Wali Wa Mbirimbi (swahili Spiced Rice)

Wali wa Mbirimbi is a flavorful and aromatic spiced rice dish from Tanzanian cuisine. The dish is infused with a blend of traditional Swahili spices and the tangy flavor of mbirimbi, also known as bilimbi or cucumber tree fruit.

Wali Wa Mbirimbi (swahili Spiced Rice)

Ingredients

  • 2 cups basmati rice
  • 1 cup mbirimbi, sliced
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tomatoes, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
  3. Add the minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, and cinnamon to the pot. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Add the sliced mbirimbi and diced tomatoes to the pot. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Stir in the rinsed basmati rice and vegetable broth. Season with salt to taste. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
  6. Fluff the rice with a fork and let it sit, covered, for a few minutes before serving.

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
15 minutes
Cooking time:
25 minutes
Total time:
40 minutes
Cooking method
Stovetop

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
250 per serving
Carbohydrates
45g
Protein
5g
Fat
6g

Supplies

Large pot Cooking spoon Measuring cups and spoons

Tools

Stove

Serving suggestions

Serve the Wali wa Mbirimbi with a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Tips & tricks

For an extra burst of flavor, squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the rice before serving.

Cost

$10