Chubbagin Recipe – Mauritania's Savory Snack

Name: Chubbagin
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 3-5 servings
Cuisine: Mauritania
Ingredients: beef; black pepper; carrot; cinnamon; cloves garlic; coriander; coriander for garnish; cubed; cumin; g beef; green beans cut into pieces; lamb cut into cubes; onion; paprika; potatoes; salt; tomato paste; turmeric; vegetable oil; vegetable stock

Chubbagin is a popular snack in Mauritania, featuring tender pieces of beef or lamb simmered with aromatic spices. This dish holds cultural significance, often enjoyed during social gatherings and celebrations. It's a flavorful representation of Mauritanian cuisine that showcases the region's love for hearty, spiced meat dishes.

⚡ Medium 🔥 ~400 kcal / serving

Ingredients

500 g (1.1 lbs) beef or lamb, cut into small cubes
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 large carrot, sliced
2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 cup green beans, cut into pieces
4 cups beef or vegetable stock
Salt to taste
Fresh coriander for garnish

Instructions

Sear the Meat

Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef or lamb cubes and sear until browned on all sides. Remove the meat and set aside.

Cook Aromatics

In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Saut√© until the onions are soft and translucent.

Add Tomato Paste and Spices

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for a couple of minutes. Add the ground cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, and black pepper. Stir to combine and cook for another minute.

Add Vegetables and Stock

Return the browned meat to the pot. Add the sliced carrot, cubed potatoes, and green beans. Pour in the beef or vegetable stock and bring to a boil.

Simmer

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the meat and vegetables are tender.

Season

Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt as needed.

Garnish and Serve

Garnish with fresh coriander before serving. Enjoy hot with couscous or rice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chubbagin?

Chubbagin is a savory Mauritanian snack made with marinated beef or lamb, cooked with spices and served warm.

Where does Chubbagin come from?

Chubbagin hails from Mauritania, where it is enjoyed as a traditional snack during various local festivities.

What are the main ingredients in Chubbagin?

The main ingredients include beef or lamb, onion, garlic, vegetable oil, tomato paste, and a blend of spices.

How long does Chubbagin take to make?

Chubbagin takes approximately 75-90 minutes to prepare and cook.

What do you serve with Chubbagin?

Chubbagin is delicious when served with flatbread or alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Chubbagin