Akili ya Nyama na Imboga
A flavorful and aromatic Rwandan dish featuring tender pieces of meat (often beef or chicken) simmered with a medley of fresh vegetables and a hint of spices. This one-pot meal is a celebration of local produce and savory flavors.
🧂 Ingredients
- 750 g Beef or Chicken(cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil
- 1 large Onion(chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 tsp Ginger(minced)
- 2 medium Tomatoes(chopped)
- 1 tbsp Tomato Paste
- 2 Carrots(peeled and sliced)
- 2 Potatoes(peeled and cubed)
- 1 cup Green Beans(trimmed and cut)
- 2 cups Spinach or Collard Greens(chopped)
- 3 cups Water or Broth
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Cumin
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the meat and brown on all sides. Remove meat and set aside.
- 2
Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- 3
Stir in the minced garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 4
Add the chopped tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring to combine.
- 5
Return the meat to the pot. Add the carrots, potatoes, water or broth, salt, pepper, paprika, and cumin. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer.
- 6
Add the green beans and cook for another 15 minutes.
- 7
Stir in the spinach or collard greens and cook until wilted, about 5 minutes.
- 8
Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure all vegetables are cut into similar sizes for even cooking.
- ✓For a deeper flavor, you can add a bay leaf during the simmering process.
- ✓If using chicken, reduce the simmering time for the meat to about 20-25 minutes before adding vegetables.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other vegetables like bell peppers, celery, or zucchini.
- For a spicier dish, add a pinch of chili flakes or a chopped chili pepper with the garlic and ginger.