Savory Spiced African Red Beans
This delicious recipe for Savory Spiced African Red Beans is a delightful and nourishing dish that's perfect for any mealtime. Infused with aromatic herbs and spices, this recipe showcases the rich flavors of traditional African cooking while being simple enough for everyday preparation. The dried kidney beans are soaked overnight for optimal texture and flavor, transforming them into a hearty and creamy bean dish that pairs excellently with warm brown rice. Ideal for meal prep or a family gathering, this recipe serves eight and represents a wholesome, plant-based option that's both satisfying and healthy. Enjoy this vibrant dish as a centerpiece or a side, and savor the love that goes into its preparation.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
dried red kidney beans
1 lb (presoaked overnight)
water
8 cups (fresh)
celery
1 cup (chopped)
bay leaves
4 (whole)
fresh garlic
3 tablespoons (minced)
dried thyme
2 teaspoons (crushed)
powdered kelp
1 teaspoon (or substitute sea salt, powdered miso, Spike, or vegetarian bouillon powder)
green pepper
1 cup (diced)
fresh parsley
1 tablespoon (finely chopped)
sea salt
to taste (as needed)
pepper
to taste (as needed)
Instructions
1
Begin by carefully sorting through the dried red kidney beans to remove any stones or bad beans. Place them in a large bowl, cover with plenty of water, and let them soak overnight for at least 6 hours—this will ensure they cook evenly and become tender.
2
After the soaking period, drain and thoroughly rinse the beans. In a spacious pot, combine the soaked beans with 8 cups of fresh water, along with chopped celery, and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
3
Once boiling, cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Allow the beans to simmer gently for about 1 hour or until they reach a tender consistency. Stir the beans occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
4
Once tender, use a wooden spoon to gently mash the beans against the sides of the pot, creating a creamy texture while leaving some whole for added texture in the dish.
5
Now it's time to enrich the beans with flavor; add the diced green pepper, minced garlic, finely chopped parsley, crushed thyme, and powdered kelp (or your choice of sea salt, powdered miso, Spike, or vegetarian bouillon powder). Stir well to combine.
6
Continue to cook the mixture uncovered over low heat for an additional 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until the beans achieve a creamy consistency.
7
Before serving, be sure to remove the bay leaves. Serve the aromatic bean mixture over hot cooked brown rice for a wholesome and satisfying meal, and season with additional sea salt and pepper to taste, if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Spiced African Red Beans?
A nourishing, plant-based dish inspired by traditional African cooking, featuring kidney beans, aromatic herbs, and spices.
What kind of beans are used in this recipe?
This recipe uses 1 lb of dried red kidney beans.
How long should I soak the kidney beans?
The beans should be soaked overnight in water for at least 6 hours.
What should I serve with African Red Beans?
The dish pairs excellently with hot cooked brown rice.
Is this recipe vegetarian and vegan?
Yes, it is a wholesome plant-based option suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
How do I achieve a creamy texture for the beans?
Gently mash some of the beans against the sides of the pot with a wooden spoon while they are simmering.
What can I substitute for powdered kelp?
You can use sea salt, powdered miso, Spike, or vegetarian bouillon powder as a substitute.
How much garlic is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of minced fresh garlic.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe serves eight people.
What vegetables are cooked with the beans?
The recipe includes chopped celery and diced green peppers.
How long do the beans need to simmer initially?
They should simmer for about 1 hour or until they reach a tender consistency.
Should I remove the bay leaves before serving?
Yes, ensure you remove the 4 bay leaves before serving the dish.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free.
How much water is needed to cook the beans?
You will need 8 cups of fresh water for the cooking process.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The recipe uses bay leaves, crushed dried thyme, and finely chopped fresh parsley.
Why do I need to sort the beans before cooking?
Sorting allows you to remove any stones or bad beans that might be mixed in with the dried legumes.
How much celery is used?
The recipe requires 1 cup of chopped celery.
When do I add the green peppers and garlic?
Add the diced green pepper and minced garlic after the beans have simmered for an hour and been partially mashed.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is an ideal dish for meal prep or large family gatherings.
What is the final cooking step?
Continue cooking uncovered over low heat for an additional 20 minutes after adding the seasonings until creamy.
Can I add salt to this recipe?
Yes, you can season with sea salt and pepper to taste if desired.
How much dried thyme is used?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of crushed dried thyme.
What is the preparation for the green pepper?
The green pepper should be diced before being added to the pot.
What heat level should I use for simmering?
The beans should be simmered gently over low heat.
Is this a high-protein meal?
Yes, it is categorized as a high-protein dish due to the kidney beans.
How much fresh parsley is needed?
You will need 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh parsley.
How much green pepper is used?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of diced green pepper.
Do I need to rinse the beans after soaking?
Yes, you should drain and thoroughly rinse the beans after the overnight soak.
Is the pot covered throughout the entire cooking process?
No, the pot is covered during the initial simmer but uncovered for the final 20 minutes to reach a creamy consistency.
How many bay leaves are in the recipe?
The recipe uses 4 whole bay leaves.