Dounguouri Soko
Lamb and White Bean Stew
Dounguouri Soko is a simple yet hearty stew made from tender lamb and creamy white beans, simmered with aromatic vegetables. It's a nourishing dish that showcases the staple ingredients of Nigerien cuisine.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 lb Lamb shoulder(cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 cup Navy beans(soaked overnight)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 large Onion(chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 4-5 cups Water
- 1 Bell pepper(chopped (green or red))
- 2 tbsp Parsley(chopped)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Drain the soaked navy beans. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Brown the lamb cubes on all sides. Remove lamb and set aside.
- 2
Add chopped onion to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add the browned lamb, drained navy beans, chopped bell pepper, and 4 cups of water. Season with salt and pepper.
- 4
Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour, or until the lamb and beans are tender. Add more water if the stew becomes too thick.
- 5
Stir in the chopped parsley. Cook for another 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning as needed and serve hot.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Soaking the beans overnight is crucial for tenderness. If short on time, use canned navy beans, rinsed and drained, and add them in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- ✓Natron, a naturally occurring sodium mixture, is traditionally used in Niger to soften beans, but baking soda can be used as a substitute (1/2 teaspoon per cup of dried beans when boiling).
- ✓This stew can be made ahead of time; the flavors often meld and improve overnight.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other root vegetables like sweet potatoes or carrots.
- For a richer flavor, use lamb stock instead of water.