Faten Wake (Hausa Bean Porridge)
Faten wake is a traditional Hausa bean porridge from Northern Nigeria. This hearty and nutritious dish is made with soft-cooked beans, vegetables, and spices, and it is typically served as a main meal for lunch or dinner. It can be enjoyed on its own or with sides like bread, fried plantains, or pap.

Before you start
A quick setup makes the method easier to follow and keeps important steps from being missed.
Preparation checklist
- Read all 5 method steps from beginning to end.
- Measure and arrange all 10 listed ingredients.
- Keep the recipe open and follow each step in order; the source does not state a total time.
Recipe notes & preparation tips
If using brown beans, you may need a slightly longer cooking time than for black-eyed peas.
Palm oil gives a more traditional taste, while groundnut oil offers a lighter flavor.
Adding crayfish enhances the savory taste, especially if no meat is used.
Adapted from the source recipe's notes.Method
- 01
Rinse the beans thoroughly, removing any dirt or stones.
- 02
Place the beans in a pot, cover with enough water, and simmer over medium heat until soft and the water is almost absorbed (about 40–60 minutes).
- 03
Add chopped onions, tomatoes, chile, and oil to the cooked beans. Stir and allow to simmer for 10–15 minutes, until the mixture thickens and the flavors combine.
- 04
Stir in chopped leafy vegetables, ground crayfish, seasoning cubes, and salt. Continue cooking for another 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the porridge thickens and is well blended.
- 05
Serve hot.
Ready to serve
Serve the dish as directed and enjoy it while it is at its best.
Bon appétit — enjoy your meal!Source & licence
This recipe was adapted and reformatted from Wikibooks Cookbook . Text: CC BY-SA 4.0. Image: CC BY-SA 4.0, credited to Zahrah0; view original image record .



