HOW TO PREPARE BAMBARA BEANS - A QUICK CASSOULET RECIPE

Bambara nuts or beans originates from the Bambara people of West Africa.

‘Bambara’ means ‘unbeliever’ as history dictates the ethnic group resisted  Islam when it was introduced in 1854 by Tukulor conqueror, El had Umar Tal.

The Bambara ethnic group are spread across West Africa ( in countries such as Guinea, Senegal, Mali and Burkina Faso) particularly now in Mali where they make up the majority of the  Mande ethnic group.

Bambara pods ripens underground (just like Peanuts), hence they’re referred to as nuts, even though it’s popularly known as Bambara Beans.

Bambara beans / nuts do have a high protein content and it’s perfect to enjoy as a snack or a meal. In Ghana, Bambara Beans are slow cooked with the inclusion of sugar, spices and served with a spicy Plantain Pancake known as Tatale.

INGREDIENTS

300g of Bambara nuts

250g of Smoky Spicy Salsa (Raw Pepper)

5 Pettie Belle Chillies or any Green Chillies

3 strands of Grains of Selim or Star Anise

20g of sliced Ginger

2.25 litres of water or Chicken stock

3 Bay leaves

6 Chipolatas or any Sausage that’s available to you. Better still try using Goat Meat.

2 tablespoonful of Olive oil

2 tablespoonful of Coconut oil

1 teaspoonful of blended Green chillies, Onion and Garlic.

1 teaspoonful of a Ginger, Onion and Aniseed blend.

1 teaspoonful of Thyme or 4 leaves of Ghanaian Basil

1 thinly sliced Onion

Optional diced charred Red Peppers, Parsley and Mint.

1 teaspoonful of Lime or Lemon juice

Salt to taste

METHOD

Watch how to prepare this creative and easy to follow recipe below including Tatale and other Beans recipes below;

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THE TASTIEST WEST AFRICAN BEANS YOU NEED TO TRY

Bambara nuts also known as Bambara beans, Congo Goober,

Earth Pea, Hog Peanut or Ground Bean originates from West Africa by the Bambara people of southern Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso and Senegal. Bambara beans are also cultivated in the southern part of Africa and can be used in making dips and beverages.

When cooked Bamabara Beans has a creamier and nutty taste in comparison to any other beans. It’s a must try ingredient and recipe which is readily available in most African grocers. A perfect reason to visit and support their business. 

If you own an African grocer in the diaspora please leave comments below.

Also leave comments below on how you call Bambara beans in your local dialect.

INGREDIENTS 

250g of Bambara nuts or beans (readily available in most African grocers)

3 litres of water (use 1.5 litres to simmer the beans and discard, as shown in the recipe video)

4 Bay leaves

5 cloves

4 whole dried red chillies (you can use any fresh chillies you have available)

4 whole African nutmegs (substitute by using a pinch of grated Nutmeg)

30g of sliced fresh Ginger

1 tablespoonful of Jaggery or Brown sugar

5 Grains of Selim (Hwentia)

4 tablespoonfuls of Organic Cold presses Coconut oil 

Optional 10g of Basil for garnishing

Salt and Pepper to taste 

METHOD 

This is best served with Tatale (Ripened Plantain pancake). Traditional recipe coming up next.

Watch how to prepare this incredible West African Vegetarian dish below;

Don’t forget to subscribe, try the recipe, leave comments with your feedback and share. All photos, recipes and videos are by the owner of this blog.