THE PERFECT MADESU DISH

1. **Prepare the beans:**
– Drain the soaked beans and rinse them under cold water. Set them aside.

2. **Cook the beans:**
– In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil or palm oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.
– Add the minced garlic, bell pepper, and chopped tomato to the pot. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.

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3. **Add spices and tomato paste:**
– Stir in the ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder (if using), ground coriander, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 1 minute to toast the spices and enhance their flavors.
– Add the tomato paste and mix well, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until the paste darkens slightly.

4. **Simmer the beans:**
– Add the drained beans to the pot and stir to combine. Pour in the vegetable broth or water, ensuring that the beans are fully submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1-1.5 hours, or until the beans are tender. Check occasionally and add more water if needed to keep the beans covered.

5. **Add coconut milk (optional):**
– Once the beans are tender, stir in the coconut milk for a creamier texture. Simmer for another 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

6. **Adjust seasoning and serve:**
– Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary. If you prefer a thicker consistency, mash some of the beans with the back of a spoon and stir.

7. **Garnish and enjoy:**
– Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro. Serve hot over rice, alongside fried plantains, or with fufu.

### Tips:

– **Pre-soaking beans:** Soak the beans overnight to reduce cooking time and improve their texture. Alternatively, use canned beans to save time; just reduce the simmering time accordingly.
– **Palm oil:** Traditional Madesu is often made with red palm oil, which adds a unique flavor and rich color. If you have it on hand, substitute the vegetable oil with palm oil.
– **Additions:** You can add smoked fish or meat for additional flavor. Simply add it during the simmering step to infuse the dish.
– **Make it spicy:** For a spicier version, add fresh chili peppers or more chili powder to taste.

Enjoy your **Madesu** dish, a hearty and comforting meal that’s full of flavor and perfect for any occasion!