Riz Gras
Riz Gras, meaning 'fat rice,' is a beloved one-pot dish considered the national dish of Burkina Faso. It's a flavorful and hearty meal of rice cooked in a rich tomato-based stew with vegetables and meat, often served during celebrations.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Chicken or Beef(cut into small pieces)
- 1/2 cup Vegetable Oil
- 1 large Onion(finely chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(chopped)
- 4 large Tomatoes(chopped or blended)
- 4 tbsp Tomato Paste
- 3 Carrots(finely chopped)
- 1/4 Cabbage(finely chopped)
- 1 Habanero Pepper(optional, for heat, stem removed)
- 4 1/4 cups Water
- 1 Maggi Cube(crushed (or chicken bouillon))
- 2 1/2 cups Long Grain White Rice
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
If using whole tomatoes, blend them into a paste. If using habanero, remove the stem and chop finely or blend with tomatoes.
💡 Tip: Blending the tomatoes and habanero creates a smoother base for the stew. - 2
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3
Add the chopped garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Add the meat (chicken or beef) and brown it on all sides. If using habanero, add it now.
💡 Tip: Browning the meat adds depth of flavor. - 5
Stir in the tomato paste, chopped tomatoes (or tomato paste), and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 6
Add the chopped carrots and cabbage, crushed Maggi cube, salt, and pepper. Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a boil.
💡 Tip: Ensure the Maggi cube is fully dissolved. - 7
Rinse the rice thoroughly until the water runs clear. Add the rinsed rice to the pot, stir to combine, and bring back to a boil.
💡 Tip: Rinsing rice removes excess starch, preventing it from becoming too sticky. - 8
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
💡 Tip: Avoid lifting the lid too often to retain steam. - 9
Once cooked, let the Riz Gras rest for 5-10 minutes off the heat before fluffing with a fork and serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Riz Gras is often made with a generous amount of oil, hence the name 'fat rice'. Adjust oil to your preference.
- ✓For a spicier dish, leave some seeds in the habanero pepper.
- ✓This dish can be made with beef, lamb, or chicken. Smoked fish can also be added for extra flavor.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other vegetables like bell peppers or green beans.
- Serve with a side of fresh sliced onions for garnish.