The "Muslim" Bean Pie

The "Muslim" Bean Pie  

from M. Coleman

If you've never had a Bean Pie, you've missed one of life's genuine delights.  The history of this pie goes back to the "Nation of Islam" (The Honorable Elijah Muhammad) who had a deep interest in improving nutrition among African Americans.  

The "Navy Bean" is one of the most complete foods on the shelf, being almost pure complete protein and fiber.  One can literally live off of Navy Beans alone, they are that healthy.  This recipe was created to get more people to eat more Navy Beans, and it worked.  

Bean Pies were sold by street vendors (always impecably dressed, in suits with bow ties) in pink boxes, and at Shabaz Bakeries all over America.  They represented an icon of African American independence and were usually sold by well dressed men in suits, on street corners, along with "Muhammad Speaks."  

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I spent years working in African American neighborhoods, so I often bought both, wishing to expand my knowledge base, but loving the flavor and texture of the pies, which are similar to Sweet Potato or Pumpkin, but "better." 

With the passing of Elijah Mohammed, the "Nation of Islam" has fallen away.  The Muslim faith is welcoming of all persons.  The pie is still around, but harder to get.

After years of trying to make them with disappointing results, I found this recipe.  Hope you enjoy, The "Muslim" Bean Pie.  The taste and texture are similar to pumpkin or sweet potato pie.

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2 cups navy beans (cooked according to package instructions) You may use canned beans.  Drain and rinse.

Note: You'll want to make sure that you have planned ahead to make this pie because you need to pre-soak the beans before you can cook them.   Cook beans until soft. 

1/2 tsp. of salt (unless the canned beans have some salt, check the label) 

1 stick butter 

2 tablespoons flour 

4 eggs 

1 teaspoon nutmeg

2 cups sugar 

1  14oz. can evaporated milk (not sweetened condensed milk)

1 teaspoon cinnamon 

2 tablespoons vanilla 

Preheat oven. to 350 degrees. 

In electric blender, blend beans, butter, milk, eggs, nutmeg and flour about 2 minutes on medium speed. 

Pour mixture into a large mixing bowl. Add sugar and vanilla. Mix well. 

Pour into pie shells.  Bake about one hour until golden brown. 

Makes 2 or 3 Bean Pies.

I made a quadruple recipe: