Suqaar iyo Bariis
Suqaar iyo Bariis is a beloved Somali dish that combines finely diced sautéed meat (suqaar) with fragrant rice. The meat is typically seasoned and cooked until slightly crispy, then mixed with or served alongside the rice, creating a delightful texture and flavor contrast.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Beef or Lamb(finely diced (about 1/4 inch cubes))
- 2 cups Basmati Rice(rinsed)
- 1 large Onion(finely chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 3 tbsp Vegetable Oil
- 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
- 1 tsp Cumin Powder
- 1 tsp Coriander Powder
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
- 3.5 cups Water or Broth(for cooking rice)
- 1/2 medium Green Bell Pepper(finely diced (optional))
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley or Cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat 2 tbsp of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the finely diced meat (suqaar) and cook, stirring frequently, until browned and slightly crispy. This may take about 10-15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
⏱️ 15 minutes💡 Tip: Don't overcrowd the pan; cook the meat in batches if necessary to achieve crispiness. - 2
Remove the cooked suqaar from the skillet and set aside. Leave about 1 tbsp of oil in the skillet (add more if needed).
💡 Tip: Drain excess fat from the suqaar if desired. - 3
Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
⏱️ 7 minutes - 4
Stir in the tomato paste, cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the tomato paste darkens slightly.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 5
Return the suqaar to the skillet. Add the optional diced green bell pepper and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the pepper is slightly tender.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 6
In a separate pot, cook the rinsed basmati rice according to package directions using the specified amount of water or broth. Season the rice water with salt.
- 7
Once the rice is cooked and fluffy, you can either gently fold the suqaar mixture into the rice or serve the suqaar mixture on top of the rice. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro.
💡 Tip: Folding ensures the flavors meld together. Serving on top offers a visual contrast.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using good quality meat is key for the best flavor of the suqaar.
- ✓Ensure the rice is cooked perfectly – not too mushy, not too hard.
- ✓For an authentic touch, a pinch of cardamom can be added to the rice while cooking.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of chili powder or flakes to the suqaar for a spicy kick.
- Incorporate finely diced carrots or peas into the suqaar mixture.