Bariis iyo Hilib Iskukaris (One-Pot Somali Spiced Rice with Meat)
Bariis iyo Hilib Iskukaris is a comforting and flavorful one-pot Somali dish where fragrant rice is cooked with tender meat and a blend of aromatic spices. It's a staple meal, perfect for lunch or dinner, offering a complete and satisfying experience.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Lamb or beef(cubed)
- 2 cups Basmati rice(washed and soaked for 30 minutes)
- 1 large Onion(finely chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated or minced)
- 2 medium Tomatoes(chopped)
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil or ghee
- 3.5 cups Water or broth(adjust as needed)
- 1 tsp Ground cumin
- 1 tsp Ground coriander
- 0.5 tsp Turmeric powder
- 0.5 tsp Paprika
- 3-4 whole Cardamom pods
- 1 small Cinnamon stick
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Fresh cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat the oil or ghee in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- 2
Add the cubed meat and brown it on all sides. Remove the meat and set aside.
- 3
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and lightly golden, about 5-7 minutes.
- 4
Add the minced garlic and ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 5
Stir in the chopped tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down.
- 6
Add the ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, cardamom pods, and cinnamon stick. Stir well to combine with the tomato mixture.
- 7
Return the browned meat to the pot. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- 8
Add the washed and drained basmati rice to the pot. Stir gently to coat the rice with the spices and meat mixture.
- 9
Pour in the water or broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
- 10
Let the pot stand, covered, for 5-10 minutes off the heat to allow the rice to steam. Fluff the rice with a fork.
- 11
Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Soaking the rice helps it cook more evenly and become fluffier.
- ✓Adjust the amount of water or broth based on the type of rice used and desired consistency.
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can brown the meat in batches.
🔄 Variations
- Add mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, or potatoes along with the rice.
- Use a whole chicken cut into pieces instead of lamb or beef.
- For a spicier dish, add a chopped green chili or a pinch of chili flakes with the spices.