Bihaza (Bean and Pumpkin Stew)
A hearty and nutritious Rwandan stew made with beans and pumpkin, seasoned with aromatic spices. This dish highlights the importance of beans in Rwandan cuisine and is often prepared using pre-cooked beans for convenience.
🧂 Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 cup Purple onion(quartered and sliced)
- 5 cups Pie pumpkin(large dice)
- 3 pounds Cooked beans(e.g., kidney beans or black-eyed peas)
- 2 teaspoons Coriander
- 2 teaspoons Tarragon
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 3-4 cups Water(as needed)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Wash and quarter 1-2 small pie pumpkins. Scrape out the seeds and stringy pulp, leaving the firm pulp and skin intact. Dice into large pieces.
- 2
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the sliced onion and diced pumpkin until the onions and pumpkin skin are caramelized. Set aside.
- 3
In another pan, heat the cooked beans with coriander and tarragon. Add 3-4 cups of water and simmer for 5-10 minutes.
- 4
Add the sautéed onion and pumpkin mixture to the beans. Simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the pumpkin is fully cooked but still firm.
- 5
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve warm.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using pre-cooked beans significantly reduces cooking time.
- ✓Ensure the pumpkin is cooked until tender but still holds its shape.
- ✓Adjust water quantity to achieve desired stew consistency.
🔄 Variations
- Add other root vegetables like sweet potatoes or carrots.
- Incorporate leafy greens like spinach or kale towards the end of cooking.