recipe

Easy Bean Cake with Feta, Herbs and Sesame

Total time: 70 mins.

Difficulty: Low

Serves: 6-8

This recipe creates a deliciously satisfying cake from beans with a soft centre. Beans provide the hearty base, eggs help hold everything together, and yoghurt adds moisture. Feta brings a tangy flavor, while parsley and mint freshen things up. It's great warm for breakfast, or cut it into small squares at a party.

What Is Bean Cake?

Bean cake is a broad term for dishes made by turning beans into a shaped, baked or fried preparation. Depending on the country and cooking tradition, bean-based recipes can be sweet or savory, soft or firm, and made with whole beans, bean flour or a blended bean mixture.

They are affordable, nourishing ingredients that work beautifully in everything from soups and stews to fritters and baked dishes. In Nigeria, for example, bean-based favourites include akara, made from ground beans and traditionally fried, and moi moi, a steamed bean pudding often prepared with seasonings and other additions. Their ability to absorb flavors makes them excellent candidates for creative recipes.

Pro Tips for the Best Bean Cake

Excess water is one of the easiest ways to end up with a soggy bean cake. After draining the beans, pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
The beans, eggs, and olive oil form the foundation of the cake, so give them enough time in the blender to break down properly.
Feta cheese already brings plenty of salt to the party. Add a little salt initially, mix the ingredients, and taste the mixture if you're comfortable doing so before adding the raw eggs and baking. You can also adjust the seasoning based on how salty your feta is.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Canned Beans for This Bean Cake?

Yes, canned beans are a convenient option and can save you a considerable amount of preparation time. Drain and rinse them thoroughly, then pat them dry before blending.

Can I Make This Bean Cake Without Eggs?

Eggs help bind the ingredients and give the cake its structure, so replacing them will change the result. You could experiment with a commercial egg replacer designed for baking, following the product's instructions.

Is Bean Cake Healthy?

Beans provide plant-based protein and dietary fibre, while eggs contribute protein and feta adds flavour. The olive oil, yoghurt and other ingredients also contribute to its nutritional profile.

How to Store Leftover Bean Cake

Stored properly in the fridge, the cake should keep for around three to four days. For reheating, place a slice in the microwave until steaming hot throughout, or warm it in an oven at approximately 320°F/160°C until heated through.