Ugandan Chaloko Bean Stew
A hearty and flavorful bean stew, Chaloko is a staple in Ugandan cuisine, often prepared with a simple yet delicious combination of beans, tomatoes, onions, and spices. It's a comforting dish that pairs well with staples like posho or rice.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Dried beans(e.g., Roscoco beans, kidney beans, or black-eyed peas)
- 2 large Onions(chopped)
- 4 medium Tomatoes(chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 1 medium Green bell pepper(chopped)
- 1 tbsp Curry powder
- 1 tbsp Salt(or to taste)
- 2 tbsp Cooking oil
- 6 cups Water(or as needed)
- 2 optional Royco cubes(for added flavor)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the dried beans thoroughly and soak them overnight or for at least 4-6 hours. Drain and rinse again.
- 2
Place the soaked beans in a large pot with enough fresh water to cover them by about 2 inches. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the beans are tender. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1 cup of the bean cooking liquid.
- 3
While the beans are cooking, heat the cooking oil in a separate large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until softened and translucent.
- 4
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- 5
Stir in the chopped tomatoes and green bell pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the tomatoes have softened.
- 6
Add the curry powder and stir well, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- 7
Add the pre-cooked beans to the pot with the tomato and onion mixture. Stir in the salt and optional Royco cubes. Add the reserved bean cooking liquid and enough additional water to create a stew consistency.
- 8
Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce heat, cover, and cook for another 30-45 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the stew to thicken. Stir occasionally.
- 9
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed. Serve hot.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Soaking beans overnight significantly reduces cooking time and improves digestibility.
- ✓Don't discard the bean cooking liquid; it adds flavor and helps thicken the stew.
- ✓Chaloko is traditionally served with posho (ugali), rice, or chapati.
🔄 Variations
- Add other vegetables like carrots or spinach towards the end of cooking.
- For a richer flavor, a small amount of tomato paste can be added with the tomatoes.