Nigerian-Style Plantain & Black Bean Stew

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant, protein-packed stew featuring ripe plantains and slow-cooked black beans in a spicy tomato-pepper base, perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner. This nigerian-inspired vegetarian ready in about 65 minutes pairs medium (about 400g) ripe plantains, (400g, drained and rinsed) black beans, medium (120g), diced onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.3 (10 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 45 min Serves 4 Nigerian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Peel and slice plantains into 1/2-inch thick rounds, then pan-fry in 1 tbsp palm oil over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and tender.
  2. Step 2: Heat remaining 2 tbsp palm oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté diced onion and minced garlic for 3 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly until darkened and aromatic.
  4. Step 4: Stir in chopped Scotch bonnet peppers, drained black beans, chicken stock, dried thyme, and curry powder. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 20 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Add the fried plantain slices and simmer uncovered for 10 more minutes until flavors meld and sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Step 6: Season with salt, stir in fresh cilantro, and serve hot with steamed rice.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Nigerian-Style Plantain & Black Bean Stew take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (20 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Nigerian-Style Plantain & Black Bean Stew?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep medium (120g), diced onion from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Nigerian-Style Plantain & Black Bean Stew?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Nigerian-Style Plantain & Black Bean Stew for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Nigerian-Style Plantain & Black Bean Stew?

Nigerian vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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