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Beans Porridge (Ewa Riro) for Children

Beans Porridge for children is a mildly seasoned, protein-rich Ewa Riro that is specifically adjusted for young Nigerian palates — less pepper, slightly more tomato sweetness, extra crayfish for depth and a slightly more saucy consistency than the adult version to make it easier for children to eat with spoon or alongside Dodo. Nigerian parents often struggle to get children to eat beans, but a well-made mild Ewa Riro with Dodo alongside almost always succeeds.

Beans Porridge (Ewa Riro) for Children, Nigerian cooking

Ingredients

  • 2 big cups of honey beans (oloyin) or brown beans, soaked overnight
  • 3 big ripe tomatoes, blended
  • 2 big Tatashe (red bell peppers), blended
  • 1 Atarodo only — mild for children
  • 1 big onion, sliced
  • 2 cooking spoons of palm oil
  • 2 big handfuls of ground dried crayfish
  • 1 big handful of smoked fish, soaked and deboned — optional
  • 2 seasoning cubes (Knorr), crushed
  • Salt — moderate for children
  • Water as needed

Method

  1. 01

    Pre-cooking the Beans. Drain soaked beans. Boil in fresh water for 35 minutes until half-cooked. Drain.

  2. 02

    Frying the Mild Pepper Base. Heat palm oil in a wide pot. Add sliced onion and fry 2 minutes. Add blended tomatoes, Tatashe and the single Atarodo. Fry for 12 to 15 minutes until well-cooked and oil floats on top.

  3. 03

    Combining. Add the half-cooked beans to the mild pepper. Add smoked fish if using, ground crayfish, seasoning cubes and a moderate amount of salt. Add enough water to give a slightly saucier consistency than adult Ewa Riro — children find it easier to eat.

  4. 04

    Cooking to Completion. Bring to a simmer. Cover and cook on medium-low heat for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes, until beans are completely soft and the sauce is thick and well-flavoured. The children's version should be slightly saucier and the beans very soft.

  5. 05

    Serving. Serve in a bowl. For younger children, mash the beans slightly with the back of a spoon for easier eating.

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