haricots Blancs au Gingembre et Plantains (Beninese Ginger-Braised Beans & Sweet Plantains) – Authentic Benin Recipe

Ingredients for haricots Blancs au Gingembre et Plantains (Beninese Ginger-Braised Beans & Sweet Plantains) (4 Servings)

• 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) tender white or black-eyed beans, prepped into bite-sized pieces
• 1.5 cups caramelized ripe plantain coins, washed and trimmed
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with fresh grated ginger
• 1.5 tbsp traditional Benin seasoning (garlic, shallots, red oil)
• 2.5 cups rich culinary stock or aromatic cooking liquid, plus 2 tbsp cooking oil

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a heavy Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat; brown tender white or black-eyed beans for 5 minutes.
2. Add minced onion, garlic, fresh grated ginger, and garlic, shallots, red oil, stirring for 2 minutes until deeply aromatic.
3. Add caramelized ripe plantain coins and pour in the braising liquid; bring to a lively simmer.
4. Cover and braise over medium-low heat for 20–22 minutes until meltingly tender and the sauce is rich and glossy.
5. Stir in diced tomatoes right before serving warm.