Kalo iyo Bariis (Somali Taro and Rice)
A flavorful and hearty dish combining tender taro root cooked with aromatic spices and served alongside fragrant rice, offering a unique taste of Somali cuisine.
🧂 Ingredients
- 750 g Taro root(peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 2 cups Basmati rice
- 1 large Onion(finely chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch Ginger(grated)
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil or ghee
- 1 tsp Cumin seeds
- 1 tsp Coriander seeds(crushed)
- 3 Cardamom pods
- 3 Cloves
- 1 Cinnamon stick
- 0.5 tsp Turmeric powder
- to taste Salt
- 4 cups Water or vegetable broth(for taro)
- 3 cups Water(for rice)
- 0.25 cup Fresh cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly and soak it in water for 30 minutes. Drain well before cooking.
- 2
Heat oil or ghee in a large pot over medium heat. Add cumin seeds, crushed coriander seeds, cardamom pods, cloves, and cinnamon stick. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant.
- 3
Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden brown, about 8-10 minutes.
- 4
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 5
Add the cubed taro root to the pot. Stir well to coat with the spices and aromatics.
- 6
Add turmeric powder, salt, and 4 cups of water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the taro is tender but not mushy.
- 7
While the taro is simmering, prepare the rice. In a separate pot, combine the drained rice with 3 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the rice is cooked.
- 8
Once the taro is tender, check the consistency of the liquid. If it's too watery, you can simmer uncovered for a few minutes to reduce it slightly. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
- 9
Serve the cooked taro mixture alongside the fluffy basmati rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Be careful when handling taro, as it can irritate the skin. It's advisable to wear gloves.
- ✓Ensure the taro is cooked until tender but still holds its shape.
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can add a small piece of dried lime (limu kasri) to the taro while it simmers.
🔄 Variations
- Add a can of drained chickpeas to the taro mixture for added protein.
- Serve with a side of a simple tomato and onion salad.