Adalu Recipe (Beans and Corn Porridge): A Comforting Nigerian Delight 🌽✨

9jakitchenblog
September 2, 2025

Introduction📢

Adalu recipe (beans and corn porridge) is a beloved Nigerian dish that combines the richness of beans with the sweetness of corn, creating a wholesome, hearty, and satisfying meal. For centuries, this meal has been a staple in many West African homes, enjoyed for its nutritional value and its comforting taste. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal prepping for the week, the Adalu recipe is one you’ll return to again and again.

Adalu recipe (beans and corn porridge) is a nutritious Nigerian delicacy made with beans, corn, palm oil, and spices. Learn how to prepare this comforting dish with step-by-step instructions, tips, and nutritional information.

What is Adalu (Beans and Corn Porridge)?🥘

The Adalu recipe is a traditional Nigerian one-pot meal made from beans (often black-eyed peas or brown beans) and corn kernels cooked together with palm oil, spices, and sometimes pepper sauce. It’s a dish that bridges simplicity with flavour, often enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Why People Love It ❤️

Affordable and easy to prepare.
Nutritious and filling.
A taste of home and nostalgia for many Nigerians.

Ingredients for the Perfect Adalu Recipe📝

2 cups black-eyed beans or honey beans (Ewa Oloyin)
1 ½ cups fresh or frozen corn (or boiled dried corn)
1 medium onion (chopped)
2 medium tomatoes (blended)
2 red bell peppers (blended)
2 scotch bonnet peppers (blended, optional for spice)
½ cup palm oil
1 teaspoon ground crayfish (optional)
2 seasoning cubes (or bouillon)
Salt to taste
Water (as needed)

Equipment Needed🍳

To prepare this traditional African dish, you’ll need:

Large cooking pot
Wooden spoon or spatula
Blender or mortar for peppers and tomatoes
Measuring cups
Kitchen knife & chopping board

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Adalu Recipe👩🏾‍🍳

Step 1: Cook the Beans

Rinse beans thoroughly and place in a pot with enough water.
Cook until beans are soft (around 40–50 minutes). Add more water if needed.

Step 2: Add the Corn

Once the beans are almost soft, add the corn kernels.
Continue cooking until both are tender.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

In a separate pan, heat palm oil.
Add onions, blended tomatoes, and peppers. Fry until the oil floats on top.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

Pour the sauce into the pot of beans and corn.
Stir well, season with cubes and salt.
Allow everything to simmer together for 10–15 minutes until the porridge thickens.

Step 5: Serve Hot 🌽🍲

Enjoy warm with fried plantains, bread, or on its own.

Adalu (Beans and Corn Porridge)

Tips for Making the Best Adalu Recipe💡

Soak beans overnight to reduce cooking time and improve digestion.
Fresh corn is best for a naturally sweet taste, but frozen or canned corn also works.
Adjust the oil quantity if you prefer a lighter version of this Nigerian delicacy.
Add smoked fish or prawns for an extra boost of flavour and protein.
Control spiciness by adjusting the number of scotch bonnet peppers

Nutritional Information (Approx. per Serving)🧾

Adalu (beans↗ and corn↗ porridge) Nutrition can vary based on ingredients and portion size. The following is an estimate per standard 1 serve beans and corn porridge.

Calories: 390 kcal
Protein: 18 g
Carbohydrates: 55 g
Fiber: 12 g
Fat: 14 g
Vitamin A: 20% DV (from palm oil and peppers)
Iron: 15% DV
Potassium: 18% DV

Why You Should Try Adalu

Adalu is more than just food, it’s a cultural experience that reflects the creativity of West African cuisine. As one of the most popular Nigerian delicacies, it’s filling, affordable, and can be cooked in large batches for family meals. Whether you’re exploring African recipes or simply looking for a nutritious plant-based option, Adalu is a must-try.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)❓

1. What is Adalu (Beans and Corn Porridge)?
👉Adalu is a traditional Nigerian food recipe made with beans, corn, palm oil, and spices. It’s a nutritious one-pot meal that combines plant-based protein with healthy carbohydrates.

2. Is Adalu healthy?
👉Yes! Adalu is a healthy Nigerian meal that provides protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is low in cholesterol and can be made even healthier by using moderate palm oil and fresh ingredients.

3. What type of beans is best for Adalu?
👉Honey beans (Ewa Oloyin) are preferred because of their sweet taste and creamy texture. However, black-eyed beans or brown beans also work well.

4. Can I make Adalu without palm oil?
👉Yes, you can substitute palm oil with vegetable oil or coconut oil for a lighter version. However, palm oil gives Adalu its signature flavour and vibrant colour.

5. What can I eat with Adalu?
👉Adalu can be eaten on its own or paired with fried plantain, boiled yam, bread, or even garri for a more filling meal.