Benachin (Rice and Vegetables)
A flavorful and colorful one-pot dish of rice cooked with a variety of vegetables and often meat or fish, seasoned with a rich tomato and spice base.
🧂 Ingredients
- 400 g Long-grain rice(rinsed)
- 100 ml Vegetable oil
- 2 medium Onions(finely chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 tsp Ginger(grated)
- 100 g Tomato paste
- 400 g Chopped tomatoes
- 700 ml Vegetable stock or water
- 2 medium Carrots(diced)
- 1 medium Sweet potatoes(diced)
- 1 Bell pepper (any color)(diced)
- 1/4 head Cabbage(shredded)
- 100 g Okra(sliced)
- 100 g Peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1 tbsp Curry powder
- 1 tsp Paprika
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 300 g Optional protein (fish or chicken)(cut into bite-sized pieces)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
If using protein, season it with salt and pepper and brown it in the pot with a little oil. Remove and set aside.
- 2
Heat the remaining vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly, until it darkens slightly.
- 4
Add the chopped tomatoes, curry powder, and paprika. Cook for another 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened.
- 5
Pour in the vegetable stock or water and bring to a simmer. Add the diced carrots, sweet potatoes, and bell pepper. If using protein, add it back to the pot now.
- 6
Season with salt and pepper. Cover and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the root vegetables are beginning to soften.
- 7
Stir in the shredded cabbage, sliced okra, and peas. Cook for another 5-10 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- 8
Add the rinsed rice to the pot, ensuring it is submerged in the liquid. If needed, add a little more stock or water. Bring back to a gentle simmer.
- 9
Cover the pot tightly and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid has been absorbed. Avoid stirring too much during this stage.
- 10
Once cooked, let the Benachin rest, covered, for 5-10 minutes before fluffing the rice with a fork and serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the rice is fully submerged in the liquid before covering to cook.
- ✓Don't overcook the vegetables; they should retain some texture.
- ✓Adjust the spices to your preference.
- ✓This dish is very versatile; feel free to add other vegetables you have on hand.
🔄 Variations
- Can be made with fish, chicken, or entirely vegetarian.
- Some variations include dried fish for a more intense flavor.