Bariis iyo Digir (Somali Rice and Beans)
A simple yet flavorful dish of rice and beans, often seasoned with onions, garlic, and mild spices. It's a staple in Somali households, providing a nutritious and filling meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 cups Basmati Rice(rinsed)
- 400 g Kidney Beans(canned, drained and rinsed (or 1.5 cups cooked dried beans))
- 1 large Onion(finely chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil
- 3.5 cups Water or Vegetable Broth
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 0.5 tsp Turmeric
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
- 2 tbsp Fresh Cilantro(chopped, for garnish (optional))
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat vegetable oil in a medium pot or saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent.
⏱️ 5-7 minutes - 2
Add the minced garlic, cumin, and turmeric. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
⏱️ 1 minute - 3
Add the rinsed basmati rice to the pot and stir to coat it with the onion and spice mixture.
- 4
Pour in the water or vegetable broth. Add salt and black pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- 5
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, add the drained and rinsed kidney beans, cover the pot tightly, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
⏱️ 15-20 minutes - 6
Let the rice stand, covered, for 5 minutes off the heat. Fluff with a fork.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 7
Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired, before serving.
💡 Tip: Serve hot as a main dish or as a side.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, use chicken or beef broth instead of vegetable broth or water.
- ✓If using dried beans, soak them overnight and cook them until tender before adding them to the rice.
- ✓Do not stir the rice too much after adding the liquid, as this can make it mushy.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of chili flakes for a bit of heat.
- Incorporate other vegetables like diced carrots or bell peppers along with the onions.