How to make Nigerian Gbegiri (Bean Paste Soup)
How to make Nigerian Gbegiri (Bean Paste Soup)
Cuisine: NigerianDifficulty: Easy5
servings20
minutes30
minutes50
minutesA creamy, protein-rich Yoruba delicacy made from peeled beans simple, satisfying, and deeply soulful.
Gbegiri soup is a traditional Yoruba dish known for its smooth, buttery texture and earthy flavor. It’s made from peeled brown or black-eyed beans, blended and cooked into a light soup. Commonly served with ewedu and obe ata (pepper stew), gbegiri is a cherished part of the Abula meal combo, especially loved in cities like Ibadan.
Besides its rich taste, gbegiri is high in protein and fiber, making it a nutritious, energy-boosting choice.
Ingredients
1 cup brown beans or black-eyed peas
1½ cups water (more as needed)
1 tablespoon palm oil
1 teaspoon ground crayfish
1 tablespoon locust beans (iru) – optional but traditional
1 seasoning cube
Salt to taste
Optional: a small piece of smoked fish or meat stock for extra flavor.
Directions
- Soak and Peel the Beans
Soak your beans in water for 10–15 minutes to soften.
Rub between your palms or blend briefly (dry pulse) to remove the skins. Rinse off the chaff thoroughly. - Cook the Beans
Transfer peeled beans into a pot, add water, and boil for 20–25 minutes or until very soft. (You can also use a pressure cooker for faster results.) - Blend to a Smooth Paste
Pour the cooked beans into a blender or use a local sieve (ijabe) to mash into a smooth purée. - Simmer and Season
Pour the blended soup back into the pot.
Add palm oil, crayfish, seasoning cube, iru (locust beans), and salt.
Stir and simmer on low heat for 5–10 minutes until slightly thickened. - Serve Hot
Enjoy alone or pair with ewedu and stew, alongside amala, pounded yam, or semovita.
Notes
- Nutritional Benefits of Gbegiri
High in plant-based protein – Great for tissue repair and muscle building
Rich in fiber – Aids digestion and promotes gut health
Low in fat – Heart-friendly when made without excess oil
Iron & B-vitamins – Supports blood health and energy levels
Traditional immunity support – Especially when combined with iru and pepper-based stew - Serving Tip
Gbegiri shines best when served as part of Abula: a three-soup combo (ewedu + gbegiri + stew) served over amala with assorted meats or fish.
