About this Dish
Coconut rice served with slow-cooked, spiced beef or goat.
History & Origin
A Swahili coast classic, wali na nyama reflects Tanzania's Indian Ocean trade history, the rice cooked in coconut milk alongside warmly spiced meat.
IngredientsServes 2
🥩Beef or goat meat, 800g cut into large chunks
🍚Long grain white rice, 2 cups
🥥Coconut milk, 400ml (1 can)
🧅Large onions, 2 finely chopped
🍅Ripe tomatoes, 3 roughly chopped
🧄Garlic cloves, 4 minced
🫚Vegetable oil, 4 tablespoons
🌿Pilau masala spice mix, 2 teaspoons
🌶️Fresh green chilli, 1 whole
🧂Salt, to taste
Method
1
Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the meat chunks and brown them on all sides for about 5 minutes until nicely seared — this builds deep flavour.2
Add the chopped onions to the pot and cook with the meat for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn golden and soft. Stir in the minced garlic and pilau masala and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.3
Add the chopped tomatoes and the whole green chilli, stir everything together, and season generously with salt. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the meat slow-cook for 45–60 minutes, adding small splashes of water if it starts to dry out, until the meat is completely tender and the sauce is thick and rich.4
While the meat is finishing, rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. In a separate medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat and toast the rice for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.5
Pour the coconut milk into the rice along with 1.5 cups of water and a good pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to the lowest heat, cover tightly with a lid, and cook for 18–20 minutes without lifting the lid.6
Once the rice is cooked, fluff it gently with a fork. Serve the coconut rice on a plate with a generous portion of the spiced meat and its sauce spooned over or alongside.7
Serve the coconut rice piled onto a large plate with the spiced meat on top or alongside, scattered with fresh coriander to finish.User Reviews
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