How to Make Delicious Beans and Yam: A Comforting Nigerian Dish You’ll Love ❤️

9jakitchenblog
October 5, 2025

Discover how to make beans and yam, a delicious Nigerian comfort food. Packed with protein, fiber, and flavor, this wholesome dish is perfect for family meals and healthy living.

Introduction

Beans and yam is a classic Nigerian comfort food enjoyed across many homes. This wholesome dish is rich in nutrients, hearty, and perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner after a long day. Combining the earthy taste of beans with the starchy sweetness of yam, it offers a unique balance of protein, fiber, and carbohydrates. Whether you prepare it as a simple porridge, spiced with palm oil, or with added vegetables and seasonings, beans and yam is more than just a meal—it’s a taste of culture, warmth, and nourishment.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through step-by-step instructions on how to make the dish, explore its nutritional benefits, highlight cooking tips, and answer common questions to ensure your dish comes out perfect every time. 🍲✨

Why You’ll Love Beans and Yam 😍

✅ Nutritious & filling — keeps you satisfied for hours
✅ Perfect blend of protein and carbs
✅ Easy to cook with minimal ingredients
✅ Comforting, homely, and affordable
✅ A versatile dish you can adapt to your taste

Ingredients You’ll Need 🥘

2 cups brown or black-eyed beans (washed and dehulled if preferred)
4–5 medium slices of yam (peeled and cut into cubes)
1 medium onion (chopped)
2–3 tbsp palm oil (or vegetable oil alternative)
2 tbsp ground crayfish (optional, for authentic Nigerian flavour)
1–2 scotch bonnet peppers (blended or chopped) 🌶️
Seasoning cubes (Maggi or Knorr, to taste)
Salt (to taste)
Water (as required)
Spinach or ugu leaves (optional, for added nutrients)

Equipment Needed 🍳

Large cooking pot
Wooden spoon (for stirring)
Blender or mortar & pestle (for pepper/onion mix)
Kitchen knife & chopping board
Measuring cups

Step-by-Step: How to Make Beans and Yam

Step 1: Wash and Cook the Beans

Wash beans thoroughly to remove dirt and debris.
Place the beans in a pot with water, bring to a boil, and cook until they are soft (about 40–50 minutes).

Step 2: Add Yam Cubes

Once the beans are almost tender, add the yam cubes.
Add more water if needed, just enough to cover the ingredients.

Step 3: Season and Spice

Add onions, blended pepper, crayfish, and seasoning cubes.
Stir well and allow flavours to combine.

Step 4: Add Palm Oil

Pour in palm oil, stir, and allow to simmer until yam is soft and the beans are well-cooked.
Adjust seasoning with salt.

Step 5: Final Touch

Mash some yam pieces gently into the beans to create a creamy texture.
Add spinach or ugu leaves, simmer for 2–3 minutes, and serve hot.

🥳 Congratulations! You’ve just learned how to make beans and yam the authentic Nigerian way.

Nigerian beans recipe — Beans and Yam Porridge

Tips for Making the Best Beans and Yam 🌟

Pre-soak beans overnight to reduce cooking time.
Use ripe yam for a sweeter flavour, or firm yam for a chunkier texture.
Don’t skip the palm oil if you want the authentic Nigerian taste.
Add vegetables like spinach or pumpkin leaves for extra nutrients.
Cook on medium heat for even flavour blending.

Variations 🍛

Beans and Yam Porridge: Cook longer and mash for a thick, porridge-like dish.
Fried Plantains on the Side: A perfect sweet-and-savoury combo. 🍌
Beans and Yam with Fish: Add smoked mackerel or stockfish for extra protein.
Vegetarian Beans and Yam: Skip crayfish and use vegetable stock.

Nutritional Information 🍽️

Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (1 bowl):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	Source
Calories	~370 kcal	USDA
Carbohydrates	60 g	USDA
Protein	16 g	USDA
Fat	8 g	USDA
Fiber	12 g	USDA
Vitamin A	18% DV	USDA
Iron	15% DV	USDA
Potassium	22% DV	USDA

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)🙋🏽‍♀️

1. Can I cook beans and yam without palm oil?
Yes, you can substitute with vegetable oil, though palm oil gives it the traditional flavour and rich colour.

2. What type of beans is best?
Brown beans or black-eyed peas are most commonly used in Nigeria for this recipe.

3. Can I store beans and yam?
Yes, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a little water on the stove.

4. Is beans and yam healthy?
Absolutely! It is a protein-rich Nigerian meal that balances carbs, protein, and fiber, making it ideal for a nutritious diet.

5. Can I cook beans and yam together from scratch?
Yes, simply add yam after the beans have softened to prevent uneven cooking.

Final Thoughts

Beans and yam is more than just food—it’s a warm hug in a bowl. This comforting Nigerian recipe is a reminder of home, tradition, and nourishment. It’s easy to prepare, delicious, and incredibly filling. Whether you’re cooking for family or just for yourself, this meal is guaranteed to satisfy and uplift your spirit.

So, next time you crave comfort food, remember that learning how to make beans and yam is all you need to bring happiness to your table.