Madesu na Loso (Congolese Beans and Rice)
A comforting and flavorful dish of slow-cooked red beans served with fluffy rice, a staple in Congolese households.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 lb Dried red beans(about 450g)
- 0.5 cup Olive oil(or vegetable oil)
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 0.5 medium Green bell pepper(finely chopped)
- 1 tbsp Tomato paste
- 4 cups Water or vegetable broth
- 1 tsp Nutmeg(ground)
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 2 cups Rice(for serving)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the dried red beans and soak them in plenty of water overnight. Drain and rinse again.
- 2
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3
Add the minced garlic and chopped green bell pepper, and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
- 4
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- 5
Add the drained beans, water (or broth), ground nutmeg, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Bring to a boil.
- 6
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the beans are tender. Stir occasionally, adding more water or broth if the stew becomes too dry.
- 7
While the beans are simmering, cook the rice according to package directions.
- 8
Taste the bean stew and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve the Madesu hot over cooked rice.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Soaking the beans overnight is crucial for reducing cooking time and improving digestibility.
- ✓If you are short on time, you can use canned beans, but the texture and flavor will not be as rich.
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can add a smoked fish or a piece of meat (like beef or chicken) to the stew while it simmers.
🔄 Variations
- Some variations include adding a bay leaf or a pinch of chili flakes for a bit of heat.
- A small amount of finely chopped plantain can be added towards the end of cooking for a touch of sweetness.