Cameroon Rice & Beans Stew: Hearty, Flavor-Packed One-Pot Recipe from Scratch
🥘 Introduction: What Is Cameroon Rice & Beans Stew?
Cameroon Rice & Beans Stew is a rich and comforting one-pot dish made with parboiled rice, black-eyed peas or red beans, tomato stew, onions, and traditional African spices. Often enjoyed for lunch or dinner across Cameroon and other West African countries, it is both hearty and nutritious. This dish brings together the wholesomeness of beans with the satisfying texture of rice, all simmered in a spiced tomato sauce.
🛒 Ingredients for Cameroonian Rice & Beans Stew
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Long grain or parboiled rice | 2 cups | Washed and drained |
| Cooked beans (red, black-eyed, or pinto) | 1.5 cups | Pre-cooked or canned |
| Fresh tomatoes | 4 medium | Blended or grated |
| Tomato paste | 2 tablespoons | For deep color and flavor |
| Onion | 1 large | Finely chopped |
| Garlic cloves | 3 | Minced |
| Ginger root | 1 inch | Grated |
| Scotch bonnet pepper (optional) | 1 | For heat |
| Crayfish (optional) | 1 tablespoon | Ground |
| Palm oil or vegetable oil | 1/4 cup | For frying |
| Seasoning cubes | 2 | Maggi or bouillon |
| Salt | To taste | |
| Water or stock | 3–4 cups | Adjust based on desired consistency |
🔪 How to Make Cameroon Rice & Beans Stew: Step-by-Step
✅ Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- If using dry beans, soak overnight and boil until tender.
- Wash and drain the rice.
- Blend the tomatoes, garlic, ginger, and pepper into a smooth paste.
✅ Step 2: Make the Tomato Sauce
- In a large pot, heat oil and sauté chopped onions until translucent.
- Add the blended tomato mixture and fry for 10–15 minutes until it thickens and the raw taste is gone.
- Stir in tomato paste, crayfish, seasoning cubes, and salt. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
✅ Step 3: Combine Rice and Beans
- Add the washed rice into the tomato base and stir well.
- Pour in enough water or stock to cover the rice completely.
- Cover and cook on medium heat for about 20 minutes.
✅ Step 4: Add Cooked Beans
- Once the rice is halfway cooked, stir in the pre-cooked beans.
- Adjust seasoning, add more water if needed, and simmer until the rice is soft and stew is well combined.
✅ Step 5: Serve
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes off heat.
- Serve hot as a standalone meal or pair with ripe fried plantains, salad, or grilled meat.
🍛 What to Serve with Cameroon Rice & Beans Stew
- Fried Ripe Plantains
- Boiled Eggs
- Grilled Chicken or Fish
- Avocado Slices
- Kachumbari or Fresh Tomato Salad
💡 Cooking Tips for the Best Results
- Use parboiled or long-grain rice to avoid sogginess.
- Always pre-cook dry beans to reduce overall cooking time.
- Palm oil adds authenticity, but vegetable oil can be used for a lighter flavor.
- Add water gradually while cooking to control the consistency of the stew.
🔄 Recipe Variations
- Spicy Version: Add more pepper or chili flakes for a fiery kick.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip crayfish and use vegetable stock instead of meat-based broth.
- Leafy Addition: Add chopped spinach or bitterleaf toward the end of cooking for a nutritious boost.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use canned beans for this recipe?
A: Yes! Rinse and drain the beans before adding to remove excess sodium and starch.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. Rice & Beans Stew stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Q: What type of rice is best for this dish?
A: Parboiled rice works best as it holds its texture even after prolonged simmering.
🇨🇲 Conclusion: Why You Should Try Cameroon Rice & Beans Stew
Cameroon Rice & Beans Stew is the ultimate comfort food—flavorful, affordable, and easy to prepare. It represents the richness of Cameroonian cuisine and offers a balanced combination of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats. Perfect for weekday dinners, gatherings, or meal prepping, this dish will easily become a favorite in your home.
