Swahili Rice Recipes: Wali wa Yasmin (Onion Fried Rice)

Rice-based foods are common in urban and Swahili populations, as a result, the majority of rice dishes have Kiswahili names. For instance, “Mseto” is the term used to describe rice dishes that include components like beans, green peas, or potatoes. The rural areas occasionally eat rice meals.

The most popular is pilau, one of Kenya’s hot rice dishes. Recipes for plain rice are also included in this section. Some cultures include milk in their rice recipes, as is the case with the Kalenjin and Swahili populations.

Wali wa Yasmin (Onion Fried Rice)
Commonly known as Wali wa Yasmin, this recipe is typical to the Swahili community. It is mainly prepared for special occasions. It is usually served as a main course accompanied by a variety of stews or broths.
It is enjoyed by the whole family.

Ingredients
– 5 cups (898 g) raw white rice
– 4 onions, red-skinned, raw, unpeeled (335g)
– 2/3 cup (134 g) cooking oil
– 3 tsp. (15 g) salt iodized
– 7 ½ cups (1622 g) water

Preparation 35 minutes | Cooking 45 minutes | Serves 4
• Wash the rice and soak it in 2 cups of water for 30
minutes. Drain and discard the water.
• Peel, wash, and chop the onions and fry them in a
separate pan until golden brown.
• Boil 5 ½ cups of water in a pot.
• Add salt and the rice into the boiling water. Cover
to cook for 10 minutes.
• Add onions with the oil with which it was fried into the rice.
• Cover with aluminum foil and simmer for 11
minutes.
• Remove from fire.

Our favorite curry is chicken madras, and we frequently serve it with simple boiled rice. However, when we want something extra special, we make this onion fried rice.
It can be prepared very quickly, even while your curry is simmering, as long as you have some pre-cooked boiling rice on hand (we always keep some in the freezer).

Content courtesy of Kenya Food Recipes, Mama Ntilie & NFH
A Recipe Book of Common Mixed Dishes With Nutrient Values, As Prepared By Communities