Gbegiri
Nigerian Bean Soup
A smooth, thick, and flavorful Nigerian bean soup, traditionally served as part of the 'abula' combination with ewedu and stew. Gbegiri is made from pureed beans and gets its characteristic golden hue and rich flavor from palm oil.
🧂 Ingredients
- 300 g Brown beans (e.g., Oloyin)(Ensure beans are picked over to remove any stones or debris. Soaking overnight is crucial for easier peeling and cooking.)
- 3-4 tbsp Palm oil(Use good quality, unrefined palm oil for authentic flavor and color. Adjust amount to preference.)
- 1 medium Onion(Roughly chopped.)
- 1 tbsp Locust beans (Iru)(Washed and ready to use. This adds a unique umami depth.)
- 2 tbsp Ground crayfish(Adds a savory seafood note.)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper (optional)(e.g., Scotch bonnet or chili pepper, for a touch of heat.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the beans: After soaking the brown beans overnight, thoroughly rinse them. Rub the beans between your hands to loosen and remove the skins. This can be done by hand or by using a food processor on a pulse setting for a few seconds (be careful not to over-process into a paste). Rinse repeatedly until most of the skins have floated away. Drain well.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 2
Cook the beans: Place the peeled beans in a large pot. Add the roughly chopped onion. Cover with plenty of water (about 3-4 inches above the beans). Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer. Cook for approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the beans are extremely soft and easily mashable. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface during cooking. Add more hot water if needed to keep the beans submerged.
⏱️ 1 hour 30 minutes - 3
Puree the beans: Once the beans are very soft, drain off most of the cooking water, reserving about 1-2 cups. Transfer the cooked beans and onion to a blender or food processor. Add the locust beans and ground crayfish. Blend until you achieve a very smooth, thick puree. If the mixture is too thick to blend, add some of the reserved cooking water, a little at a time, until smooth. Alternatively, use an immersion blender directly in the pot.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 4
Finish the soup: Return the bean puree to the pot. Stir in the palm oil. Place the pot over medium-low heat. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 10-15 minutes. The soup will thicken slightly and the palm oil will integrate, giving it a rich golden color and distinct aroma. Season with salt and optional pepper to taste. Ensure it doesn't stick to the bottom of the pot.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 5
Serve: Ladle the hot Gbegiri into bowls. It is traditionally served as part of the 'Abula' combination, alongside Ewedu (jute leaf soup) and a meat/fish stew. It can also be enjoyed with pounded yam, amala, or eba.
⏱️ 2 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a smoother Gbegiri, ensure the beans are cooked until extremely soft before blending.
- ✓The golden color and characteristic aroma come from the palm oil; don't skip it if you want authentic flavor.
- ✓Gbegiri is a key component of the Yoruba 'Abula' meal, often paired with Ewedu and a stew.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Adjust the consistency by adding more or less reserved cooking water during blending.
- Increase or decrease the amount of palm oil based on personal preference for richness and color.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped scotch bonnet for a spicy kick.