Boko Boko Harees

Boko Boko Harees Recipe from Burundi | Chicken, Gizzards, Onions, Turmeric & More

Region / culture: Burundi | Preparation time: 3 hours | Cooking time: 2 hours | Servings: 6

Introduction

Boko Boko Harees is a traditional dish that offers a unique blend of flavors and textures, making it a beloved meal in many households. This recipe combines whole or half-ground wheat with chicken, gizzards, and a sweet turmeric sauce, creating a rich and comforting dish. Perfect for special occasions or a hearty family dinner, Boko Boko Harees is sure to satisfy.

History

The origins of Boko Boko Harees can be traced back to the Middle East, where similar dishes like Harees or Harissa have been enjoyed for centuries during Ramadan and other festive occasions. Over time, variations of the recipe have spread across different cultures, each adding their unique twist. Boko Boko Harees represents one such adaptation, incorporating local ingredients and flavors to create a distinct version of this ancient dish.

Ingredients

3 teacups of whole or half ground wheat
3 chicken breasts
3 pairs of chicken gizzards
2 onions (1 big, grated or cut into tiny pieces, and 1 small, sliced and shredded)
3 tbsp turmeric paste or puree
5 tbsp sugar
5 cups of water
6 heaped teaspoons of ghee
2 tsp salt

How to prepare

Soak the wheat and leave it in water for 3 hours.
Boil the wheat, chicken breast, and grated onion in 3 cups of water.
Add 1 tsp of salt and continue cooking on low heat.
In a separate pot, prepare the sweet turmeric sauce.
Cut the chicken gizzards into small pieces and boil them with 3 spoons of turmeric paste/puree in 0.5 cup of water. Add a pinch of salt and 3 tbsp of sugar.
Allow the sauce to cool.
Once the wheat is thoroughly cooked, remove the chicken breast. They should be well-cooked and easily shred when touched.
Cut the chicken breast into small pieces and shred it well.
Put the chicken back into the bowl of wheat and stir.
By now, the wheat should have turned into a thick paste.
Add 2 to 3 spoons of ghee and continue stirring until the shredded chicken is evenly distributed.
The wheat paste should have a dough-like consistency, similar to that of baking dough.
If the paste is too hard, add a little water.
Once ready, remove from heat and cover the wheat paste.
In a small frying pan, fry the shredded onion in 3 to 4 spoons of ghee.
Continue stirring until the onions turn red and crispy.
Serving: Serve the turmeric sauce with pieces of chicken gizzards in a small bowl.
Pour the deep-fried onions with the ghee into another bowl and place it on the table. Allow a few minutes to cool, but not solidify.
Boko Boko is served while still warm (not hot, as it may cause burns).
One may choose to eat it with the fried onions, adding the ghee from the onions, or with the turmeric sauce.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken and gizzards with a mix of hearty vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and mushrooms. You can also experiment with different spices in the turmeric sauce to adjust the flavor profile to your liking.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure the best results when making Boko Boko Harees, consider the following tips:

- Soak the wheat for at least 3 hours to soften it, making it easier to cook to the desired consistency.

- Cook the wheat and chicken on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together and the wheat to become tender without burning.

- Shred the chicken finely to ensure it distributes evenly throughout the wheat paste.

- Adjust the consistency of the wheat paste with water as needed; it should be thick but not dry.

- Fry the onions until crispy for a delightful contrast in texture and an extra burst of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Boko Boko Harees is traditionally served warm with the sweet turmeric sauce and crispy fried onions on the side. It can be enjoyed as a main dish for lunch or dinner.

Cooking Techniques

The key techniques in preparing Boko Boko Harees involve slow-cooking the wheat and chicken to achieve a porridge-like consistency and frying the onions to a perfect crisp. Mastery of these techniques will ensure a delicious and authentic dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If whole or half-ground wheat is not available, barley or farro can be used as substitutes. For a dairy-free version, replace ghee with vegetable oil or a plant-based butter alternative.

Make Ahead Tips

Boko Boko Harees can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little water if necessary to adjust the consistency.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Boko Boko Harees in a large, shallow bowl to showcase its thick, porridge-like texture. Garnish with the crispy fried onions and a drizzle of the sweet turmeric sauce for an appealing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Boko Boko Harees with a simple green salad or pickled vegetables to add freshness and balance to the meal. A light, crisp white wine or a refreshing lemonade would complement the rich flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Boko Boko Harees in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, add a little water and warm over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A single serving of Boko Boko Harees contains approximately 400-500 calories, making it a hearty and fulfilling meal option.

Carbohydrates

A serving of Boko Boko Harees is rich in carbohydrates, primarily from the wheat used in the recipe. Whole wheat is a good source of complex carbohydrates, which provide sustained energy. Each serving contains approximately 45-55 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The ghee and chicken in Boko Boko Harees contribute to the dish's fat content. Ghee, a clarified butter, is rich in saturated fats, while chicken provides a mix of saturated and unsaturated fats. A serving of Boko Boko Harees contains about 15-20 grams of fat, depending on the amount of ghee used.

Proteins

Boko Boko Harees is a good source of protein, thanks to the chicken breasts and gizzards. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body. Each serving provides approximately 25-30 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is also a source of various vitamins and minerals. The chicken contributes B vitamins, particularly niacin and vitamin B6, essential for energy metabolism and neurological health. Whole wheat offers iron, magnesium, and zinc, while turmeric adds anti-inflammatory properties and boosts the immune system.

Alergens

The primary allergens in Boko Boko Harees include wheat (gluten) and dairy (ghee). Individuals with gluten intolerance or lactose intolerance should take caution.

Summary

Overall, Boko Boko Harees is a nutritious dish that provides a balanced mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals. It's a hearty meal that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Boko Boko Harees is a rich and comforting dish that combines the hearty flavors of wheat, chicken, and a sweet turmeric sauce. With its deep roots in Middle Eastern cuisine and a variety of nutritional benefits, it's a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed on special occasions or as a warming family dinner.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. Boko Boko Harees, a traditional Arab dish made with wheat and meat, sounded like a warm and comforting meal that reminded me of home. As a young girl growing up in a small village in Lebanon, I was always surrounded by delicious aromas and flavors that filled our kitchen. My mother would spend hours cooking traditional dishes, passing down recipes that had been in our family for generations.

One summer day, while visiting my aunt in the neighboring village, I had the opportunity to watch her make Boko Boko Harees. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was greeted by the rich scent of spices and simmering meat. My aunt, a master in the kitchen, welcomed me with a warm smile and invited me to watch as she prepared the dish.

She began by soaking the wheat in water, allowing it to soften and absorb the flavors of the cooking broth. In a large pot, she simmered chunks of lamb with onions, garlic, and a blend of aromatic spices. The meat slowly cooked until it was tender and falling apart, filling the kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma.

As the meat simmered, my aunt added the soaked wheat to the pot, stirring it gently to combine all the ingredients. The wheat absorbed the rich flavors of the broth, creating a creamy and hearty texture that would soon become the base of the dish. With each stir of the spoon, I could see the transformation of the ingredients coming together to create a delicious meal.

After hours of simmering, the Boko Boko Harees was finally ready. My aunt ladled the steaming dish into bowls, garnishing each serving with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper. The aroma of the dish filled the room, tempting me to take my first bite.

I eagerly accepted a bowl of the Boko Boko Harees, savoring each spoonful of the tender meat and creamy wheat. The flavors danced on my tongue, bringing back memories of my childhood and the comforting meals my mother used to make. As I finished my bowl, I knew that this recipe was one that I wanted to learn and pass down to future generations.

Over the years, I perfected my own version of Boko Boko Harees, adding my own personal touch to the traditional recipe. I experimented with different spices and cooking techniques, always striving to capture the flavors of my youth. Each time I made the dish, I felt a connection to my past and the strong women who had taught me the art of cooking.

Now, as I stand in my own kitchen, surrounded by the aromas of simmering meat and spices, I feel a sense of pride in being able to recreate this beloved dish. The memories of my mother and aunt guide me as I cook, their voices echoing in my mind as I stir the pot and taste the flavors of the Boko Boko Harees.

As I sit down to enjoy a bowl of the dish that has become a family favorite, I am filled with gratitude for the knowledge and recipes that have been passed down to me. I know that as long as I continue to cook and share these dishes with my loved ones, the traditions of my family will live on for generations to come. And so, with each bite of the Boko Boko Harees, I am reminded of the love and connection that food can bring to our lives.