until they are golden brown and crisp, about 2-3 minutes per side.
• Remove and drain on paper towels.
• Sprinkle with a pinch of salt if desired.

Step 3: Prepare the Crispy Fried Fish

1. Clean the Fish:

• Clean and gut the fish, rinsing well under cold water.
• Pat dry with paper towels.

2. Coat the Fish:

• Dredge the fish in the seasoned flour, ensuring an even coating.

3. Fry the Fish:

• In a separate frying pan, heat oil over medium-high heat.
• Fry the fish until golden brown and crispy, about 4-6 minutes per side, depending on the thickness.
• Remove and drain on paper towels.

Step 4: Serve the Dish

1. Plate the Porridge:

• Spoon generous servings of the prepared porridge beans onto plates.

2. Add Plantains and Fish:

• Arrange the fried plantains and crispy fish alongside the porridge.

3. Optional Garnish:

• Serve with a side of your favourite hot sauce or fresh vegetables for added flavour.

Tips to Make Delicious Nigerian Porridge Beans

1. Choose the Right Beans: Use well-cleaned and split beans, such as brown or white beans, for a quicker cooking time and smoother texture.
2. Soaking: If you have time, soak the beans for a few hours or overnight. This shortens the cooking time and helps make them softer.
3. Cook Beans Properly: Boil the beans in plenty of water until they are tender. You can add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavour.
4. Make the Porridge: Once the beans are cooked, you can add water little by little while mashing them to your desired consistency. Adjust the thickness based on your preference for the porridge.
5. Flavouring: Incorporate spices and seasonings like ground pepper, onions, and palm oil for added richness. You may also want to include some seasoning cubes for flavour.
6. Fried Plantains: Choose ripe plantains for the perfect level of sweetness. Peel and slice them diagonally, then fry in hot oil until golden brown and crispy.
7. Crispy Fried Fish: Use fish like tilapia or catfish. Marinate the fish with your choice of spices, then coat it lightly in flour or breadcrumbs before frying to achieve that crispy texture.
8. Garnish: Use sliced onions, tomatoes, and extra spices as garnishes to elevate the dish’s visual appeal and flavour.
9. Serve Hot: It’s best to serve the porridge beans while hot, alongside the fried plantains and crispy fish for a delightful combination.
10. Experiment: Don’t be afraid to add your twist! You can try different proteins, vegetables, or spices as per your taste preferences.

Tips for cooking porridge beans

Nigerian Porridge Beans, often referred to as ‘Ewa’ in Yoruba and ‘Agwa’ in Igbo, combined with fried plantain and crispy fried fish, offer a delicious and nutritious meal. Here are some health benefits of this dish:

1. High in Protein: Porridge beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, and is particularly beneficial for those looking to maintain muscle mass.
2. Rich in Fiber: Beans are high in dietary fiber, aiding in digestion and promoting gut health. This can help prevent constipation and may lower the risk of developing certain digestive disorders.
3. Complex Carbohydrates: The beans provide complex carbohydrates that can provide sustained energy levels, making this meal great for active individuals or those needing a hearty breakfast.
4. Healthy Fats: Fried plantains, when made with healthy cooking oils, can provide healthy fats and are a good source of vitamins A, C, and B6, as well as potassium.
5. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Depending on the type of fish used, crispy fried fish can be a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are known for their heart health benefits.
6. Essential Vitamins and Minerals: This dish is rich in essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron, magnesium, and folate from the beans, as well as vitamin B6 and potassium from the plantains.
7. Satiating Meal: The combination of protein, fiber, and healthy fats makes this dish quite filling, helping control hunger and making it easier to maintain a healthy weight.
8. Cultural Connection: Beyond the nutritional value, enjoying traditional meals like this can enhance cultural appreciation and promote mental well-being through the enjoyment of familiar flavours.

Overall, Nigerian Porridge Beans with Fried Plantain and Crispy Fried Fish is a well-rounded dish that not only satisfies the palate but also nourishes the body.

• How to Prepare Delicious Nigerian Peppered Meat Rice (Asun Rice)
• How to make Delicious Native Jollof Spaghetti Recipe with Smoked Fish, Boiled Eggs, and Cow Skin Meat
• How to Make Authentic Cow Tail Pepper Soup Recipe
• Ultimate Guide to Making Spicy Dry Fish Pepper Soup
• How to Make Delicious Seafood Pepper Soup – A Flavorful and Spicy Recipe