Ibiharage (Burundian Red Beans in Palm Oil)
In short: Red kidney beans simmered until tender, then fried with onion, garlic, chili and red palm oil until glossy. Burundi's everyday staple. It takes about 2 h in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 1 h 40 min
- Resting
- 8 h
- Total
- 2 h
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 365 kcal
Ibiharage, or beans, is the food Burundians eat most often, and it is often called the national dish. Red beans are simmered until soft and then fried in palm oil with onion, garlic and chili so each bean is coated and glossy. The plate is simple and filling, usually served with fried plantain, boiled cassava, rice or sweet potato. It is cheap, keeps well and tastes even better the next day.
Instructions
- Put the beans in a large pot and cover with fresh water by 5 cm (2 in). Bring to a hard boil for 10 minutes, skimming any foam.
- Reduce the heat, partly cover and simmer for 60 to 75 minutes until the beans are tender but still whole. Add hot water as needed to keep them covered.
- Drain the beans, keeping 120 ml (1/2 cup) of the cooking liquid.
- Heat the palm oil in a wide pan over medium heat. Cook the onion for 6 minutes until soft and golden, then add the garlic and chili for 1 minute.
- Add the beans, the reserved liquid and the salt. Stir well, mashing a few beans against the pan to thicken the sauce.
- Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring now and then, until the beans are glossy and the liquid has cooked down. Taste for salt and serve hot.
Tips
- Boil the kidney beans hard for the full 10 minutes in step 1. This destroys a natural toxin that raw kidney beans contain.
- Red palm oil gives the traditional flavor and color. If you cannot find it, use vegetable oil with a pinch of paprika.
Questions and answers
What do you serve with ibiharage?
Fried plantain or boiled cassava are the classic partners. Rice, sweet potato, bread or a fresh salad are also common.
Can I use canned beans?
Yes. Use 3 cans, drained, and skip the first three steps. Fry them for 10 minutes with 120 ml water.
Can I make ibiharage ahead?
Yes. It keeps for 4 days in the fridge and freezes for 3 months. Reheat with a splash of water.
How long does it take to make Ibiharage (Burundian Red Beans in Palm Oil)?
About 2 h in total: 20 min of preparation and 1 h 40 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Ibiharage (Burundian Red Beans in Palm Oil)?
About 365 kcal per serving, with 18 g of protein, 48 g of carbohydrates and 12 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 365 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 48 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 18 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 720 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
