Spiced Bean and Plantain Stew
Hearty kidney beans and plantains simmered with cinnamon and cloves in creamy coconut milk for a comforting East African meal. This east african home cooking-inspired vegetarian ready in about 40 minutes pairs diced Onion, minced Garlic, medium, diced Tomato for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed Kidney beans
- 2 medium, peeled and sliced 1/2-inch thick Plantains
- 1/2 cup, diced Onion
- 2 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1 medium, diced Tomato
- 1/4 cup Coconut milk
- 1/4 tsp Cinnamon
- 2 whole Cloves
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1 tbsp Vegetable oil
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a pot over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup diced onion and sauté for 3 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Step 2: Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then stir in 1 medium diced tomato and cook for 2 minutes until broken down.
- Step 3: Add 1 can (15 oz) drained kidney beans, 2 sliced plantains, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, 2 whole cloves, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Pour in 1/4 cup coconut milk and 1 cup water, bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 25-30 minutes until plantains are tender and flavors are well blended.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Bean and Plantain Stew take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 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 Spiced Bean and Plantain 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 diced onion from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Bean and Plantain 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 Spiced Bean and Plantain 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 Spiced Bean and Plantain Stew?
East African Home Cooking 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
