Mugabe with Greens and Beans
Mugabe is a hearty and flavorful dish from Burundi, featuring a savory combination of slow-cooked beans, tender greens, and aromatic spices. It's a staple that showcases the country's agricultural bounty and culinary traditions.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 cups Dried kidney beans(soaked overnight and drained)
- 1 large Onion(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 400 g Tomatoes(canned, diced)
- 1 bunch Spinach or collard greens(tough stems removed, roughly chopped)
- 3 tablespoons Vegetable oil
- 2 cups Water or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon Salt(or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon Coriander
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 2
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Stir in the drained kidney beans, diced tomatoes (with their juice), water or broth, salt, black pepper, cumin, and coriander. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- 4
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender.
- 5
Add the chopped greens to the pot. Stir them into the bean mixture and continue to cook, covered, for another 10-15 minutes, or until the greens are wilted and tender.
- 6
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, ideally with a side of Ubugali (Burundian maize porridge).
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure beans are thoroughly soaked overnight to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.
- ✓Adjust the amount of chili or other spices to your preference.
- ✓If using collard greens, you may need to cook them a bit longer than spinach to ensure tenderness.
🔄 Variations
- Add a diced bell pepper along with the onion for extra flavor and color.
- For a richer dish, a tablespoon of peanut butter can be stirred in during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- If you have access to dried fish, a small amount can be added for an authentic umami boost.