Somali Lamb and Rice
Skudahkharis
A flavorful and aromatic one-pot dish featuring tender lamb, fragrant spices, and perfectly cooked fluffy rice. Skudahkharis is a beloved Somali comfort food, ideal for any occasion.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons Vegetable oil(Or other high smoke point cooking oil)
- 1 lb Lean lamb(Cut into 1-inch bite-size pieces. Shoulder or leg cuts work well.)
- 1 medium Onion(Thinly sliced)
- 3 cloves Garlic cloves(Minced)
- 2 medium Tomatoes(Finely chopped)
- 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- 0.5 teaspoon Ground cloves
- 0.5 teaspoon Ground cardamom
- to taste Salt(Start with 1 teaspoon and adjust later)
- to taste Black pepper(Freshly ground is best)
- 2 tablespoons Canned tomato paste(Adds depth of flavor and color)
- 2 cups Long-grain white rice(Basmati or Jasmine rice are good choices. Rinse well under cold water until water runs clear.)
- 4 cups Boiling water(Or low-sodium lamb/beef broth for extra flavor)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat the vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the lamb pieces in a single layer (work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding). Sear the lamb until deeply browned on all sides, about 8-10 minutes per batch. Remove the browned lamb to a plate and set aside. This browning develops crucial flavor.
- 2
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the thinly sliced onion to the pot and sauté, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- 3
Stir in the chopped tomatoes, ground cumin, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground cardamom, salt, and black pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until the tomatoes have broken down and the mixture is fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. The spices should become very aromatic.
- 4
Add the tomato paste to the pot and stir it into the onion and spice mixture. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, allowing the tomato paste to caramelize slightly. This deepens its flavor.
- 5
Return the browned lamb pieces (and any accumulated juices) to the pot. Stir to coat the lamb with the tomato and spice mixture. Pour in the boiling water (or broth), ensuring the liquid covers the lamb by about an inch. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat.
- 6
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly with a lid, and let it simmer gently. Cook for 45-60 minutes, or until the lamb is tender when pierced with a fork. The cooking time will depend on the cut of lamb used.
- 7
Stir in the rinsed rice. Ensure the rice is submerged in the liquid. If needed, add a little more boiling water or broth to just cover the rice. Bring the mixture back to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
- 8
Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover the pot tightly, and cook for 18-20 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender. Avoid lifting the lid during this time to allow the rice to steam properly.
- 9
Remove the pot from the heat and let it stand, covered, for at least 15 minutes. This resting period is crucial for the rice to finish steaming and become fluffy. Fluff the rice and lamb mixture gently with a fork before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Rinsing the rice thoroughly is key to removing excess starch, which prevents the rice from becoming gummy.
- ✓Don't overcrowd the pot when browning the lamb; searing in batches ensures a better crust and deeper flavor.
- ✓The resting period after cooking is vital for perfectly fluffy rice. Resist the urge to peek!
- ✓Taste and adjust seasoning (salt, pepper, spices) before serving. You can also add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes if desired.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- For added vegetables, sauté chopped carrots or potatoes along with the onions in Step 2.
- Substitute brown rice for white rice for a nuttier flavor and increased fiber. Note that brown rice may require slightly more liquid and a longer cooking time.
- Add a pinch of saffron threads soaked in a tablespoon of warm water to the boiling liquid in Step 5 for a more complex aroma and color.