There is no doubt that beans make a good combination to rice, the most affordable meal in Rwandan families and not to say they make the ultimate budget meal especially if you are running low on budget.
But that doesn’t mean your dinner has to be boring and miserable. Simmered with fragrant spices and baked into a comforting casserole, you can definitely have a feast on beans and Rice.
Ingredients
- 1 onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1-inch piece of ginger, peeled
- 1 tablespoon water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (more if canned tomatoes are unsalted)
- 1 28-ounce can chopped tomatoes
- 2 15-ounce cans beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons cilantro, coarsely chopped, plus more for serving
- Chopped fresh chilies or red pepper flakes to taste (optional)
- Fragrant Yellow Rice, for serving (recipe below)
- Plain yogurt, for serving (optional)
Directions
- Roughly chop the onions, garlic and ginger. Process in a food processor or blender until a smooth paste forms, adding up to 1 tablespoon water if needed.
- Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat and add the cumin, garam masala and coriander.
- Fry the spices for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
- Add the onion-ginger paste and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring, until most of the added water has evaporated.
- Add the salt, tomatoes, beans, cilantro and chilies or pepper flakes, if using.
- Bring to a boil and lower heat.
- Simmer uncovered 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Garnish with additional chopped cilantro and serve with rice or any other prepared meal.