Nigerian Spicy Beans and Sardine Cakes with Fiery Sauce

Nigerian Beans and Sardine Cakes with Spicy Sauce

Nigerian cuisine is a vibrant and captivating fusion of flavors and ingredients that come together to create hearty and unforgettable dishes. One such dish is the Beans and Sardine Cakes with Spicy Sauce. This dish perfectly meshes the earthy taste of black-eyed peas with the robust flavor of sardines and the fiery kick of scotch bonnet pepper. It is a delightful exploration of the diverse and vibrant Nigerian culture. Whether you’re familiar with Nigerian cuisine or trying it for the first time, this dish is sure to impress.

Serves: 2, Difficulty: Expert

Ingredients

• 250 grams peeled beans (black-eyed peas)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 scotch bonnet pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 60 ml vegetable oil
• 5 grams ground crayfish
• 1 can sardines
• 2 hard-boiled eggs (optional, for filling)
• 5 grams salt
• 2 grams black pepper
• 2 grams thyme
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 60 ml water

Method

• Blend the peeled black-eyed peas with the chopped onion, red bell pepper, scotch bonnet pepper, and water until smooth. Add salt and black pepper to the mixture.
• Heat 30 ml of vegetable oil in a pan. Add the ground crayfish and thyme and stir for a minute.
• Mix the sardines into the bean paste. (Optional: Add chopped hard-boiled eggs into the mixture for additional filling).
• Form the mixture into small, flat cakes.
• Heat the remaining vegetable oil in a non-stick pan and fry the bean cakes until golden brown on both sides, approximately 5 minutes per side.
• For the sauce: In a separate pan, heat 10 ml of oil, and add the tomato paste. Cook for a minute and then add a little water to create a sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
• Serve the bean cakes hot with the spicy sauce on the side.

Tips

• Serves well with a side of cooked vegetables or a fresh salad to add a refreshing contrast to the rich cakes.
• For added flavor, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or coriander on top of the bean cakes.
• Make sure to blend the beans mixture until it is smooth to ensure the cakes hold together well.

Nutritional Information