Bariis iyo Kaluun
A flavorful and aromatic dish of fish cooked in a spiced tomato sauce, served over fragrant rice. This dish highlights the coastal influence on Djiboutian cuisine, blending the bounty of the sea with warming spices.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g White fish fillets (tilapia, sea bass, or cod)(cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 2 cups Basmati rice(rinsed)
- 1 large Onion(finely chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 400 g Tomatoes(diced (canned or fresh))
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 4 cups Water or fish broth
- 1 tsp Ground cumin
- 1 tsp Ground coriander
- 0.5 tsp Ground cardamom
- 0.5 tsp Ground cinnamon
- 0.5 tsp Turmeric(for color and flavor)
- 0.25 tsp Cayenne pepper(or to taste)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Fresh cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- 2
Add the minced garlic, cumin, coriander, cardamom, cinnamon, turmeric, and cayenne pepper. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- 3
Stir in the diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down slightly.
- 4
Add the rinsed basmati rice to the pot and stir to coat it with the tomato and spice mixture. Cook for 1 minute.
- 5
Pour in the water or fish broth. Season with salt and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- 6
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- 7
Gently place the fish pieces on top of the rice. Cover the pot again and continue to cook for another 8-10 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily.
- 8
Remove from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice gently with a fork, incorporating the fish. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the rice is thoroughly rinsed to remove excess starch for fluffier results.
- ✓Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your preferred level of spiciness.
- ✓If using fresh tomatoes, ensure they are ripe and soft for better flavor.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of saffron for a more luxurious aroma and color.
- Include other vegetables like bell peppers or peas along with the rice.
- For a richer flavor, use coconut milk instead of some of the water/broth.