Beans with stew is a popular dish enjoyed in many cuisines, particularly in African, Caribbean, and Latin American cultures. It typically features cooked beans paired with a rich and flavorful tomato-based stew. Here’s an overview of how it can be prepared:Red red! A Ghanaian comfort dish like no other. It is very simple to make, very tasty, and filling. This is a simplified version with no protein or too many additional ingredients that is sometimes added to red red (like dried shrimp or fish). No blender needed or any special in gradients except of course the key ingredient palm oil.
Ingredients
For the Beans:
Beans: Black-eyed peas, kidney beans, black beans, or any variety.
Water: For boiling the beans.
Salt: For seasoning.
Optional: Bay leaves, garlic, or onions for flavor while boiling.
For the Stew:
Tomatoes: Fresh or canned (pureed or diced).
Onions: Chopped.
Pepper: Bell peppers, chili peppers, or scotch bonnet (for heat).
Garlic and Ginger: Minced.
Protein (optional): Meat (chicken, beef, or goat), fish, or smoked options.
Oil: Palm oil, vegetable oil, or olive oil.
Seasonings: Salt, bouillon cubes, curry powder, thyme, paprika, or any regional spices.
Preparation Steps
1. Cooking the Beans
Sort and rinse the beans thoroughly.
Boil the beans in a pot with water until tender (may take 1–2 hours or use a pressure cooker to save time).
Add salt towards the end of cooking to season the beans.
2. Preparing the Stew
Heat oil in a pot or pan.
Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger until fragrant.
Add chopped or blended tomatoes and peppers. Let it simmer until the mixture thickens and the raw tomato taste is cooked out.
Season with salt, bouillon cubes, and spices (e.g., curry powder and thyme). Adjust seasoning to taste.
(Optional) Add cooked protein (e.g., fried chicken, smoked fish, or goat meat) to the stew and simmer.
Combining Beans and Stew
Drain the beans if necessary and mix them into the stew. Allow them to simmer together for 5–10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Alternatively, serve the beans and stew side by side.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with rice, plantains, or yam for a complete meal.
Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for added freshness.
Would you like more tips or a regional variation of this dish?