5 traditional dishes featuring pigeon peas
What's the story
Pigeon peas are a staple in several African cuisines, revered for their versatility and nutritional benefits. These legumes are packed with protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients, making them an ideal choice for various dishes all over the continent. From stews to rice dishes, pigeon peas lend a unique flavor and texture that elevates the culinary experience. Here are five traditional African dishes where pigeon peas take center stage.
Ghanaian delight
Ghanaian red red with pigeon peas
Red red is a beloved Ghanaian dish traditionally made with black-eyed peas. However, substituting pigeon peas offers an equally delicious alternative. The dish combines tomatoes, onions, and spices to create a flavorful stew often served with fried plantains or rice. The use of pigeon peas not only adds nutritional value but also provides a slightly different taste profile that complements the rich tomato base.
Tanzanian flavor
Tanzanian wali wa njegere
Wali wa njegere is a Tanzanian rice dish that features pigeon peas as its star ingredient. Cooked with coconut milk and aromatic spices like cardamom and cloves, this dish gives you a creamy texture and fragrant aroma. The combination of coconut milk and spices adds to the natural flavor of the pigeon peas, providing you with a satisfying meal. It can be enjoyed on its own or as an accompaniment to other dishes.
Kenyan tradition
Kenyan githeri with pigeon peas
Githeri is a traditional Kenyan dish consisting of boiled maize and legumes such as beans or pigeon peas. When made with pigeon peas, githeri becomes even more nutritious, without losing its hearty characteristic. Often seasoned with onions, tomatoes, and local spices like curry powder or cumin seeds, this one-pot meal is both filling and flavorful—making it a staple in many households across Kenya.
Nigerian twist
Nigerian ewa agoyin adaptation
Though ewa agoyin comes famously with its spicy bean sauce, served with soft mashed beans—generally black-eyed beans—pigeon peas make for an interesting take on this classic Nigerian street food favorite. The spicy sauce made from peppers lends heat to and balances sweetness from caramelized onions. Together, they make for layers upon layers of flavors ideal for any palate looking for something bold yet comforting at once.
Mozambican fusion
Mozambican feijoada de feijao verde e ervilhas-pombo
Feijoada de feijao verde e ervilhas-pombo brings together green beans (feijao verde) along with our featured legume—pigeon pea—in Mozambique's take on feijoada stew. This hearty concoction includes vegetables like carrots plus seasonings such as garlic and bay leaves, which meld beautifully into thick broth surrounding tender legumes. It creates mouthwatering harmony between textures and tastes alike.