Thieboudienne Recipe – Mauritania's Flavorful Rice Dish

Name: Thieboudienne
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 3-5 servings
Cuisine: Mauritania
Ingredients: bell pepper; black pepper; cabbage; carrot; cloves garlic; coriander; cumin; cut into fillets; fish broth; for the fish; for the rice; grouper; lemon juice; long grain rice; marinade; onion; paprika; pounds fish such as snapper; salt; tomatoes; turmeric; vegetable; vegetable oil; vegetables

Thieboudienne is a beloved dish in Mauritania, representing the country's rich culinary heritage. Made with marinated fish and flavorful rice, it's often enjoyed during family gatherings and celebrations. This vibrant dish showcases the diverse flavors of Mauritania's coastal culture.

⚡ Medium 🔥 ~450 kcal / serving

Ingredients

For the Fish and Marinade:
2 pounds fish (such as snapper or grouper), cleaned and cut into fillets
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Rice and Vegetables:
2 cups long-grain rice
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 large tomatoes, chopped
1 large carrot, peeled and sliced
1 bell pepper, chopped
1/2 small cabbage, chopped
2-3 cups vegetable or fish broth
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon ground paprika
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Marinate the Fish

In a bowl, combine the lemon juice, minced garlic, coriander, cumin, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Rub the mixture over the fish fillets and let marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Prepare the Rice

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Set aside.

Cook the Vegetables

Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and saut√© until softened, about 5 minutes.

Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for another 5 minutes, until the tomatoes break down and form a sauce.

Stir in the sliced carrot, bell pepper, and cabbage. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Cook the Thieboudienne

Add the vegetable or fish broth to the pot and bring to a simmer. Stir in the ground turmeric, paprika, black pepper, and salt.

Add the marinated fish fillets to the pot, submerging them in the broth. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, until the fish is cooked through.

Remove the fish from the pot and set aside.

Add the rice to the pot, stirring gently to combine. Cover and cook over low heat for 20-25 minutes, until the rice is tender and has absorbed the flavors.

Serve

Serve the rice and vegetables on a platter, topped with the cooked fish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Thieboudienne?

Thieboudienne is a traditional Mauritanian dish made with fish, rice, and vegetables, often marinated for extra flavor.

Where does Thieboudienne come from?

Thieboudienne originates from Mauritania, particularly from the coastal regions where fishing is a vital part of the culture.

What are the main ingredients in Thieboudienne?

Key ingredients include fish (like snapper or grouper), rice, garlic, lemon juice, coriander, cumin, and vegetables.

How long does Thieboudienne take to make?

Thieboudienne takes approximately 85-105 minutes to prepare and cook.

What do you serve with Thieboudienne?

Thieboudienne is often served with a side of fresh salad or a spicy sauce to enhance its flavors.

Thieboudienne