Ewa Agoyin
Ewa Agoyin is a mouth-watering and widely-loved Nigerian street food that tantalizes the senses with its bold and rich flavours. This scrumptious dish is prepared by mashing cooked beans until they reach a silky-smooth consistency, and then topping them with a spicy and flavourful palm oil sauce. The sauce is known for its fiery kick, perfectly balanced with the creaminess of the mashed beans. Ewa Agoyin is often served with fried plantains or bread, and garnished with sliced onions and peppers, adding a refreshing crunch to every bite. This dish is popular among Nigerians for breakfast, lunch, or a quick and satisfying snack. Its hearty and satisfying nature makes it a perfect meal option for those who crave filling and flavour.
List of Ingredients for Ewa Agoyin
- Black-Eyed Beans: Black-eyed peas are nutrient-rich beans that may help lower blood pressure, promote digestion, and maintain skin health.
- Palm Oil: Palm oil is a ubiquitous and vital ingredient in Nigerian cuisine. One would be hard-pressed to find a local dish not prepared without palm oil.
- Pieces Dried Bell Peppers (Tatsahe gbigbe): Pieces of Dried Bell Peppers are great for use in soups, stews, sauces, meatloaf, rice dishes, and camping when fresh peppers are not in season.
- Red Onion: Onions are a great source of antioxidants and contain at least 17 varieties of flavonoids. Among the flavonoids, red onions have anthocyanins, which are plant pigments that give red onions their deep colour. These compounds have been linked to protection against diabetes and certain types of cancer.
- Pieces Cameroon Pepper (Yellow lantern chili): Cameroon pepper is known for its high phenolic content, which has been found to prevent oxidative stress and lower the risk of developing chronic diseases. The antioxidant properties of this type of pepper have the potential to prevent oxidative stress and reduce the chances of chronic diseases.
- Dried Pepper Seeds: The high fibre content in pepper seeds may prevent obesity, cardiovascular issues, diabetes, and colon cancer.
- Ground Pepper (Atagungun): a good source of manganese, a mineral that can help with bone health, wound healing, and metabolism.
- Ginger: Eating ginger can help reduce bloating and intestinal gas caused by fermentation and constipation.
- Smoked fish(optional): Including smoked fish in your diet is a great way to enjoy the benefits of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
- Seasoning: Seasonings are usually added near the end of the cooking period. The most common seasonings are salt, stock cubes, pepper, and acids (such as lemon juice). Please add to the taste and not use it in access, especially the salt.
- Crayfish: This sun-dried shrimp is a crucial ingredient in almost all Nigerian dishes, adding a delicious flavour to every meal.
Ewa Agoyin Recipe
Originating from Cotonou, the Agoyin people introduced this recipe to Nigeria, and it has since become a cherished dish among Nigerians. This flavorful meal is a perfect blend of savory and spicy flavors, and it is a testament to the cultural influences that shape the culinary landscape of Nigeria.
Ingredients
Beans Preparation
- 3 Cups Black-eyed Beans
- 3 Cups Water
- Salt to taste
Sauce Preparation
- 300 ml Palm Oil
- 10 Pieces Dried Bell Peppers (Tatsahe gbigbe)
- 1 Red Onion Medium sized
- 3 Pieces Cameroon Pepper
- 1 tbsp Dried Pepper Seeds
- 1/2 tbsp Dried Pepper Seeds
- 1 Dried Pepper Seeds
- Salt to taste
- 1-2 seasoning cubes maggi crayfish will be good
- 1/2 cup smoked fish
Instructions
Direction for cooking Beans
- To prepare the beans, carefully examine them and remove any specks of dirt or debris. Rinse the beans thoroughly under running water, and repeat the process a few times to ensure they are completely clean. Once cleaned, transfer the beans to a pot and add enough water to cover them. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Allow the beans to cook slowly until they are tender and fully cooked, which may take anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on the type and size of the beans. Remember to occasionally check on the pot of beans, adding more water if necessary, and stirring occasionally to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Once done, drain any excess water from the pot and serve the beans as desired.
- Use a potato masher or a wooden spoon to mash the beans to your desired consistency.
Directions for cooking Ewa Agoyin Sauce of Stew
- Soak the dried chillies and bell peppers overnight in water or pour hot boiling water over them for two hours to rehydrate.
- Grind your pepper, mince your ginger, and blend them with crayfish and Maggi crayfish seasoning. After mixing the ingredients, set the mixture aside.
- To prepare your ingredients, grab a medium-sized saucepan and pour in some palm oil. Heat the oil over medium heat until it's hot enough. Next, take some fresh onions and chop them into small pieces. Add the chopped onions into the hot oil and stir. Cook until the onions have browned and become fragrant.
- Add the blended pepper, ground pepper, smoked fish and salt to taste. Keep on low heat and fry for at least 40 minutes.
- Transform your meal into a mouthwatering experience by serving our delectable sauce over the rich flavours of Ewa Agoyin (Ewa Aganyin) or pair it with the soft and fluffy texture of Agege bread. Get ready to indulge in a tantalizing taste sensation that will leave you wanting more!
Notes
- For this recipe, black-eyed peas were used, but you can substitute them with Nigerian honey beans (Ewa Oloyin) if desired.
- It is crucial to remember that Ewa Agoyin dries out rapidly once mashed. Therefore, it is important to adjust the water level appropriately as per requirement, especially when it's cold.
- Bleaching the palm oil for cooking or making sauce/stew is absolutely unnecessary. Once the oil is heated to the required temperature, it is perfectly safe for consumption.
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