Malian-Inspired Subanik

Ingredients

In the original Guatemalan Subanik, the dish typically includes ingredients such as pork, chicken, and local vegetables like chayote and green beans. However, in this Malian-inspired adaptation, we have replaced the meat with a variety of vegetables commonly found in Mali, such as okra, eggplant, and tomatoes. Additionally, we have incorporated traditional Malian spices to infuse the stew with the flavors of Mali. We alse have the original recipe for Subanik, so you can check it out.

• 1 cup (185g) millet 1 cup (185g) millet
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, diced 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 cup (150g) okra, sliced 1 cup (150g) okra, sliced
• 1 cup (150g) eggplant, diced 1 cup (150g) eggplant, diced
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 5g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the millet under cold water and drain.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the ground ginger, cumin, and coriander to the pot, and stir for a minute to release their flavors.
4. 4.
   Add the sliced okra, diced eggplant, and tomatoes to the pot, and cook for a few minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
5. 5.
   Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
6. 6.
   Stir in the rinsed millet, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the millet is tender and the flavors have melded together.
7. 7.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. 8.
   Serve the Malian-inspired Subanik hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Millet — Rinse the millet thoroughly before cooking to remove any impurities and bitterness.
• Okra — To reduce the sliminess of okra, you can lightly sauté it in a separate pan before adding it to the stew.
• Eggplant — If you prefer a firmer texture, you can salt the diced eggplant and let it sit for 10 minutes before rinsing and adding it to the stew.

Tips & Tricks

• For added protein, you can serve the Subanik with grilled chicken or tofu on the side.
• Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste preferences. Add more ginger for a stronger kick or increase the cumin and coriander for a more aromatic flavor.
• If you prefer a thicker stew, you can blend a small portion of the cooked vegetables and broth before adding the millet.

Serving advice

Serve the Malian-inspired Subanik as a main course, accompanied by a side of crusty bread or steamed rice. It can also be enjoyed on its own for a light and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Garnish the Subanik with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro leaves to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish. Serve it in deep bowls to showcase the vibrant colors of the vegetables and millet.