Senegalese-inspired Creamy Rice with Meat and Vegetables

Ingredients

• 500g (2 1/4 cups) boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces 500g (2 1/4 cups) boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 500g (2 1/4 cups) beef, cut into bite-sized pieces 500g (2 1/4 cups) beef, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced 2 carrots, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 cups (400g) long-grain rice 2 cups (400g) long-grain rice
• 4 cups (950ml) chicken or beef broth 4 cups (950ml) chicken or beef broth
• 1 teaspoon thyme 1 teaspoon thyme
• 2 bay leaves 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat: 12g (Saturated: 3g)
• Carbohydrates: 55g (Sugars: 4g)
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chicken and beef, and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the meat from the pot and set aside.
2. 2.
   In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the diced carrots, bell pepper, and frozen peas to the pot. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
4. 4.
   Return the meat to the pot and add the rice, chicken or beef broth, thyme, bay leaves, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
5. 5.
   Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid has been absorbed.
6. 6.
   Remove the bay leaves before serving. Fluff the rice with a fork and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken and beef — Ensure that the meat is cut into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and tenderness.
• Rice — Rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch and achieve fluffy grains.
• Thyme and bay leaves — Use fresh herbs if available for enhanced flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a chopped chili pepper.
• Feel free to customize the vegetable selection based on personal preference or seasonal availability.
• Serve the dish with a side of fresh salad or steamed greens to add a refreshing element to the meal.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated for a quick and delicious meal.
• Experiment with different meat options such as lamb or seafood to create unique variations of this dish.

Serving advice

Serve the Senegalese-inspired creamy rice with meat and vegetables as a main course. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, for added freshness and visual appeal.

Presentation advice

Present the dish in a large serving bowl, allowing the vibrant colors of the vegetables to shine through. Sprinkle some paprika or cayenne pepper on top for an extra touch of color and spice.