Labadja (Beef and Rice Pilaf)
Labadja is a traditional Malian dish from the northern regions, featuring tender beef cooked with rice, onions, and the unique sweetness of dates, often enhanced with a blend of aromatic spices.
🧂 Ingredients
- 450 g Beef chuck(cut into bite-sized pieces or use ground beef)
- 4 Tbs Butter or shea butter
- 1 medium Onion(chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 0.5 medium Green bell pepper(finely chopped)
- 250 g Dried dates(pitted)
- 4 cups Water(for soaking dates and cooking rice)
- 1 Tbs Fakoye spice blend or Moroccan spice blend(e.g., cumin, coriander, allspice, nutmeg)
- Salt(to taste)
- Black pepper(to taste)
- 2 cups White rice(washed)
- Coriander leaves(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
If using beef chuck, pound it to tenderize or use ground beef. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add beef and cook until browned.
- 2
Add chopped onion, minced garlic, and green bell pepper to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
- 3
While the beef is cooking, soak the pitted dates in 4 cups of warm water for at least 30 minutes. Reserve the soaking water.
- 4
Add the Fakoye spice blend, salt, and pepper to the pot. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring regularly.
- 5
Add the soaked dates along with their soaking water to the pot. Bring to a boil.
- 6
Stir in the washed rice. Add more water if needed to ensure the rice is covered by about a finger's depth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until the rice has absorbed all the liquid and is fully cooked.
- 7
Let the Labadja rest, covered, for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓If you can't find Fakoye spice blend, a Moroccan blend with cumin, coriander, allspice, and nutmeg can be a good substitute.
- ✓Ensure the dates are soft and well-integrated into the dish for sweetness.
- ✓Adjust the amount of butter to your preference; some find it can make the dish a bit greasy.
🔄 Variations
- Add other vegetables like carrots or sweet potatoes.
- Use lamb or mutton instead of beef.