Bruine Bonen (Suriname)
Bruine Bonen, or brown beans, is a beloved and hearty dish from Suriname that reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage. This flavourful meal is typically made with tender brown beans stewed with meat, often chicken or salted pork, alongside vegetables, herbs, and spices. Served over rice, it combines influences from African, Dutch, and Indian cuisines. This recipe was shared with me by Valarie.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken legs
- 500g smoked pork sausages
- 250g salt beef
- 2 cups of rice
- 1 onion
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 2 tomatoes
- 1 Tb tomato ketchup
- 1 tsp tomato puree
- 10 allspice berries
- 800g can pinto beans
- 4 Maggi bouillon cubes
- 2 stock cubes (chicken or beef)
- 2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1-2 Tb sugar
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 can of coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
Ingredients for the Sides:
- 1 ripe plantain
- 1 ripe tomato
- 1 cucumber
- 1 red onion
- 1 yellow scotch bonnet pepper
- Vinegar (to taste)
- Salt (to taste)
Step 1
Start by cooking your cured or salted meat for 30 minutes to help remove some of the excess salt.
Step 2
Slice the onion and garlic, then sauté them in coconut oil until fragrant.
Step 3
Incorporate the brisket, sausage, and chicken into the pan, frying them for a couple of minutes until lightly browned.
Step 4
Add tomato paste, seasoning cubes, and 1 cup of water to the pan. Allow it to simmer as you prepare the rice. While the meat simmers, wash your rice thoroughly.
Step 5
Combine Ingredients: Add the washed rice, coconut milk, 2 cups of water, and the whole scotch bonnet pepper to the pot.
Step 6
Cover the pot with a towel underneath the lid to trap the steam, and let it slowly simmer for about 30 minutes.
Step 7
After 30 minutes, remove the pepper and stir the rice. If the liquid has evaporated and the rice is not fully cooked, add a little more water. Close the lid again and check after 10 minutes. If the rice is still not cooked, add more water and check again after another 10 minutes.
Step 8
Fry the Plantains: Slice the plantains lengthwise and fry them in some oil until golden brown.
Step 9
Prepare the Salad: Thinly slice the onion and pepper, then mix them with salt, 2 tablespoons of vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of warm water.
Step 10
Slice the Vegetables: Cut the tomato and cucumber into thin rounds.