Vary Amin'Anana
Rice with Leafy Greens
Vary Amin'Anana is a comforting and nutritious one-pot dish from Madagascar, translating to 'rice with leafy greens.' It's a staple, often enjoyed for dinner, and typically features rice cooked with a generous amount of greens like spinach, kale, or collard greens, along with aromatics such as onion, garlic, and ginger. Ground meat is often included for added flavor and protein.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1-2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 medium White onion(finely chopped)
- 3-5 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch piece Fresh ginger(minced or grated)
- 1 medium Tomato(diced)
- 500 g Ground beef(or other ground meat)
- 450 g Leafy greens(e.g., spinach, kale, collard greens, or a mix, roughly chopped)
- 1 cup Rice(rinsed)
- 2 cups Water
- 2 Bay leaves
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- optional Chives(chopped, for garnish)
- optional Parsley(flat-leaf, chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- 2
Add the minced garlic, ginger, and diced tomato. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the tomato begins to break down.
- 3
Add the ground beef to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
- 4
Stir in the chopped leafy greens, rinsed rice, water, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- 5
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- 6
Remove the bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh chives and parsley if desired.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓You can use frozen spinach or other pre-chopped greens for convenience.
- ✓For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead of water.
- ✓A pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce can add a spicy kick.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Substitute kale, Swiss chard, or mustard greens for spinach.
- Add other vegetables like diced carrots or bell peppers.
- Use chicken or zebu meat instead of beef.