National Dish Burkina Faso: Beignets de Haricot (Recipe)
In this article
Meet Beignets de Haricot, the golden bean fritters that Burkina Faso does better than almost anyone. Crisp on the outside, light and airy within, they are made from nothing more than soaked beans, onion, garlic and a handful of everyday spices — proof that the simplest ingredients often make the most memorable food. Sold hot from roadside pans and served at family celebrations alike, they are a snack, a side dish and a small piece of West African street life all at once.
About Beignets de Haricot
Beignets de Haricot are a much-loved national dish of Burkina Faso, prized for their distinctive flavour and satisfying texture. These savoury bean fritters bring together simple, natural ingredients and hold a special place in West African cooking. They make a delicious snack in their own right, but they also work beautifully as a side dish alongside stews and grilled meats. The contrast between the crisp golden crust and the soft, fluffy interior is what makes them such a treat.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 200g black-eyed or white beans (dried)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1–2 cloves of garlic, crushed
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Pepper to taste
- Oil for deep-frying
Shopping for the ingredients
When shopping for Beignets de Haricot, it pays to choose fresh, good-quality produce. The beans can be bought dried or ready-cooked, whichever suits your schedule. Alongside the beans, look for firm onions and fresh garlic — they carry much of the aroma. Spices such as paprika, salt and pepper will most likely already be in your cupboard, or can be picked up from a local spice shop for the best possible flavour.
Preparing the dish
Preparing Beignets de Haricot takes a few important steps to get the beans exactly right. If you are using dried beans, they need to be soaked overnight so they soften properly. The next day, rinse them thoroughly and simmer until tender. Then blend the beans together with the onion and garlic into a smooth, homogeneous paste — this is the base of the fritters, and getting it right is the key to a light result.
Step-by-step instructions
- Bring the soaked beans to the boil in a pan of fresh water and cook for about 30 minutes.
- Drain the cooked beans and blend them with the onion, garlic, paprika, salt and pepper.
- Heat the oil in a deep fryer or a deep pan until it is properly hot.
- Using a tablespoon, drop small portions of the bean mixture into the hot oil and fry until golden brown.
- Drain the fritters on kitchen paper and serve them warm.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Beignets de Haricot are an excellent choice for anyone with a gluten or lactose intolerance. The recipe contains no gluten-containing ingredients whatsoever, and no dairy products are needed at any stage. The main ingredient is beans, which are naturally free from gluten. This means the dish can be enjoyed exactly as written, with no adjustments required — much like the naturally gluten-free Haricots à la Tomate.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Beignets de Haricot are already an ideal choice for vegans and vegetarians, since every ingredient is plant-based. Just make sure the oil you fry in is a vegetable oil. The fritters are also a generous source of protein thanks to the beans, which makes them genuinely nourishing rather than merely moreish. Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to shape the flavour to your own taste.
More tips and tricks
To get the perfect Beignets de Haricot, a few extra pointers help. Make sure the oil is hot enough before you add the batter, otherwise the fritters will simply soak up fat instead of crisping. Avoid overcrowding the pan, too, as this drops the temperature and leads to uneven cooking. Play with the size of the fritters as well — smaller ones give you more crust, larger ones a softer centre.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Beignets de Haricot are easy to adjust to personal preference. Depending on what you enjoy, different spices or extra ingredients can be worked in. Grated carrot or chopped green pepper, for instance, add both flavour and colour to the mixture. You can also experiment with cheese or other fillings tucked into the centre of each fritter. Be creative and shape the recipe around your own tastes.
Ingredient substitutions
If you cannot find some of the ingredients for Beignets de Haricot, there are workable alternatives. Lentils can stand in for beans, though the flavour and texture will shift slightly. For extra crunch, stir a little breadcrumb or maize flour into the mixture — the same flour that gives Beignets de Maïs their character. If you prefer a fiery version, add chilli or hot paprika. It is well worth experimenting to find the variation that suits your kitchen best.
Drink pairing ideas
To serve Beignets de Haricot in style, offer a drink that stands up to their savoury edge. A refreshing West African fruit punch works beautifully, as does a glass of Bissap, the tart hibiscus infusion drunk across the region. Sweet tea is another popular companion that brings out the spices in the fritters, while a warming Jus de Gingembre makes a lively alcohol-free option. Experiment until you find your perfect pairing.
Serving and presentation ideas
Thoughtful presentation does not just make food look better — it makes it taste better too. Serve the Beignets de Haricot on a brightly coloured plate, garnished with fresh herbs such as coriander or parsley. A dip on the side lifts them further: a fiery chilli sauce or a cooling yoghurt dip both work well. Above all, serve them warm, so the crisp texture is at its very best.
A bit of history
Beignets de Haricot have their roots in the rich culinary tradition of Burkina Faso. The dish is a fine example of the creative use of the simplest ingredients, a habit found throughout Burkinabè cuisine. The bean as a staple symbolises not only a sustainable way of eating but also the culinary exchange between neighbouring regions. These fritters are a fixture of the roadside food scene and an equally firm presence at festivals and family celebrations.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Beignets de Haricot
Beignets de Haricot are a wonderfully tasty national dish of Burkina Faso, combining beans, spices and a crisp golden crust into something far greater than the sum of its parts. Perfect as a snack or a side, they can be shaped to individual taste through countless small adjustments and accompaniments. These fritters are not only straightforward to make but also open the door to plenty of creative variation in both preparation and presentation. Give the recipe a go and bring a piece of West African cooking into your own kitchen.
