Ewa Agoyin (Mashed Beans with Pepper Sauce)

If you grew up in Nigeria, chances are you’ve had Ewa Agoyin at least once and if you haven’t, you’re in for a life-changing food experience!
This iconic street food is made with mashed beans served with a smoky, deeply caramelized pepper sauce that’s rich, spicy, and slightly addictive.

Confession time: I never used to like Ewa Agoyin because I thought, “Why would anyone cook with so much pepper?” But once I gave it a try, I was hooked and trust me, you’ll be too! The beans are soft and creamy, and that pepper sauce? Pure magic. 🔥

The best part is how versatile this dish is you can enjoy it with bread, plantains (dodo), yams, or just as it is. Let’s dive into this Nigerian classic that warms hearts and fills bellies. Learn more about the history of Ewa Agoyin from The Guardian Nigeria.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Beans

• 3 cups honey beans (or brown beans) – (Read about the nutritional benefits of beans from Healthline.)

• 1 medium onion (sliced)
• Salt (to taste)
• Water (enough to cook until soft)

For the Sauce

• 8–10 dried peppers (a mix of tatashe and shombo)
• 2 large onions (lots of onions are the secret!)
• 1 cup palm oil
• 2 tbsp ground crayfish
• Seasoning cubes (to taste)
• 1 tsp ginger powder (optional, for flavor boost)
• Salt (to taste)
• Protein add-ins: stockfish, dry fish, cow skin (ponmo), or mackerel (optional but recommended)

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Peppers (15 minutes)

• Soak your dried peppers in hot water until soft (you can microwave to speed up).
• Remove seeds from the tatashe (bell pepper) but keep the rest whole.
• Blend with onions until smooth but not too silky — you want a slightly coarse texture.

Step 2: Cook the Beans (40 minutes)

• Rinse and parboil the honey beans once to reduce gas and remove preservatives.
• Drain, then add fresh water, onion, and salt. Cook until very soft.
• Mash gently with a spatula or pulse with a hand blender (don’t make it into puree).

Step 3: Make the Sauce (30–35 minutes)

• Heat palm oil in a pot (don’t bleach).
• Add sliced onions and fry until crispy and golden — this is the secret smoky flavor!
• Add your blended pepper mix and fry on medium-low heat. Stir often to avoid burning.
• Add crayfish, ginger, seasoning, salt, and optional proteins (cow skin, dry fish, or stockfish).
• Fry until the sauce turns dark (not burnt).

Step 4: Serve

• Plate up the mashed beans.
• Pour generous scoops of pepper sauce over it.
• Serve with bread, fried plantains (dodo), or boiled yam for the authentic Lagos street food experience!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic street food vibes – it tastes just like what the food vendors serve.
• Smoky & spicy – the sauce has a deep flavor that’s bold and unforgettable.
• Versatile pairing – enjoy with bread, yam, or plantains.
• Budget-friendly – beans + pepper = filling meal without breaking the bank.

Serving Suggestions

• With agege bread for that Lagos street authenticity.
• With fried plantains (dodo) for a sweet and spicy combo.
• With boiled yam for a hearty, filling meal.
• Or just on its own, if you like it simple!

For a hearty variation, check out my Beef and Vegetable Fried Rice.

Storage Tips

• Beans: Store in the fridge (airtight container) for up to 4 days.
• Pepper sauce: Lasts up to 1 week in the fridge (flavor actually gets better).
• You can freeze both beans and sauce for up to 1 month — thaw and reheat gently.

Final Section

That’s it! You’ve just learned how to make authentic Nigerian Ewa Agoyin at home.
It’s a dish that tells a story of Lagos streets and smoky kitchens.

Try another bean dish like Moi Moi.

👉 If you tried this recipe, I’d love to see your creations!
Tag me on Instagram @joyfulcook__ and share your version. 💛