Benechin Kunkujang (steamed Gambian rice and lamb)

Benechin Kunkujang (steamed Gambian rice and lamb)

Main dishes

A popular Senegalese dish in The Gambia, benachin kunkujang is a variation of benachin, a rice dish filled with meat and vegetables cooked in a steamer.

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Benachin kunkujang is a popular traditional Senegalese dish in The Gambia. It consists of tender pieces of mutton, flavorful vegetables, and a delicious blend of spices, all cooked together in one pot. This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.

Ingredients and directions

  • Prep time30 min
  • Cook time25 min
  • Resting10 min
  • Total1 hr 5 min
  • DifficultyMedium
  • CostModerate
  • Cooking methodjar
  • Estimated cost$13.02 $3.26 / serving Estimated price; varies by store. Converted from euros at the ECB rate of October 7, 2026.
  • Vegetarian
  • Low salt

Ingredients

4 people
  • $1.16
  • $0.13
  • $0.15
  • $0.10
  • $0.77
  • $3.16
  • $0.68
  • $1.58
  • $0.63
  • $1.25
  • $0.46
  • $0.60
  • $1.24
  • $1.11

Prices from US supermarkets for 8 of 14 ingredients; Belgian prices for the rest.

Directions

  1. Rinse the long-grain rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Set aside. ≈ 2 min
  2. In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and cook until softened and translucent.
  3. Add the lamb cubes to the pot and cook until they are browned on all sides.
  4. Add the diced red and green peppers, as well as the orange chili peppers, and cook for a few minutes until they begin to soften.
  5. Add the chopped tomatoes and tomato paste to the pot, stirring well to combine them with the other ingredients. ≈ 4 min
  6. Sprinkle with ginger powder, black pepper, cilantro, paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt. Mix all the ingredients together to create a coating for the meat and vegetables. ≈ 4 min
  7. Pour the water or broth into the pot and bring the mixture to a boil.
  8. Once the water has come to a boil, add the rinsed rice to the pot, stirring well, and reduce the heat to low.
  9. Cover the pot with the lid and let the rice simmer for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid has been absorbed. Avoid opening the lid during this time to ensure proper cooking.
  10. Remove the pot from the heat and let it stand, covered, for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  11. Whisk the rice with a fork and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro. ≈ 10 min
  12. Serve hot. ≈ 2 min

The bill

Benechin Kunkujang (steamed Gambian rice and lamb)

  • 400 g of long-grain rice$1.16
  • 30 ml of vegetable oil paint$0.13
  • 1 onion, finely chopped$0.15
  • 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped$0.10
  • 1 orange bell pepper, diced$0.77
  • 1 bell pepper and 1 orange, diced$3.16
  • 2 tomatoes, diced$0.68
  • 150 ml of tomato paste$1.58
  • 30 ml of powdered ginger$0.63
  • 30 ml of ground black pepper$1.25
  • 15 ml of ground cilantro$0.46
  • 15 ml of paprika powder$0.60
  • 15 ml of ground cayenne pepper (adjust to your preference)$1.24
  • 400 ml of water or broth$1.11

Total$13.02

that's $3.26 per person

Estimated price; varies by store.

Before you start

Ingredients

  • 400 g of long-grain rice
  • 30 ml of vegetable oil paint
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
  • 500 g of lamb, cut into small pieces
  • 1 orange bell pepper, diced
  • 1 bell pepper and 1 orange, diced
  • 2 tomatoes, diced
  • 150 ml of tomato paste
  • 30 ml of powdered ginger
  • 30 ml of ground black pepper
  • 15 ml of ground cilantro
  • 15 ml of paprika powder
  • 15 ml of ground cayenne pepper (adjust to your preference)
  • A pinch of salt
  • 400 ml of water or broth

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