Introducing Nigerian Fried Rice and Beans
Nigerian Fried Rice and Beans is a vibrant and flavourful dish that perfectly embodies the rich culinary traditions of Nigeria. This dish is a staple at celebrations, parties, and family gatherings, renowned for its colourful presentation and delicious taste.
Combining long-grain rice with a medley of colourful vegetables, spices, and protein-rich kidney beans, this recipe embodies the essence of Nigerian cuisine: diverse flavours, hearty ingredients, and a celebration of community. The use of curry powder and thyme lends the rice a distinctive aroma and flavour, while the beans add a satisfying texture and a nutritional boost.
Table of Contents
Enjoyed by many, this dish is not only a comfort food but also a versatile meal that can be served with various proteins such as chicken, shrimp, or beef, making it a favourite for both everyday meals and special occasions. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or just looking for a delicious weeknight dinner, Nigerian Fried Rice with Kidney Beans is sure to impress and delight!
Equipment Needed
- Cooking pot or rice cooker
- Frying Pan
- Blender or food processor
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Bowls for washing
- A chopping board
Ingredients
- 2 cups of long-grain parboiled rice
- 1 cup of kidney beans (canned or cooked)
- 1 cup of mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, and green beans)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cups of chicken or vegetable stock
- 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon of thyme
- 1 tablespoon of curry powder
- 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1-2 green bell peppers, diced (optional)
- Scallions, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Rice and the meat
- Wash the rice under running water until the water is clear.
- Parboil ur rice, keep aside
- Wash the protein you are using and cut it to size.
- Steam ur meat, sieve the stock water and keep aside.
- In a pot, bring the chicken or vegetable stock to a boil and add the parboiled rice. Cook until the rice is done (about 15-20 minutes). Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare & Sauté Vegetables
- Slice all the veggies.
- In a large frying pan or pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté until translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).

Vegetable Preparation: Photo Credit: Juliet Onyii
Step 3: Add Spices
- Stir in the thyme and curry powder, blending well with the onions and garlic.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
- Add the mixed vegetables and kidney beans to the pan.
- Stir everything together and cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Mix in Rice
- Gently fold in the cooked rice, ensuring the rice is evenly coated with the spices and mixed with the vegetable-bean mixture.
- Cook on low for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the flavours to meld.
Step 6: Serve
- Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove from the heat.
- Garnish with chopped scallions and diced green bell peppers if desired.
Enjoy your delicious Nigerian fried rice with kidney beans! It’s a colourful and hearty dish, perfect as a main or side.
Tips to Make Delicious Nigerian Fried Rice and Beans
- Use High-Quality Rice: opt for long-grain rice like Basmati or Jasmine, as they retain their fluffy texture and remain separate. Rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch.
- Parboil Your Rice: Parboiling rice before frying helps to ensure that it cooks evenly and doesn’t become mushy. Cook it just until it’s partially cooked, then drain and set aside.
- Flavour Your Cooking Oil: Use a combination of vegetable oil and a bit of butter for extra flavour. You can also sauté onions, garlic, and spices like thyme before adding the rice.
- Add Fresh Vegetables: Bell peppers, carrots, and peas add colour and crunch to your rice. Make sure to chop them finely and sauté them with onions before mixing in the rice.
- Season Generously: Use stock (chicken or vegetable) instead of water for a richer flavour. Add spices like curry powder and thyme to enhance the taste.
- Incorporate Kidney Beans: If using canned kidney beans, rinse them well to remove excess sodium and prevent the rice from becoming mushy. Gently fold them into the rice during the final mixing.
- Cook on Low Heat: After combining the rice, beans, and vegetables, cover the pot and allow it to steam on low heat. This helps to lock in flavours and ensure the rice cooks evenly without burning.
- Garnish: Before serving, garnish with fresh parsley or spring onions for an extra pop of colour and freshness.
- Serve Hot: Nigerian fried rice is best enjoyed hot. Pair it with fried plantains or a protein of your choice for a complete meal.

Fried Rice & Beans: Photo Credit: Juliet Onyii
By following these tips, you can create a flavorful and aromatic plate of Nigerian Fried Rice with Kidney Beans that’s sure to impress!
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