Wali Ya Mboga

In its purest form, wali ya mboga (Swahili for “rice and vegetables”) is a minimalist dish—usually a simple mix of sautéed vegetables and basmati rice. This riff on the East African original presents a more maximalist approach and reflects my roots in both East Africa and India. Sure, rice and vegetables are still present in the form of long-grain rice swirled with ribbons of Swiss chard, but there’s also tender yogurt-marinated chicken and an earthy, aromatic tomato curry, with lots of sweet, jammy caramelized onions, making this version closer to a biryani. To serve, layer the rice, onions, and chicken on a platter; or for a more casual vibe, give everything a gentle toss and serve directly from the pot. Finish each serving with a dollop of creamy salted yogurt and some punchy quick-pickled onion, known as kachumbar, and you’ll have a wonderfully balanced and hearty meal. —Zaynab Issa