Cookbook:Ibihaza n'Ubwoko (Rwandan Beans with Mushroom)

Ibihaza n'Ubwoko (Rwandan Beans with Mushroom)
Category	African recipes
Difficulty

Cookbook | Ingredients | Recipes

Ibihaza n'ubwoko is a flavorful and nutritious dish from Rwanda that combines tender beans with savory mushrooms. It is a popular vegetarian option that is rich in flavors and textures. This dish is often enjoyed as a main course and pairs well with Rwandan staple foods like steamed rice or ugali.

Ingredients

• 1 cup beans (preferably white beans), soaked overnight
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 200 grams (7 ounces) mushrooms, sliced
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt
• Pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish

Equipment

• Large pot
• Knife
• Spoon

Procedure

1. Drain and rinse the soaked beans. In a large pot, add the beans and enough water to cover them. Bring to a boil over medium heat and cook until the beans are tender, usually for about 1–2 hours. Drain the cooked beans and set them aside.
2. In the same pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
3. Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes, or until they release their moisture and start to brown.
4. Add the diced tomato, thyme, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the pot. Stir well to combine.
5. Return the cooked beans to the pot and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir again to ensure all the ingredients are well incorporated.
6. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the beans and mushrooms simmer together for about 15–20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
7. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or spices according to your preference.
8. Remove the pot from the heat and let the ibihaza n'ubwoko rest for a few minutes before serving.
9. Serve the dish hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley.

Notes, tips, and variations

• You can use any type of mushrooms available, such as button mushrooms, cremini mushrooms, or portobello mushrooms.
• Feel free to add other vegetables like diced bell peppers or carrots for additional flavor and texture.
• Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less cayenne pepper according to your preference.
• Ibihaza n'ubwoko can be served as a main course alongside steamed rice, ugali, or Rwandan bread.
• Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a dollop of plain yogurt as a finishing touch for added tanginess.
• This dish is a good source of plant-based protein, dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals.