Atassi (Beninese Rice and Beans with Red Sauce)
In short: Black-eyed peas simmered until nearly soft, then rice cooked in their broth, served with a red tomato, chili and palm oil sauce. It takes about 1 h 55 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 25 min
- Cook
- 1 h 30 min
- Resting
- 8 h
- Total
- 1 h 55 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 555 kcal
Atassi is the Beninese way with rice and beans: black-eyed peas simmered until almost soft, then rice cooked in their broth so both finish together. It is served with a red sauce of tomatoes, onion, chili and palm oil, and often with fried fish or chicken. It is a filling, inexpensive lunch in homes and at market stalls, and it is entirely plant-based unless you add the fish.
Instructions
- Drain the soaked peas and put them in a pot with the 1.2 L of fresh water. Bring to a boil, skim off the foam, then simmer partly covered for 35 to 40 minutes until almost tender.
- Drain the peas, keeping 800 ml (3 1/3 cups) of the cooking water. Top it up with plain water if you are short.
- Return the peas and the measured water to the pot with the salt and bring to a boil. Stir in the rice and level it out.
- Cover tightly and cook on the lowest heat for 18 to 20 minutes, until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed. Rest for 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook the onions for 6 minutes, then add the garlic and tomato paste for 2 minutes.
- Add the blended tomatoes, chili and salt and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, until thick and the oil rises to the surface. Remove the chili.
- Fluff the rice and beans with a fork. Serve with the red sauce and fried fish or chicken.
Tips
- Do not stir the rice after the first mix, or it turns sticky. Keep the lid tight and the heat low.
- For a faster atassi, use two 400 g (14 oz) cans of black-eyed peas, drained, and cook the rice in 700 ml (3 cups) of water for 18 minutes before folding in the peas.
Questions and answers
What is atassi?
Atassi is a Beninese dish of rice and beans cooked together and served with a spicy tomato sauce and often fried fish or chicken. The Fon name for rice and beans is ayimolou.
Can I use other beans?
Black-eyed peas are traditional, but cowpeas or small red beans also work. Adjust the cooking time until the beans are almost tender.
Can I freeze atassi?
Yes. Freeze the rice and beans and the sauce separately for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat with a splash of water.
How long does it take to make Atassi (Beninese Rice and Beans with Red Sauce)?
About 1 h 55 min in total: 25 min of preparation and 1 h 30 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Atassi (Beninese Rice and Beans with Red Sauce)?
About 555 kcal per serving, with 17 g of protein, 92 g of carbohydrates and 13 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 555 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 17 g |
| Carbohydrates | 92 g |
| Fat | 13 g |
| Fiber | 9 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 700 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
