- Beans and corn porridge is a popular traditional meal cherished by most Yoruba households in Nigeria
- This main dish, locally prepared with beans and corn, is known as adalu
- TheRadar, in this article, outlines an easy process to follow in preparing adalu
In the world of Nigerian comfort foods, adalu holds a special place in the hearts of many Nigerian households. This hearty, flavourful beans and corn porridge is a beloved dish, particularly among the Yoruba people. It consists of the earthy richness of ewa (beans) with the sweetness of agbado (corn), creating a delicious, balanced meal that is both nutritious and filling.
The interesting thing about this meal is its complexity, it is believed that Adalu is not an everyday meal. Hence the possibility of one meeting it as a regular meal in a household is slim. This special meal only comes to life in most household during the corn season in Nigeria which is usually between Septembers through December.
Some people also believe that adalu takes a longer time to cook, unlike an average meal.
TheRadar, in this article, takes you through the most seamless process of preparing this special meal. This process will help anyone interested in upgrading their cooking skills, let’s get right into it.
Nutritional values of adalu
Before we proceed, please note that adalu which is made from Beans and corn is rich in carbohydrates which provide energy, protein that supports muscle growth and repair, fibre which also aids digestion and vitamins B and C that boost metabolism and immunity. It also consist of minerals, iron, magnesium and potassium which support health and muscle function.
Ingredients needed
1. 2 cups of brown or black-eyed beans
2. 1 cup of fresh or dried corn
3. 1/4 cup of palm oil
4. 2 medium tomatoes (optional)
5. 2 pieces of red bell pepper (tatashe)
6. 2 Scotch bonnet peppers (ata rodo)
7. 2 tablespoons of ground crayfish
8. 1 teaspoon of salt to taste
9. 1-2 seasoning cubes (optional)
10. 1 onion (medium)
Step-by-Step cooking process of adalu
Step 1: Cook the beans and corn together
Rinse the beans and corn thoroughly, then cook them together in a pot with enough water. If using dried corn, soak it overnight before cooking,
as it takes longer to soften. Let it cook until both the beans and corn are soft, cook for about 1 hour.
Step 2: Blend the pepper mix
Whilst the beans and corn are cooking, blend the tomatoes, bell peppers, Scotch bonnet peppers, and onions into a smooth paste.
Step 3: Prepare the pepper sauce
Heat the palm oil in a separate pot, then add some chopped onions. After a minute, pour in the blended pepper mix and let it fry for about 10–15 minutes. Then go ahead and add the ground crayfish, seasoning cubes, and salt to taste.
Step 4: Combine everything
Once the beans and corn are well cooked, pour the pepper sauce into the pot and mix well. Let it simmer for another 10 minutes to allow the flavours to fully blend.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy
Adalu is best enjoyed hot, either on its own or with fried plantain, yam, or even bread.
This special meal adalu is high in protein, fibre, and essential vitamins from both beans and corn.
It is a great option for vegetarians and anyone looking for a healthy yet satisfying meal.
The combination of beans and corn makes adalu naturally sweet and savoury, making it a dish that both adults and children can enjoy.
If you haven’t tried this classic Yoruba dish, now is the perfect time to.
TheRadar Kitchen: How to prepare moi moi that will have everyone craving more
Earlier, TheRadar reported how to prepare moi moi, a popular Nigerian food.
Moi moi is a beloved Nigerian dish made from blended beans, spices, and a mix of protein-rich ingredients. It is a staple in many Nigerian households and can be served as a main dish, a side, or even for breakfast.
While some might shy away from preparing moi moi because they think it’s complicated or strenuous, the truth is that with the right steps, it can be quite simple and the result is always worth it.