Rice with beans, one of the most popular dishes in Benin

Rice with beans, or Atassi as they say in Fon, and Waké as they say in Dendi and Bariba, is one of the most popular dishes in Benin. To prepare that dish, you need rice and beans (the amount depends on the number of people), a kettle, water, fire, and red potasse, made from the roasted dried leaves of the amaranth.

We explain how to prepare the famous dish in just a few steps.

Put the pot with water on the fire. Remove the bad seeds and other debris from the beans, rinse them, and put them in the pot with water.

Dissolve the red potasse in a small amount of water and add to the contents of the pot. The potasse adds color to the bean rice.

Cook for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, rinse the rice and add it to the kettle as well. Add a little salt and cook until the rice is tender.

You can eat the bean rice with sautéed vegetables. You can also add a little chili and oil to it. In the pictures below, the bean rice is served with a mixture of fried tomatoes, cabbage, and carrots. Bon appetit!

If you go to Benin, be sure to try the dish. We assure you that you will not be disappointed.