🐟 Thieboudienne (Tchep) – Senegalese Rice with Fish and Vegetables
✨ Introduction

Thieboudienne (also known as Tchep or Ceebu Jën) is the national dish of Senegal. It consists of steamed rice in a savory tomato sauce, combined with fresh fish and a variety of vegetables such as carrots, cabbage, and cassava. It’s more than just a dish – it’s a piece of African culture served on a plate.

📝 Ingredients (serves 4–6)
🐟 For the Fish and Spice Paste (rof):

• 4–6 pieces of fish (e.g., sea bream or mackerel)

• 3 garlic cloves

• 1 small onion

• 1 bunch of parsley

• 1 tsp salt, pepper

• 1 tsp mustard (optional)

🍚 For the Rice and Vegetables:

• 500 g long-grain or parboiled rice

• 3 tbsp tomato paste

• 2 large tomatoes (chopped or blended)

• 1 large onion (chopped)

• 1 small eggplant

• 2 carrots

• 1/2 head of white cabbage

• 1 piece of cassava (peeled)

• 1–2 chili peppers (to taste)

• 1–2 stock cubes

• Salt, pepper

• Oil

• Water

👨🏽🍳 Preparation
1. Prepare the fish
Blend garlic, parsley, onion, salt, and pepper into a paste (rof).
Make small cuts into the fish and stuff them with the paste.
Lightly fry the fish in oil, then set aside.

2. Make the sauce and cook the vegetables
Sauté onion in oil, then add tomato paste and fresh tomatoes.
Season with stock cubes, pepper, and salt. Let simmer for a few minutes.
Add the fish and whole vegetables (carrots, cabbage, cassava, eggplant, chili), then cover with water. Simmer for about 30 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
Carefully remove the fish and vegetables and set aside.

3. Cook the rice
Wash the rice thoroughly, then add it to the sauce (adjust the liquid as needed).
Cover and cook over low heat until the rice has absorbed the liquid (about 20–25 minutes).
Stir occasionally while cooking.

🍽 Serving suggestion
Arrange the rice on a large platter, place the vegetables on top, and lay the fish over everything. Thieboudienne is traditionally eaten together from one large bowl – with family or friends.

💡 Tip
For extra flavor, you can add dried fish or shrimp to the sauce. A squeeze of lemon juice before serving also enhances the taste!