Akidi (Black Bean)

The beans family has up to 42 different species. We know the regular brown beans, white beans, all can be cooked in different ways but usually in porridge form. The beans and plantain, the beans and jollof rice and of course the beans and bread. But most people have not yet maxed the full potentials of akidi.

ripe akidi ready for harvest
photo credit : me

Some people refer to akidi as the magic beans. Its nutritious value is something else. Its fiber content is used to cure the sick. I don't know about anywhere else but over here in Africa a bowel of black bean soup would deal with any fiber deficiency. Its an antioxidant, rich in vitamins and minerals. Since its in the beans family, we all know it gives protein.

Akidi Na Jii is the most common way in which akidi is consumed. The multi-colored, sumptuous look would get you salivating.

akidi na jii
photo credit : global food book

Oh! Dear. Can someone please prepare some for me? 

The only problem with cooking this is, it takes a long time to cook about 6 hours. You would be like, "Come on! That would be like wasting my whole afternoon!". Hey! Once in a while try out new things. You don't know the depth of a river until you test it, eh?

Requirements For Preparation Of Akidi Na Jii (Black beans and Yam)

- Akidi (which you have soaked for a while)

- Yam (Jii)

- Onions

- Veges (preferably spinach)

- Palm oil (common in most African foods)

- Tomatoes and pepper

Every other thing is now out of preference, play around with your spices. The best chefs experiment!

darn! these caterpillars are hungry

Don't think am through, things just got pretty much exciting. You see the photo, yeah.

Akidi in its unripe form is greenish unlike the reddish almost ripe one you see in the photo. In its unripe form it is plucked and cooked well with uka. Please tell me you know what uka is. Okay, its breadfruit! That is another wonderful African delicacy for another day.

The Igbos cook akidi and uka together in porridge form (Uka na akidi). They also use it to cook yam. Yes, with the back.

You wash, parboil, mix to contention, EUREKA - Another delicious meal is served.

I don't know why we are often stuck eating bakeries when we have spicy foods to explore and feel really good.

Geez! Am suddenly hungry. Mother Africa, you have done it again!