Ceebu Jen (savory Sénégal)

Ceebu Jen, also known as Thieboudienne, is the national dish of Senegal and a beloved staple of Senegalese cuisine. This flavorful and aromatic dish features fish, rice, and a variety of vegetables, all simmered together to create a delicious one-pot meal.

Ceebu Jen (savory Sénégal)

Ingredients

  • 1 whole fish, cleaned and scaled
  • 2 cups of rice
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 tomatoes, diced
  • 1 carrot, sliced
  • 1 eggplant, cut into chunks
  • 1 cabbage, cut into wedges
  • 4 cups of water
  • 1/4 cup of tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup of vegetable oil
  • 1 scotch bonnet pepper, whole
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of black pepper

Instructions

  1. Season the fish with salt and pepper, then set aside.
  2. In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the onions and tomatoes, and cook until softened.
  3. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes.
  4. Add the water, carrot, eggplant, cabbage, and scotch bonnet pepper to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
  5. Add the rice to the pot and stir to combine. Nestle the seasoned fish into the rice and vegetables.
  6. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the fish is cooked through.
  7. Remove the scotch bonnet pepper before serving. Serve the Ceebu Jen hot, with the vegetables and fish arranged on top of the rice.

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
20 minutes
Cooking time:
1 hour
Total time:
1 hour
Cooking method
Stovetop

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
350 per serving
Protein
25g
Carbohydrates
40g
Fat
10g

Supplies

Large Pot Cooking Spoon Cutting Board Knife

Tools

Stove

Serving suggestions

Ceebu Jen is traditionally served with a side of spicy tomato sauce and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Tips & tricks

For a vegetarian version, you can omit the fish and use vegetable broth instead of water for a flavorful meat-free option.

Cost

$15