Vitumbua na Nyama ya Kukaanga (Sweet Rice Cakes with Fried Meat)
A delightful Tanzanian street food combination featuring sweet, fluffy vitumbua (rice cakes) served alongside savory, crispy fried meat. This dish offers a wonderful contrast of flavors and textures.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 cups Rice(soaked overnight and drained)
- 1.5 cups Coconut milk(full fat)
- 0.5 cup Sugar(adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp Yeast(active dry)
- 0.5 tsp Cardamom powder
- 0.25 tsp Salt
- 500 g Beef or goat meat(cut into small cubes)
- 1 tbsp Ginger(minced)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 tsp Turmeric powder
- 1 tsp Cumin powder
- 0.5 tsp Chili powder(or to taste)
- for frying Vegetable oil
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
For the vitumbua: Blend the soaked and drained rice with coconut milk until smooth. Stir in sugar, yeast, cardamom, and salt. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for about 30-45 minutes, or until bubbly.
⏱️ 45 minutes - 2
While the batter rises, prepare the meat. In a bowl, combine the meat cubes with minced ginger, garlic, turmeric, cumin, chili powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to coat the meat evenly.
💡 Tip: Marinate for at least 15 minutes for better flavor. - 3
Heat enough vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok over medium-high heat for frying the meat. Fry the marinated meat in batches until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
⏱️ 15 minutes💡 Tip: Ensure oil is hot enough to achieve crispiness without making the meat tough. - 4
Heat a vitumbua pan (special dimpled pan) or a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Lightly grease the pan if necessary. Pour the risen batter into the molds or small circles in the skillet, filling them about two-thirds full.
💡 Tip: A vitumbua pan is ideal for achieving the traditional shape. - 5
Cook the vitumbua for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. They should be fluffy and slightly crisp on the outside.
⏱️ 8 minutes💡 Tip: Flip carefully to ensure even cooking. - 6
Serve the hot vitumbua immediately with the crispy fried meat on the side. This dish is best enjoyed fresh.
💡 Tip: Can be served with a side of chili sauce for extra heat.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure your yeast is active for the vitumbua to rise properly.
- ✓Don't overcrowd the pan when frying the meat to ensure crispiness.
- ✓Adjust sugar and chili levels to your preference.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of cinnamon to the vitumbua batter for a different aroma.
- Serve with a simple tomato and onion salad.
- Use chicken or fish instead of beef or goat meat.