Ewa Agoyin (Ewa Aganyin) is a very popular street food, especially on Lagos streets. It is made by boiling Beans until it’s really tender then mashing it.
This delicious meal is usually accompanied by a spicy stew which is usually referred to as Ewa Agoyin (Ewa Agoyin) Stew.
This recipe came to Nigeria through the influence of the Agoyin People from Cotonou in Lagos and Nigerians have gladly accepted this meal.
Here is a question I recently got asked:
Can Tomatoes can be added to Ewa Agoyin/Ewa Aganyin stew?
Here is my reasoning about the question:
Traditionally, Ewa Agoyin/Ewa Aganyin Stew is made with dried Chilies (Cameroun peppers) and dried Red bell peppers with lots of Onions. I totally understand where this is coming from. Some people can’t stand the heat of the Chilies at all – just like my kids.
Here is my suggestion:
You can get some dried Tomatoes rehydrate them and blend it with the Chilies, that should help and will have a little impact on the taste of the stew as long as a minimal quantity of Tomato is added.
Notes:
I used Black Eyed Peas for this recipe because it’s my preference, feel free to use the Nigerian honey Beans (Ewa Oloyin) if that’s what you like.
Ewa Agoyin tends to dry out fast once it’s mashed, and the colder it gets, the drier it appears, so adjust the water level as required.
You don’t have to bleach the Palm Oil you will use for cooking making the Sauce, once it’s very hot it’s okay
Directions for cooking Ewa Agoyin / Ewa Aga
How to make Ewa Agoyin (Ewa Aganyin)
Ingredients
For the Beans
- 1 lb Beans and Salt to Taste
- 6-8 Cups Water
For the Sauce
- 3/4 Cup Chilli Dried
- 2 Red Bell Pepper Dried
- 1 Medium Onion
- 1 Tsp Ginger
- 2 Tsp Cray Fish
- 2 Seasoning Cubes
- Salt To Taste
- 1 Cup Palm Oil
Instructions
- Pick out the specks of dirt from the Beans, rinse and drain the beans and cook till it becomes very tender - about 2 to 2½ hours.
- Use a Potato Masher or a wooden spoon to mash the Beans to your preference. Serve with
Thanks for the tutorial and background on this stew. It does sound spicy but delicious.
I love learning about traditional Nigerian food!
I love finding new recipes like this one! What main dish would you pair this with?
I had no idea what this was before I read your post, let alone how to make it! It looks like a wonderful flavor combination. Thanks for the recipe!
This is something new to me. And yet has ingredients that can be easily obtained. Simple and flavorful recipe. Also healthy.
Thanks