South Sudan Lentil and Purslane Stew (Rijla Ades)
A nourishing and earthy stew combining red lentils with the slightly tart flavor of purslane, seasoned with traditional Sudanese spices. This dish is a staple in many households, often served with flatbread or rice.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 cup Red lentils(rinsed)
- 450 g Lamb or beef stewing meat(cut into bite-sized pieces (optional, for non-vegetarian))
- 2 large Onions(chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic(chopped)
- 2 medium Tomatoes(chopped)
- 2 Tbsp Tomato paste
- 150 g Purslane(roughly chopped)
- 2 cups Water or stock
- 2 Tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 tsp Ground coriander
- 1 tsp Ground pepper
- to taste Salt
- 1 Cinnamon stick(optional)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
If using meat, heat vegetable oil in a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the meat and brown on all sides, about 10 minutes. Remove meat and set aside.
- 2
Add the chopped onions to the pot and cook until browned, about 10 more minutes.
- 3
Add half the garlic, tomato paste, coriander, pepper, and salt. Cook, stirring often, for about 5 minutes, letting the tomato paste brown slightly.
- 4
Add the chopped tomatoes, water or stock, and the rinsed red lentils. If using meat, return it to the pot. Add the cinnamon stick if using. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 5
Add the remaining garlic and the chopped purslane. Stir well and cook for another 10-15 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and the purslane has wilted.
- 6
Remove the cinnamon stick. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- 7
Serve hot, on its own or with rice or kisra (Sudanese flatbread).
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Purslane can be found in some specialty grocery stores or foraged (ensure it's from a clean source). If unavailable, spinach can be substituted, though the flavor will be different.
- ✓The sourness of purslane complements the richness of the lentils.
- ✓For a vegetarian version, use vegetable stock and omit the meat.
🔄 Variations
- Add other root vegetables like potatoes or carrots.
- A pinch of chili flakes can be added for a bit of heat.