Frejon, a bean-and-coconut-milk pudding, is a meal of Brazilian origin that originated in the 19th century. It is believed that it is a popular delicacy in Nigeria because of the Yoruba people, mostly Catholics, who returned to Nigeria from Brazil at the abolition of the slave trade.
Derived from the Portuguese word “feijão” (beans), this unique Good Friday delicacy is made by boiling black beans until soft, then cooking them with coconut milk and some spices. The mixture is cooked down to a smooth, thick consistency. It is usually eaten by a selection of Christians, mostly Yoruba Catholics.
Here is how to make Frejon.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup of BLACK beans (Brown beans can serve as an alternative)
- 1 cup of coconut milk
- 1/4 teaspoon of sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon of ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon of minced garlic
- -Seasoning cubes
- Salt to taste (optional)
ALSO READ: 7 Delicious Meals You Can Make With Beans (And How You Can Prepare Them)
Preparation
1. In a pot, place your washed beans and bring to a boil on medium heat. Add 3 cups of water to the beans and boil until they’re very soft, almost a mushy texture.
2. After it cools down slightly, transfer it into a food processor. Blend with half of the coconut milk until smooth, then run it through an iron mesh sieve.
3. Pour the mixture back into the pot and place it on the stove.
4. Stir in the remaining coconut milk, along with the sugar, pepper, and some salt to taste. (Do not over-season. You want to be able to taste the coconut flavour.
5. Season with sugar, seasoning cube, ginger, and garlic.
6. Cook slowly on low heat and make sure to stir the pudding occasionally while it is cooking to prevent it from burning and forming lumps.
7. When the soup reaches your desired consistency, set aside and serve with fish stew and garri.
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