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Vegetarian, Africa and overseas

Tsaramaso with white beans and rice

Tsaramaso is a Malagasy dish of white beans simmered with tomato, garlic, onion, and ginger, served over rice. For 4 people, it takes 40 minutes and no special skills, at about €1.50 per person. The key to success is adding the beans near the end of cooking so they keep their shape.

Tonight, tsaramaso, white beans simmered with tomato, garlic, and onion, Madagascar style, served with rice.

Tsaramaso with white beans and rice
Total time
40 min
Difficulty
Very easy
Cost per person
€1.50
Calories per person
550 kcalcalculated by Kiloach, your weight coach
Season
Winter, Fall
The kids
They generally like it

Tsaramaso pairs the softness of white beans with the tang of well cooked down tomatoes, brightened by ginger and garlic that flavor the whole sauce. The beans stay whole and tender, and the sauce thickens just enough to coat the rice. At Mon Chou, this is the kind of dish that feels comforting without complicating your evening.

It's a great weeknight dinner when you want something easy to make but still full of flavor, built from pantry staples you likely already have on hand. Kids tend to like it for its mild taste and soft texture, and you can always add chili to your own bowl on the side if you want more heat.

The ingredients

4 people

Pantry

  • Canned white beansoften in the pantry 2 can
  • Long grain riceoften in the pantry 280 g
  • Sunflower oiloften in the pantry 3 tbsp
  • Saltoften in the pantry 2 pinch
  • Pepperoften in the pantry 1 pinch

Fruits and vegetables

  • Tomatoes 4
  • Onions 2
  • Garlic 3 cloves
  • Fresh ginger 1 tsp
  • Parsley 8 sprigs

The step by step recipe

  1. Mince the onions, garlic, and ginger, and dice the tomatoes.

    Keep the tomato skins on, they melt away during cooking.

  2. Sauté the onions, garlic, and ginger in the oil, add the tomatoes, season with salt and pepper. 12 min

    Let the tomatoes cook down until they're completely soft.

  3. Drain and rinse the white beans, add them to the sauce with a small glass of water, and let simmer over low heat. 12 min

    Mash a few beans to thicken the sauce.

  4. Cook the rice in salted water, then drain it. 12 min

    Rinse the rice so it doesn't stick together.

  5. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve the beans over the rice.

    A touch of fresh chili in the bowl pleases anyone who likes it spicy.

Our tips to get it right

  • Pick ripe tomatoes, they break down faster and give you a smoother sauce.
  • Don't rinse the canned beans too thoroughly, a bit of their starch helps bind the sauce.
  • Taste the sauce before adding the beans, that's the best moment to adjust salt and pepper.

The variations

  • Swap the white beans for red kidney beans for a heartier, slightly firmer version.
  • Stir in leafy greens, like spinach or cabbage, near the end of cooking for a more complete meal.
  • For a faster version, use precooked rice and cut the beans' simmering time down to 5 minutes.

What to serve it with

  • A squeeze of fresh lime
  • A crisp cucumber salad
  • A hot cup of black tea

Storage

Tsaramaso keeps for 3 days in the fridge in a sealed container, rice and beans stored separately or together. It freezes well, especially the beans in sauce. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.

Questions about this dish

Can I use dried white beans instead of canned?

Yes, but you'll need to soak them overnight and cook them for about an hour before adding them to the sauce. Canned beans stay more practical for a quick weeknight dinner.

How do I thicken the sauce if it's too runny?

Mash a few beans with a fork right in the sauce, as the recipe suggests. You can also simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.

Can tsaramaso be made ahead?

Yes, the tomato and bean sauce can be made a day ahead and actually tastes better after resting. Cook the rice at the last minute so it stays hot and fluffy.

What if I don't have fresh ginger?

You can swap it for half a teaspoon of ground ginger, the flavor will be slightly less bright but still fragrant. The garlic and onion will carry more of the sauce in that case.

How long does it take to make a tsaramaso with white beans and rice?

Count 40 min in total, prep and cooking included. The recipe is rated “very easy”.

How many calories are in a tsaramaso with white beans and rice?

About 550 kcal per serving, for a recipe meant for 4 people. Calories are calculated by Kiloach, your weight coach, the app that partners with Mon Chou.

How much does a tsaramaso with white beans and rice cost?

About €1.50 per serving, or €6.00 for 4 people, based on average supermarket prices.

What allergens does this recipe contain?

This recipe contains none of the major allergens tracked by Mon Chou. Always check the labels of the products you buy.

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