The Best Sweet Pies in Chicago

The bean pie was created by members of the Nation of Islam to insure a long life. It’s traditionally made with pulverized navy beans, mixed with butter, sugar, eggs, evaporated milk, and spices, and baked in a whole wheat crust, though vegan varieties are now also available. Its flavor profile is not unlike sweet potato pie. Imani’s Original has been selling bean pies around the city since 2005, and you can find them on the South Side at Go Green Community Fresh Market, Southtown Health Foods, and Mama Africa’s Marketplace. They can also be shipped nationwide.