Bariis iyo Hilib Lool (Spiced Rice with Beef)
A fragrant and flavorful Somali rice dish featuring tender beef cooked with aromatic spices, often served as a celebratory meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 750 g Beef(cubed, preferably chuck or stewing beef)
- 3 cups Basmati rice(rinsed and soaked for 30 minutes)
- 2 medium Onions(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch Ginger(grated)
- 400 g Tomatoes(crushed or diced)
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 Cinnamon stick
- 4 Cardamom pods
- 3 Cloves
- 1 Bay leaf
- 1 tsp Turmeric powder
- 1 tsp Coriander powder
- 1 tsp Cumin powder
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 4 cups Water or beef broth(for cooking rice)
- 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes on all sides. Remove beef and set aside.
⏱️ 8-10 minutes - 2
Add chopped onions to the pot and sauté until softened and lightly golden, about 5-7 minutes.
⏱️ 7 minutes - 3
Add minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
⏱️ 1 minute - 4
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, bay leaf, turmeric, coriander, and cumin. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 5
Return the browned beef to the pot. Add salt and black pepper. Pour in enough water or beef broth to just cover the meat. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat, cover, and cook for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the beef is tender.
⏱️ 1 hour 30 minutes - 6
Once the beef is tender, remove it from the pot and set aside. Skim off any excess fat from the sauce if desired.
💡 Tip: This allows the rice to absorb the flavors without being too greasy. - 7
Add the rinsed and soaked basmati rice to the pot with the sauce. Add 4 cups of water or beef broth. Stir well, ensuring the rice is submerged.
- 8
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
⏱️ 20 minutes - 9
Once the rice is cooked, gently fluff it with a fork. Return the cooked beef to the pot and mix it into the rice.
💡 Tip: Fluffing the rice helps to separate the grains and prevent clumping. - 10
Cover the pot again and let it steam for another 5-10 minutes off the heat.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 11
Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.
💡 Tip: A side of a simple salad or yogurt sauce complements this dish well.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the basmati rice is thoroughly rinsed to remove excess starch, which can make the rice gummy.
- ✓Soaking the rice helps it cook more evenly and results in fluffier grains.
- ✓Adjust the amount of spices to your personal preference.
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can use beef broth instead of water for cooking the rice.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of saffron threads soaked in warm water to the rice for a beautiful color and subtle flavor.
- Include some dried fruits like raisins or apricots in the rice for a touch of sweetness.
- For a spicier kick, add a chopped green chili pepper along with the onions.