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Frejon (Spiced Coconut and Black Bean Puree)
A rich, velvety spiced black bean and coconut milk puree traditionally prepared by Afro-Brazilian returnees in Lagos for Good Friday celebrations.
The story
Frejon is the crowning culinary emblem of the Aguda (Afro-Brazilian returnees or Amaro) community settled around Popo Aguda in Lagos Island. Originating from the Portuguese word 'feijão', this dish is strictly prepared on Good Friday during Holy Week to break the strict Lenten fast before Easter. Historically, the beans were laboriously ground on a granitic stone slab (olo) before combining with freshly pressed coconut cream and aromatic spices, symbolising sacrifice and the cultural bridge between Bahia and West Africa.
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