Recipe
Gambian One-Pot Chicken & Rice
A colourful Gambian one-pot rice supper with chicken, tomato, cabbage, carrots and sweet potato, simmered together until the rice is tender and the pan juices are richly seasoned.
Ingredients
Method
25 mins prep60 mins cook85 mins total
Brown the chicken in oil and set aside. Fry onion, garlic and ginger for 5 minutes, then stir in tomato purée for 2 minutes.
Add tomatoes, thyme, chilli and 200 ml stock. Cook uncovered for 15 minutes until concentrated.
Return the chicken with the carrots, cabbage, sweet potato and remaining stock. Simmer for 15 minutes.
Stir in the rice, cover tightly and cook on low for 25 minutes. Rest for 10 minutes before fluffing.
Check the chicken is cooked through, then serve the rice with the vegetables and pan juices.
Notes
Use firm vegetables so they hold their shape. Add stock a little at a time if the rice needs more moisture.
About this recipe
Benachin is a comforting Gambian one-pot supper built around rice cooked in a concentrated tomato sauce. Chicken, cabbage, carrots and sweet potato share the pan, so the grains absorb the savoury cooking juices while the vegetables stay substantial.
Brown the chicken first, then reduce the tomato base before adding the rice. Keep the lid firmly closed during the final simmer and let the dish rest before fluffing, which helps the rice finish evenly. The result is a generous family meal with tender chicken, colourful vegetables and a richly flavoured rice base.
