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Holidays & Special Occasions

Loso ya Fête (Festive Chicken and Vegetable Rice)

The Quirky Foodster Team

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ (0)
20 min
Prep
50 min
Cook

Ingredients

  • 500 g Long-grain white rice (2 1/2 cups)
  • 700 g Chicken thighs, bone-in (1 1/2 lb)
  • 150 g Carrots, diced (2 medium)
  • 150 g Green beans, chopped (1 1/2 cups)
  • 150 g Onion, chopped (1 large)
  • 200 g Tomatoes, chopped (2 medium)
  • 30 g Tomato paste (2 tbsp)
  • 45 ml Vegetable oil (3 tbsp)
  • 3 Garlic cloves, minced (3 cloves)
  • 2 Bouillon cubes (2 cubes)
  • 900 ml Water (3 3/4 cups)
  • 6g Salt (1 tsp)

Method

  1. Season the chicken with half the salt and brown in the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat, about 8 minutes per side; set aside.
  2. In the same pot, sauté the onion and garlic for 5 minutes until softened.
  3. Add the tomatoes and tomato paste, cooking for 8 minutes until the mixture darkens slightly.
  4. Return the chicken to the pot with the water and crumbled bouillon cubes, and simmer covered for 20 minutes.
  5. Rinse the rice until the water runs clear, then add it to the pot along with the carrots and green beans.
  6. Stir well, cover, and cook over low heat for 20 minutes, without lifting the lid, until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
  7. Season with the remaining salt, fluff with a fork, and serve as the centrepiece of the festive table.

Introduction: This colourful, richly seasoned rice dish, studded with chicken and vegetables, is prepared for major DRC celebrations such as Christmas and Independence Day, when families gather in large numbers and a generous, crowd-pleasing centrepiece is needed.

Cultural Background: This colourful, richly seasoned rice dish, studded with chicken and vegetables, is prepared for major DRC celebrations such as Christmas and Independence Day, when families gather in large numbers and a generous, crowd-pleasing centrepiece is needed.

Tips: Resist lifting the lid while the rice cooks — this lets steam escape and can leave the rice undercooked and unevenly done.

Variations: Adding raisins or diced bell peppers gives extra colour and a hint of sweetness, popular at Christmas gatherings. Omit the chicken and use extra vegetables and a vegetable bouillon cube for a fully vegetarian festive rice. Omit the chicken and use a vegetable bouillon cube; the rest of the recipe is vegan.

Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat in a covered pan over low heat with a splash of water, or microwave for 3-4 minutes, stirring halfway.

Nutrition: Approx. 480 kcal, 28g protein, 58g carbohydrate, 15g fat per serving.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this in advance for a large gathering?
A: Yes — it reheats well; prepare it a day ahead and reheat gently with a splash of water to loosen the rice.

Q: What other vegetables work well?
A: Diced bell peppers, peas or sweetcorn are all popular additions that keep the festive colours varied.

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