African Culinary Heritage

#MADESU - Traditional Congolese Fish Stew

"Learn how to make the traditional Congolese dish #MADESU,..."

April 14, 2026 By African Recipes Kitchen
#MADESU - Traditional Congolese Fish Stew - Authentic African Cuisine

🍲 Madisu: White Kidney Bean Stew

Madisu is a hearty and flavorful stew made with white kidney beans, perfect for a comforting meal. This dish is rich in spices and can be enjoyed on its own or paired with your favorite sides.

Discover Sierra Leone Bulgur Wan Pot, a beloved dish from the region.

🌍 What Is Madisu?

Madisu, also known as white kidney bean stew, is a traditional dish that showcases the versatility of beans. It is often enjoyed in various cultures and is celebrated for its rich flavors and nourishing qualities.

đź§ľ Ingredients

**Base:**

- 2 packets of white kidney beans

- 1 can of chopped tomatoes

- 2 onions, chopped

- 4 garlic cloves, minced

- 3-4 tablespoons of tomato puree

- 4-5 spring onions, chopped

- 3 tablespoons of palm oil (or olive oil)

- 6 Maggi cubes (crushed)

- 1-2 tomato Maggi cubes

- 2 tablespoons of Maggi liquid

- 1 tablespoon of all-purpose seasoning

- 1 tablespoon of garlic powder

- 1 tablespoon of coriander (or fresh coriander)

- 2-3 cups of water

**Optional:**

- Additional salt to taste

- Fresh coriander for garnish

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. **Prepare the Beans**

- In a separate bowl, sort the white kidney beans, discarding any bad beans.

- Place the good beans in a pot with 2-3 cups of water.

Discover Authentic Ghana Party Jollof Rice, a beloved dish from the region.

2. **Cook the Beans**

- Bring the pot to a medium-low heat and cook the beans for 1 to 1.5 hours until soft.

3. **Make the Sauce**

- In a medium-sized pot, heat 3 tablespoons of palm oil over medium heat.

- Add the chopped onions, spring onions, and minced garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.

4. **Add Seasonings**

- Stir in the Maggi liquid and crushed Maggi cubes, allowing them to infuse with the onions for a couple of minutes.

5. **Incorporate Tomatoes**

- Add the can of chopped tomatoes and mix well.

- Stir in 1 tablespoon of all-purpose seasoning, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, and 1-2 tomato Maggi cubes.

6. **Add Tomato Puree and Water**

- Mix in 3-4 tablespoons of tomato puree.

- Pour in 2-3 cups of water to create a sauce and stir well.

7. **Simmer the Sauce**

- Allow the sauce to cook on low heat for 20 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.

8. **Combine Beans and Sauce**

- Once the beans are cooked, gradually pour the sauce into the beans, mixing well.

- If there's leftover sauce in the pot, add a tablespoon of water, mix, and pour it back into the bean pot.

9. **Final Cooking**

- Return the pot to the stove and cook for another 20-30 minutes on medium-low heat until the sauce thickens and incorporates well with the beans.

🍽️ How to Serve

Serve the madisu in a bowl, optionally garnished with fresh coriander. It pairs wonderfully with rice, cassava dough, or kanga, and can be complemented with chicken wings or your choice of protein.

đź’ˇ Pro Tips

- Always taste and adjust seasonings as you cook to achieve your desired flavor.

- Use a non-stick pot to prevent the stew from burning.

Discover Algerian Garantita, a beloved dish from the region.

- If you prefer a thicker stew, allow it to simmer longer until the desired consistency is reached.

🔥 Why You’ll Love This

Madisu is not only delicious but also nutritious, packed with protein and flavor. Its rich, savory sauce and tender beans make it a satisfying dish that can be enjoyed by everyone. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in!