Gbegiri

About This Recipe

Gbegiri is a velvety bean soup common across Benin and south-western Nigeria. Black-eyed peas are cooked until tender, blended smooth, and finished with palm oil and dried crayfish. It is often served as part of a trio alongside egusi soup and amala.

Ingredients

Serves 4

• 2 cupsblack-eyed peas, soaked overnight
• 3 tbsppalm oil
• 2 tbspground dried crayfish
• 1 tspground pepper
• 1 tspsalt

Instructions

1. 1

   Cook beans

   Simmer soaked peas in fresh water for 30–35 minutes until very soft.

2. 2

   Blend

   Drain most liquid (reserve some) and blend beans until completely smooth, adding reserved liquid as needed.

3. 3

   Season

   Return purée to pot over medium heat. Stir in palm oil, crayfish, pepper, and salt.

4. 4

   Simmer

   Cook for 10 minutes, stirring, until soup is thick and fragrant. Adjust seasoning.

Variations

• •

  Include cooked beef or tripe for a heartier meal.

• •

  Use kidney beans as an alternative.

Storage

Refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze for 2 months.

Frequently Asked Questions