It is yet again that time of the year when fine food makes rounds in our families and those without enough money to treat their families to rounds of meat feel a sense of loss.
Ask any Rwandan what special food for festive season and they matter of fact will tell you it has to include lots and lots of meat but that should not determine what yours will be. It should not stop you from eating well even with no meat.
Since Ugali (Cassava paste) is one of our most staple and common food, you can enjoy your festive holidays with it along with tasty bean paste and be merry. This is the simple recipe, enjoy.
Ingredients
• 4 cups water
• 2½ cups cassava flour
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 green pepper, finely chopped
• 4 tablespoons FAIR TRADE olive oil
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tomato, chopped
• Two 16-ounce cans kidney beans
• 3 cups unsweetened coconut milk
Instructions
Ugali
- Boil water, then stir in cassava flour.
- Simmer until mixture is thick and water is absorbed.
- Stir often to prevent burning. Shape the mixture into round balls, one for each person.
Bean Soup
- In a large pot, sauté onion and green pepper in oil until soft.
- Add curry powder, salt, black pepper and tomato.
- Simmer for 2 minutes, add beans and stir.
- Add coconut milk and simmer for 10 minutes on low heat.
- Serve with Ugali.