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Benachin: Origins, Food Culture & Recipe
Rice cooks together with tomato, vegetables and fish or meat in this classic Gambian one-pot dish.
RegionThe Gambia
DishRice cooks together with tomato, vegetables and fish or meat in this classic Gambian one-pot dish.
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Culinary portrait
Rice cooks together with tomato, vegetables and fish or meat in this classic Gambian one-pot dish.
Origins and cultural meaning
Gambian cuisine belongs to the wider Senegambian cultural region and reflects Mandinka, Wolof, Fula, Jola and Serer traditions.
Flavour and texture
Groundnuts, okra, palm oil, onions, tomatoes, chilli, lemon, millet, rice and fish create nutty, savoury, tart and spicy contrasts.
Kitchen knowledge
Cook fish, meat and poultry completely, keep marinades and dairy products refrigerated and prepare leafy vegetables carefully.
Cook it yourself
How to prepare Benachin
Ingredients
- 500 g long-grain rice
- 700 g fish or chicken
- 3 tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 onion
- carrots, cabbage and aubergine
- 900 ml stock
- chilli and salt
Preparation
- Brown the fish or chicken briefly.
- Cook onion, tomatoes and tomato paste into a concentrated base.
- Add vegetables and stock and simmer.
- Add the washed rice and cook it in the aromatic liquid.
- Cook until the rice and protein are fully done, then serve together.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
What is Benachin?
Rice cooks together with tomato, vegetables and fish or meat in this classic Gambian one-pot dish.
Is Benachin typical of The Gambia?
Yes. It is part of the country’s Senegambian food culture and everyday culinary tradition.