Maraq Luul (Somali Yogurt Stew)
Maraq Luul is a comforting and tangy Somali stew made with a yogurt base, tender meat (often lamb or beef), and aromatic spices. It's typically served with rice or canjeero (Somali flatbread).
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Lamb or Beef(cut into 1.5-inch cubes)
- 2 large Onions(finely chopped)
- 6 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 400 g Tomatoes(canned, crushed)
- 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
- 500 ml Plain Yogurt(full-fat)
- 2 cups Water or Broth
- 3 tbsp Vegetable Oil
- 1 tbsp Cumin
- 1 tbsp Coriander
- 1 tsp Turmeric
- 0.5 tsp Cardamom(ground)
- 0.5 tsp Cinnamon(ground)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
- 0.25 cup Fresh Cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the cubed meat and brown on all sides.
⏱️ 10-15 minutes - 2
Add the chopped onions and sauté until softened and lightly golden.
⏱️ 5-7 minutes - 3
Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, coriander, turmeric, cardamom, and cinnamon. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
⏱️ 1 minute - 4
Add the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir well and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 5
Pour in the water or broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 1 hour, or until the meat is tender.
⏱️ 1 hour - 6
In a separate bowl, whisk the yogurt until smooth. Gradually temper the yogurt by adding a ladleful of the hot stew liquid while whisking continuously. This prevents the yogurt from curdling.
- 7
Slowly pour the tempered yogurt mixture back into the pot with the stew, stirring constantly. Do not boil after adding the yogurt.
- 8
Simmer gently for another 15-20 minutes, allowing the stew to thicken slightly. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
⏱️ 15-20 minutes - 9
Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
💡 Tip: Serve hot with basmati rice or canjeero.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the yogurt is at room temperature before tempering to avoid curdling.
- ✓If the stew is too thick, add a little more water or broth.
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can use beef or lamb broth instead of water.
🔄 Variations
- Add chopped potatoes or carrots along with the tomatoes for a heartier stew.
- For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the spices.