Thieboudienne

Thieboudienne (also spelled Thieboudiene, Ceebu Jën, or Chebu Jen) is a traditional Senegalese dish, often considered the national dish of Senegal. The name Thieboudienne is a Wolof word meaning "rice with fish".

History

The dish is believed to have been created by Penda Mbaye, a cook from Saint-Louis, in the 19th century. It was originally made with broken rice that was left over from the rice trade with the Europeans.

Ingredients

Thieboudienne is made from white rice, fish, and a variety of vegetables that can include cassava, cabbage, carrots, and eggplant. The dish is often flavored with netetou, a local ingredient made from the seeds of the Parkia biglobosa tree, and tamarind.

Preparation

The fish is first marinated with parsley, garlic, onions, chili peppers, and lemon, and then fried. The rice is cooked in a rich tomato sauce, and the vegetables are boiled in a separate pot. Once everything is cooked, the ingredients are combined and served.

Cultural significance

Thieboudienne is a staple in Senegalese cuisine and is often served at family gatherings and special occasions. It is also popular in other West African countries, such as Gambia and Mauritania.

Variations

There are many variations of Thieboudienne, including Thieboudienne rouge (red Thieboudienne), which is made with tomato paste, and Thieboudienne blanc (white Thieboudienne), which is made without tomato paste.

See also

• Cuisine of Senegal
• Jollof rice
• List of African dishes