Nigeria / Main
Faten Wake (Hausa Bean Porridge)
Faten wake is a traditional Hausa bean porridge from Northern Nigeria. This hearty and nutritious dish is made with soft-cooked beans, vegetables, and spices, and it is typically served as a main meal for lunch or dinner. It can be enjoyed on its own or with sides like bread, fried plantains, or pap.
Ingredients
- dried bean, black-eyed peas or brown beans2 cup
- water, enough to cook the beans
- onion, medium; chopped1
- tomato, fresh; chopped2–3
- Scotch bonnet chile or chile powder, or chile powder to taste1–2
- groundnut oil or palm oil, or palm oil1–2 tbsp
- leafy green, such as spinach, sorrel, ugu, amaranth or bitterleaf; chopped; optional1 small bunch
- seasoning cube, optional1–2
- salt, to taste
- ground crayfish, optional
Quantities are auto-calculated from the original recipe as a guide. Items without numbers (e.g. “to taste”) are not changed.
Method 5 steps
Rinse the beans thoroughly, removing any dirt or stones.
Place the beans in a pot, cover with enough water, and simmer over medium heat until soft and the water is almost absorbed (about 40–60 minutes).
Add chopped onions, tomatoes, chile, and oil to the cooked beans. Stir and allow to simmer for 10–15 minutes, until the mixture thickens and the flavors combine.
Stir in chopped leafy vegetables, ground crayfish, seasoning cubes, and salt. Continue cooking for another 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the porridge thickens and is well blended.
Serve hot.
