Savory Yam and Bean Stew

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty Nigerian dish combining starchy yam, kidney beans, and aromatic spices for a comforting, protein-packed meal. This nigerian-inspired soups ready in about 70 minutes pairs peeled and cubed yam, (15 oz), drained kidney beans, medium, diced onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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.

Prep: 30 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Nigerian cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until golden.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and 3 tbsp pepper soup, cooking for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb cubed yam, 15 oz drained kidney beans, and 2 cups water. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 20 minutes until the yam is tender.
  4. Step 4: Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve with steamed rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Savory Yam and Bean Stew take to make?

Total time is about 70 minutes (30 min prep + 40 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 Savory Yam and 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 peeled and cubed yam from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Savory Yam and 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 Savory Yam and 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 Savory Yam and Bean Stew?

Nigerian soups 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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