Centrafrican Zōsui

Ingredients

Centrafrican Zōsui incorporates the flavors and ingredients of Central African cuisine into the traditional Japanese rice porridge. The original dish is typically made with Japanese ingredients such as dashi, soy sauce, and mirin, while the Centrafrican adaptation includes local spices, herbs, and vegetables to infuse the dish with a unique flavor profile. We alse have the original recipe for Zōsui, so you can check it out.

• 1 cup (185g) rice 1 cup (185g) rice
• 4 cups (950ml) chicken or vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 carrot, diced 1 carrot, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup (150g) cooked chicken, shredded 1 cup (150g) cooked chicken, shredded
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 6g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 50g, 4g
• Protein: 16g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger, and sauté until fragrant.
3. 3.
   Add the paprika, ground coriander, and ground cumin to the pot, and stir well to combine.
4. 4.
   Add the diced carrot and bell pepper to the pot, and cook for 5 minutes, until slightly softened.
5. 5.
   Add the rice to the pot and stir to coat it with the spices and vegetables.
6. 6.
   Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the mixture has thickened.
7. 7.
   Stir in the shredded chicken and soy sauce, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. 8.
   Cook for an additional 5 minutes to heat the chicken through.
9. 9.
   Serve the Centrafrican Zōsui hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Rice — Rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch before cooking.
• Chicken — Use cooked chicken for convenience, such as leftover roasted or grilled chicken.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes.
• Customize the vegetables according to seasonal availability.
• Top the porridge with a poached egg for added richness.
• Adjust the seasoning according to personal taste preferences.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated the next day.

Serving advice

Serve the Centrafrican Zōsui as a comforting main dish for lunch or dinner. It can be enjoyed on its own or accompanied by a fresh salad or crusty bread.

Presentation advice

Garnish the Centrafrican Zōsui with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro to add a pop of color. Serve it in individual bowls, allowing the vibrant colors of the vegetables to shine through.