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Burundian Ibiharage

Yields6 ServingsPrep Time15 minsCook Time1 hr 30 minsTotal Time1 hr 45 mins

A comforting Burundian bean stew simmered with tomatoes, onions, and gentle spices.

Burundian bean stew simmered with tomatoes, onions, and gentle spices

Ingredients
 2 cups dried red kidney beans or white beans, sorted and soaked overnight
 6 cups water for cooking
 2 tbsp neutral cooking oil
 1 yellow onion, finely diced
 3 ripe tomatoes, chopped
 3 cloves garlic, minced
 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
 1 tsp fine salt, plus more to taste
 ½ tsp ground black pepper
 ½ tsp paprika
 1 cup reserved bean cooking liquid
 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
Directions
1

Drain the soaked beans and rinse them well. Place them in a heavy pot with 6 cups of fresh water and bring to a steady boil.

2

Skim away any foam, reduce the heat to low, and partially cover. Simmer for 60–75 minutes until the beans are tender but still hold their shape.

3

Reserve 1 cup of the bean cooking liquid, then drain off any excess. Keep the beans warm while preparing the sauce.

4

Heat the oil in the same pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and lightly golden.

5

Stir in the garlic and ginger and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the tomatoes, paprika, and black pepper.

6

Cook the tomato mixture over medium-low heat for 8–10 minutes, stirring often, until the tomatoes collapse and the oil begins to separate at the edges.

7

Fold in the cooked beans, salt, and 1 cup reserved cooking liquid. Simmer uncovered for 12–15 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beans.

8

Taste and adjust the seasoning, then stir in the cilantro. Serve hot with rice, ugali, sweet potatoes, or cooked greens.

Notes

Soak the beans overnight for even cooking. Bean age affects cooking time, so simmer until completely tender before adding them to the tomato sauce. Add a splash of hot water if the stew thickens too quickly. Serve hot with ugali, rice, or boiled plantains.

Nutrition Facts

6 servings

Serving size

1 1/2 cups

Amount per serving
Calories295
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 6g8%

Saturated Fat 1g5%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg
Sodium 430mg19%
Total Carbohydrate 48g18%

Dietary Fiber 12g43%
Total Sugars 6g
Includes 0g Added Sugars0%
Protein 14g

* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.