Sacanhemba
Sacanhemba is a flavorful and aromatic rice dish, often prepared with chicken or fish, and infused with the unique flavors of Guinea-Bissau. It typically includes ingredients like onions, tomatoes, and local spices, creating a comforting and satisfying meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Chicken thighs or firm white fish(cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 cups Long-grain rice
- 2 medium Onions(chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 400 g Tomatoes(chopped (canned or fresh))
- 1 medium Red bell pepper(seeded and chopped)
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 4 cups Chicken broth or water
- 1 tsp Thyme(dried)
- 1 tsp Curry powder
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1/2 Scotch bonnet pepper(optional, finely chopped)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
If using chicken, season with salt and pepper. Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken pieces on all sides, then remove and set aside.
- 2
Add the chopped onions to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and chopped bell pepper, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- 3
Stir in the chopped tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring to combine and create a sauce base.
- 4
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Add the rinsed rice to the pot and stir to coat it with the sauce.
- 5
Pour in the chicken broth or water. Add the dried thyme, curry powder, salt, pepper, and finely chopped Scotch bonnet pepper (if using). Stir everything together.
- 6
Return the browned chicken (or add the fish pieces now) to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- 7
Reduce heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. If using fish, add it during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking.
- 8
Once cooked, let the sacanhemba rest, covered, for 5-10 minutes before fluffing with a fork and serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the rice is well rinsed to remove excess starch, which helps prevent it from becoming mushy.
- ✓Adjust the amount of liquid if needed; the rice should be tender but not soupy.
- ✓For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
🔄 Variations
- Add other vegetables like peas, carrots, or okra.
- Use different types of fish or seafood.
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of Scotch bonnet pepper or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.