Sudanese Miris
Rice and Meat Stew
Miris is a hearty and aromatic stew from northern Sudan, featuring tender meat simmered in a rich, spiced tomato sauce, served over fluffy basmati rice. It's a communal dish that brings families together.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2.5 cups Basmati rice(long-grain)
- 2.2 lbs Lean beef or lamb(cubed (e.g., chuck or shoulder))
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 large Onion(finely chopped)
- 6 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 6 oz can Tomato paste
- 2 tbsp Baharat (Middle Eastern spice blend)
- 1 Cinnamon stick
- 4 cups Water or beef broth
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the basmati rice until the water runs clear. Cook the rice according to package directions, or until fluffy and done. Keep warm.
💡 Tip: Using a rice cooker can ensure perfectly fluffy rice. - 2
While the rice cooks, heat the vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
💡 Tip: A cast-iron pot is ideal for even heat distribution. - 3
Add the cubed meat to the hot oil and brown on all sides. Remove the meat from the pot and set aside.
💡 Tip: Brown the meat in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. - 4
Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté until softened and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- 5
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 6
Add the tomato paste and Baharat spice blend to the pot. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes to toast the spices and deepen the flavor.
- 7
Return the browned meat to the pot. Add the cinnamon stick, water or beef broth, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
💡 Tip: Ensure the liquid covers the meat; add more if needed. - 8
Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the meat is very tender.
💡 Tip: Check periodically and stir to prevent sticking. Add more liquid if the stew becomes too dry. - 9
Remove the cinnamon stick before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
💡 Tip: The stew should have a rich, thick sauce. - 10
Serve the Miris stew hot over the cooked basmati rice. Traditionally, it's served communally from a large bowl.
💡 Tip: Pairs well with fresh Sudanese bread or a side of pickled vegetables.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a deeper flavor, you can marinate the meat in spices overnight.
- ✓If Baharat is unavailable, a mix of cumin, coriander, paprika, and a pinch of cloves can be used.
- ✓The stew can be prepared a day in advance; the flavors meld beautifully overnight.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add diced potatoes or carrots to the stew during the last 30 minutes of simmering.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of chili flakes or a chopped fresh chili pepper with the onions.