Baasto Suqaar (Somali Pasta with Minced Meat)
A popular and comforting Somali dish featuring pasta cooked in a rich, spiced tomato and minced meat sauce, often enjoyed as a hearty meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Spaghetti or Penne
- 500 g Ground beef or lamb
- 2 medium Onions(finely chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 400 g Tomatoes(crushed or pureed)
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil or ghee
- 1 tsp Cumin powder
- 1 tsp Coriander powder
- 0.5 tsp Turmeric powder
- 0.5 tsp Cinnamon powder
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1 cup Water or beef broth
- 0.25 cup Fresh cilantro or parsley(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- 2
Heat oil or ghee in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3
Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Add the ground meat to the pot. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned, draining off any excess fat.
- 5
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
- 6
Pour in the water or beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
- 7
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- 8
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
- 9
Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, use lamb instead of beef.
- ✓Adjust the spice level by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- ✓Ensure the sauce simmers long enough for the flavors to develop.
🔄 Variations
- Add chopped bell peppers or carrots to the sauce for extra vegetables.
- Serve with a side of salad or a dollop of plain yogurt.