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Bring bold, earthy flavour to your dishes with Iru Locust Beans —a beloved fermented seasoning in West African cuisine. Known for its distinct aroma and umami-rich taste, Iru enhances soups, stews, sauces, and native rice dishes like Ofada or Ogbono.
Dried locust beans, also known as iru or dawadawa, are a popular ingredient used in African cuisine, particularly in West Africa. They have a distinct aroma and flavor that adds depth and richness to dishes. Here’s how you can use dried locust beans in your cooking:
•Soaking: Before using dried locust beans, they need to be soaked to soften them and remove any excess salt. Place the desired amount of beans in a bowl of water and let them soak for at least 30 minutes or longer. You can also change the water a couple of times during soaking to help reduce the saltiness.
•Grinding: Once the beans are soaked, you can grind them to a paste or blend them in a food processor. This step helps to break down the beans and release their flavors more easily when added to dishes. You can add a little water to facilitate the grinding process.
•Flavoring Soups and Stews: Dried locust beans are commonly used to flavor soups, stews, and sauces in African cooking. Add a spoonful or two of the ground beans to your desired recipe while it’s cooking. The beans will infuse the dish with their distinct flavor and aroma, enhancing the overall taste.
•Seasoning Vegetables: Dried locust beans can also be used to season and add depth to vegetable dishes. Saute your vegetables of choice and add a spoonful of the ground beans towards the end of cooking. Stir well to distribute the flavor evenly.
•Spice Blends: Ground dried locust beans can be combined with other spices and seasonings to create flavorful spice blends. Mix them with ingredients like dried peppers, onions, garlic, and ginger to make a versatile seasoning that can be used in various dishes.
•Remember, dried iru locust beans have a strong and intense flavor, so it’s best to start with a small amount and adjust according to your taste preferences. Also, be mindful of the saltiness, as some dried locust beans can be quite salty even after soaking.