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Rwandan Akabenz

Yields6 ServingsPrep Time20 minsCook Time45 minsTotal Time1 hr 5 mins

Pork simmered, then pan-fried with onions, tomatoes, chile, and a dash of lime juice.

Rwandan Akabenz

Ingredients
 2 lbs pork belly or boneless pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch pieces
 1 tsp fine salt
 ½ tsp ground black pepper
 1 cup water
 2 tbsp neutral cooking oil, if needed
 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
 3 cloves garlic, minced
 2 ripe tomatoes, diced
 1 Scotch bonnet or bird chile, finely chopped
 1 tsp smoked paprika
 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Directions
1

Season the pork pieces evenly with salt and black pepper. Place them in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet, add the water, and arrange the pork in an even layer.

2

Cover the skillet and simmer over medium-low heat for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cook until the pork is tender and most of the water has evaporated.

3

Remove the lid and allow any remaining liquid to cook off. Add a little oil if the pork has not released enough fat, then fry for 8–10 minutes, turning frequently, until deeply golden and crisp around the edges.

4

Add the onion and cook for about 4 minutes, stirring it through the browned pork until softened. Stir in the garlic, chile, and paprika and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

5

Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook for 6–8 minutes, allowing them to soften and break down into a thick sauce that evenly coats the pork.

6

Stir in the fresh lemon juice and cook briefly to combine the flavors. Taste and adjust with additional salt, black pepper, or chile as desired.

7

Remove from the heat, scatter with freshly chopped parsley, and serve the Akabenz hot with fried potatoes, fried plantains, or crusty bread.

Notes

Akabenz is served hot as a shared snack or main dish. Pork belly gives the richest result, while pork shoulder is a leaner substitute. Adjust chile to taste.

Nutrition Facts

6 servings

Serving size

about 1 cup

Amount per serving
Calories510
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 39g50%

Saturated Fat 14g70%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 115mg39%
Sodium 540mg24%
Total Carbohydrate 7g3%

Dietary Fiber 2g8%
Total Sugars 4g
Includes 0g Added Sugars0%
Protein 31g

* 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.