Description
Adalu is a hearty Nigerian beans and corn porridge cooked in a rich pepper sauce with palm oil and spices. This comforting one-pot dish combines tender black-eyed peas and sweet corn for a filling meal packed with traditional West African flavor.
Ingredients
2 cups raw black-eyed peas
680 g canned sweet corn, drained
1/2 cup palm oil
2 red bell peppers
2 medium onions, divided
1 fresh red chili pepper
Salt to taste
2 teaspoons chicken bouillon powder
2 tablespoons ground crayfish
1 ripe plantain, peeled and sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Sort through the black-eyed peas to remove debris or stones, then rinse thoroughly under running water.
- Place the beans in a pot and add enough water to cover them by about 3 inches. Add one chopped onion and cook on medium heat until the beans are about 90 percent tender.
- While the beans cook, blend the red bell peppers, the remaining onion, and the fresh chili pepper until smooth or slightly textured.
- If using plantain, peel and slice it into rounds.
- Once the beans are nearly tender, add the palm oil, blended pepper mixture, sliced plantain, ground crayfish, chicken bouillon powder, and salt.
- Stir well to combine, then reduce the heat to medium-low and allow the mixture to simmer for 20–25 minutes.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and add small amounts of water if needed so the liquid remains about halfway up the beans.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, continuing to cook until the porridge thickens to a soft, scoopable consistency.
- Serve warm.
Notes
Fresh corn kernels can be used instead of canned corn when in season.
For extra flavor, smoked fish or dried shrimp can be added during the simmering stage.
For a vegetarian variation, omit the chicken bouillon and replace it with vegetable seasoning.
Leafy greens such as spinach can be stirred in during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrition.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen the texture.
Adalu can be frozen in sealed containers for up to 2 months and thawed overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmer
- Cuisine: Nigerian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 12 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
