Frejon facts for kids
Frejon is a special dish, like a thick soup or pudding, made from beans and coconut milk. Its name comes from the Portuguese word Feijão, which means beans. Many Christians, especially Catholics, enjoy Frejon during Holy Week, particularly on Good Friday.
This unique dish is popular in countries such as Brazil and Nigeria. In Nigeria, it's especially loved by the Yoruba people whose ancestors returned to Nigeria from Brazil after the end of the slave trade. They settled in an area of Lagos Island known as the "Brazilian Quarters." Frejon is also eaten in Sierra Leone, often for special events like weddings.
On Good Friday, many Christians avoid eating meat (like beef, pork, or goat) and dairy products. Frejon is a perfect meal for this day because it doesn't contain these forbidden foods. It's often served with delicious non-dairy items such as fried fish or spicy peppered snail.
In Nigeria and West Africa, Frejon is usually a sweet, smooth pudding. It's made by slowly cooking black beans overnight, often over a wood or charcoal fire. After cooking, the beans are mixed with coconut milk to create a thick, creamy texture. Sometimes, cocoa is added to give it a chocolatey flavor. Frejon is commonly enjoyed with fish stew, peppered snail, and a popular Nigerian food called Garri Ijebu.
Different Ways to Enjoy Frejon
Frejon can be made in several different ways, depending on what you like!
Savory Frejon
- You can add ingredients like pepper, crayfish, salt, and tomatoes to the mashed beans and coconut mixture. This makes a savory version of Frejon.
Sweet Frejon
- To make Frejon sweet, sugar can be added to the mix.
- Sometimes, sweet Frejon is chilled until it becomes firm, like a dessert.
- It can also be made thinner to create a drink, which is often served with biscuits.
See also
In Spanish: Frejón para niños
