Cookbook:Ibihaza (Rwandan Beans)
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Ibihaza (Rwandan Beans) | |
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Category | Rwandan recipes |
Difficulty |
Cookbook | Recipes | Ingredients | Equipment | Techniques | Cookbook Disambiguation Pages | Recipes
Ibihaza is a traditional dish from Rwanda that features flavorful and hearty beans cooked to perfection. This simple yet delicious recipe is a staple in Rwandan cuisine and can be enjoyed as a main course or as a side dish.
Ingredients
[edit | edit source]- 2 cups dried beans (such as red kidney beans or black-eyed peas)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt, to taste
- Water, for cooking
Equipment
[edit | edit source]- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Cutting board
- Knife
Procedure
[edit | edit source]- Rinse the dried beans thoroughly under running water. Place them in a large bowl and cover with water. Allow the beans to soak overnight or for at least 8 hours. Drain and rinse the beans before cooking.
- In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
- Add the soaked and rinsed beans to the pot, along with enough water to cover the beans by about an inch. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the cumin, paprika, coriander, thyme, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir well to combine.
- Cover the pot partially with a lid and simmer the beans for about 1–1½ hours, or until they are tender and cooked through. Stir occasionally and add more water if necessary to maintain the desired consistency.
- Season the beans with salt, to taste, and continue cooking for another 5–10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Remove the pot from the heat and let the beans rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes, tips, and variations
[edit | edit source]- If using dried beans, it's important to soak them before cooking to help reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.
- Be sure to discard any discolored or shriveled beans before cooking.
- Adding a pinch of baking soda to the soaking water can help soften the beans more quickly.
- For a richer flavor, you can add some chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, or boiled pumpkin to the beans during cooking.
- Adjust the seasoning and spices according to your preference. You can add more or less depending on your desired taste.
- You can enhance the flavor of ibihaza by adding vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or spinach during the cooking process.
- Some variations of ibihaza include the addition of smoked meat or sausages for added depth of flavor.
- Beans are a great source of plant-based protein, dietary fiber, and essential nutrients. They are low in fat, cholesterol-free, and rich in vitamins and minerals.