African Red Beans Recipe

Ingredients for African Red Beans

• Dried Pinto Bean
• Onions
• 1/4 cup peanut oil
• Canned Whole Tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• Garlic Clove
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

How to Make African Red Beans

1. **Overnight Soak:** Soak 1 cup of red beans in 2 quarts of water overnight. OR, **Quick Soak:** Combine 1 cup red beans and 2 quarts water in a heavy pot. Bring to a boil, boil for 2-3 minutes, remove from heat, cover, and let soak for 1 hour.
2. Drain the soaked beans and rinse.
3. In a large pot, combine the drained beans with 4 cups of fresh water, 1/4 cup chopped onion, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, partially cover, and simmer for approximately 1 hour, or until beans are tender but not mushy. Add more water if needed to prevent sticking.
5. While the beans simmer, prepare the sauce: Heat 1/4 cup peanut oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 cup chopped onion and saute until soft and translucent (about 5-7 minutes).
6. Add 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste), and 1/4 teaspoon white pepper.
7. Stir frequently and simmer the sauce until most of the liquid has evaporated (about 10-15 minutes).
8. Once the beans are tender, drain any excess liquid (reserving about 1/2 cup if you prefer a thinner sauce).
9. Stir the cooked beans into the tomato sauce. Cook uncovered for 5-10 minutes, stirring frequently, to combine flavors.
10. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot with your favorite sides.