For those seeking a sweet treat with a rich history rooted in African-American Muslim culture, the Nation of Islam bean pie is a hidden gem. This delectable pie has its origins in the Nation of Islam, an African-American religious movement founded in the early 20th century. As an avid baker and someone who appreciates the cultural significance of recipes, the Nation of Islam bean pie has become a cherished creation in my kitchen.
The first time I tried this recipe, I was amazed by the unique combination of flavors. The use of navy beans as the main ingredient intrigued me, and after a few adjustments and practice runs, I perfected my own version of this delightful pie. Now, I'm thrilled to share this personal favorite with you.
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Ingredients
- Navy beans — 1 cup, cooked and mashed
- Unsalted butter — 6 tablespoons, melted
- Granulated sugar — 1 cup
- Eggs — 2, lightly beaten
- Evaporated milk — ½ cup
- Vanilla extract — 1 teaspoon
- Ground nutmeg — 1 teaspoon
- Cinnamon — 1 teaspoon
- Salt — ¼ teaspoon
- Prepared pie crust — 1 (9-inch)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed navy beans, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix well until fully incorporated.
- Add the lightly beaten eggs, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, ground nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt to the bowl. Stir until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly.
- Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes or until the filling is set and the crust turns golden brown.
- Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before serving.
Dietary Restrictions
- Gluten-free — To make this pie gluten-free, use a gluten-free pie crust or make your own using gluten-free ingredients.
- Dairy-free — For a dairy-free version, substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based alternative, such as coconut oil or margarine. Also, replace the evaporated milk with a non-dairy milk of your choice.
Substitutions
- Navy beans — If you can't find navy beans, you can use any other type of white beans, such as Great Northern beans or cannellini beans.
Variations
- Pecan-infused bean pie — For a delightful twist, add a cup of chopped pecans to the filling mixture before pouring it into the pie crust. The nuttiness adds a delightful crunch to each bite.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Wire whisk
- 9-inch pie dish
- Wire rack
- Oven
Storage
- Room temperature — Place any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. The pie will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator — To extend the pie's shelf life, store it in the refrigerator. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will remain fresh for up to a week.
Pro Tips
- A hint of citrus — Add a teaspoon of freshly grated lemon zest to the filling mixture for a subtle burst of citrus flavor that compliments the sweetness of the pie.
- Enhanced spice — For a spicier version, sprinkle a pinch of ground cloves or ginger alongside the nutmeg and cinnamon. The warm spices add a delightful complexity to the pie.

Nation of Islam Bean Pie Recipe: A Soul-Satisfying Delight
Equipment
- Wire whisk
Ingredients
- 1 cup Navy beans cooked and mashed
- 6 tablespoons Unsalted butter melted
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- ½ cup Evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed navy beans, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix well until fully incorporated.
- Add the lightly beaten eggs, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, ground nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt to the bowl. Stir until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly.
- Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes or until the filling is set and the crust turns golden brown.
- Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
- A hint of citrus — Add a teaspoon of freshly grated lemon zest to the filling mixture for a subtle burst of citrus flavor that complements the sweetness of the pie.
- Enhanced spice — For a spicier version, sprinkle a pinch of ground cloves or ginger alongside the nutmeg and cinnamon. The warm spices add a delightful complexity to the pie.
Nutrition

Ex-corporate worker turned world traveler and foodie, Shai Cohen explores diverse cultures and cuisines. Follow his adventures and culinary expertise as he inspires others to chase their dreams. Read more about Shai Cohen.
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