Donate to Save Human History

The African Gourmet: Folktales, Cuisine & Cultural History

Explore Africa’s Heritage

Explore tales that carry Africa’s wisdom, courage, and humor. From river spirits to trickster animals, every story holds a lesson.

From hearty stews to fragrant grains, experience traditional African recipes and the history behind every dish.

Ancient African proverbs and modern interpretations — explore the wisdom passed down through generations.

Dive into Africa’s kingdoms, independence stories, and modern milestones that shape the continent today.

Cooking the Best Pot of Dry Beans

Cooking the Best Pot of Dry BeansIf you think, cooking dry beans is an all-day process here is a fast way to make them.

Beans and rice

This best ever pot of dry beans recipe shows that you can play with seasonings and ingredients and make plain old dry beans delicious beans.


Cooking dry beans is no more trouble than filling a pot of water, adding a pinch of baking soda and letting your pot of best ever African beans simmer blissfully on the back of the stove for 90 minutes.

Serves 5
Total time from start to finish 90 minutes

Cooking the Best Pot of Dry Beans
Best Pot of African Beans Ever

Ingredients
½ cup dry black-eyed peas
2 large tomatoes, diced
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 hot pepper, diced
¼ cup coconut cream
½ cinnamon stick
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon salt, more as needed
1 teaspoon baking soda
6 cups vegetable broth


Directions 
Add all ingredients into a lidded large stew pot, mix well. Simmer covered on medium low for 90 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings, if desired. Remove cinnamon stick. Serve over rice. 

Happy cooking is easy tasty cooking, and in the case of dry beans, taking the easy route makes the best pot of African beans ever made.


The African Gourmet Logo.

As Featured In

African Gourmet FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The African Gourmet blog about?

The African Gourmet explores African food, history, and culture through recipes, folktales, and proverbs written for curious readers worldwide.

Who writes The African Gourmet?

The blog is written and curated by Ivy, a lifelong historian and storyteller who highlights Africa’s culinary and cultural richness.

How can I find African recipes on this site?

Use the “African Recipes” category or explore posts like African Recipes for regional dishes and ingredients.

Can I share or reprint your articles?

You may share articles with attribution and a link back to The African Gourmet. Reprinting in print or commercial use requires permission.

Where can I learn more about African proverbs and folklore?

Explore our African Proverbs and African Folktales sections for timeless wisdom and stories.

Korea & Africa: Top Reads

Korea × Africa: Editor’s Picks

Powering your African connection with with Korean food and culture.

Academic Mentions: Featured by Emory University and University of KwaZulu-Natal

African Gourmet Newsletter

Explore Our African Hubs

Explore Africa through puzzles, stories, recipes, proverbs, and history — all from one creative collection by The African Gourmet.

African Studies

African Studies
African Culture and traditions