Zamé Festif
The Quirky Foodster Team
Ingredients
- Rice — 4 cups (740 g / 1.6 lb)
- Beef or chicken, cut into pieces — 1 kg (2.2 lb)
- Tomatoes, chopped — 4
- Tomato paste — 3 tbsp
- Onions, chopped — 2
- Carrots, sliced — 2
- Cabbage, chopped — 1
- Oil — 3 tbsp
- Bouillon cubes — 2
- Water — 6 cups (1.4 litres / 48 fl oz)
- Salt and pepper — to taste
Method
- Heat the oil in a very large pot and brown the meat in batches, setting aside once coloured.
- In the same pot, sauté the onions until softened.
- Add the tomato paste and chopped tomatoes, cooking for 6–8 minutes until darkened.
- Return the meat to the pot along with the bouillon cubes and water, then bring to a boil and simmer for 30–35 minutes until the meat is tender.
- Add the carrots and cabbage, simmering for a further 10 minutes.
- Stir in the rice, ensuring it is just covered by liquid, and season with salt and pepper.
- Cover and cook over low heat for 20–25 minutes until the rice is tender, stirring gently partway through to prevent sticking.
Introduction: A festive, generously spiced tomato rice dish cooked with meat and a colourful mix of vegetables, prepared for Malian celebrations and large family gatherings.
Cultural Background: Zamé is the Malian name for a richly seasoned tomato rice made in large quantities for weddings, naming ceremonies and holiday feasts, distinct in its Malian spicing from similar rice dishes found elsewhere in West Africa.
Tips: Cooking in a very large, wide pot helps the rice cook evenly when making a big batch for a crowd. Check the rice partway through and add a little extra hot water if it looks like it’s drying out before it’s fully cooked.
Variations: Add whole hard-boiled eggs on top for a festive presentation. Include green beans or peas for extra colour and variety.
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, stirring occasionally, until hot throughout.
Nutrition: Per serving (approx.): 460 kcal, 24 g protein, 14 g fat, 58 g carbohydrate.
FAQs:
Q: How many people does this festive batch serve?
A: This quantity comfortably serves 10–12 people
Q: Is zamé different from riz au gras?
A: They are closely related, but zamé is typically the larger,
- Rice — 4 cups (740 g / 1.6 lb)
- Beef or chicken, cut into pieces — 1 kg (2.2 lb)
- Tomatoes, chopped — 4
- Tomato paste — 3 tbsp
- Onions, chopped — 2
- Carrots, sliced — 2
- Cabbage, chopped — 1
- Oil — 3 tbsp
- Bouillon cubes — 2
- Water — 6 cups (1.4 litres / 48 fl oz)
- Salt and pepper — to taste
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