Suqaar Kalluun (Somali Fish Stew)
A flavorful Somali fish stew featuring tender pieces of fish cooked in a rich, aromatic broth with tomatoes and vegetables. This dish captures the essence of Somalia's coastal cuisine.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Firm white fish fillets(such as cod, snapper, or tilapia, cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 400 g Tomatoes(diced, or 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained)
- 2 cups Vegetable broth
- 2 medium Carrots(sliced)
- 1 medium Bell pepper(any color, seeded and chopped)
- 1 cup Okra(sliced (fresh or frozen))
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Coriander
- 0.5 teaspoon Turmeric
- 1 teaspoon Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper(or to taste)
- 0.25 cup Fresh cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- 2
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Stir in the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, sliced carrots, chopped bell pepper, sliced okra, tomato paste, cumin, coriander, turmeric, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- 4
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- 5
Gently add the fish pieces to the stew. Cover and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the fish.
- 6
Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve hot, typically with rice.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the fish is fresh for the best flavor.
- ✓Adjust the amount of spices to your personal preference.
- ✓If using fresh okra, make sure it's not slimy; a quick rinse and pat dry can help.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of chili flakes for a touch of heat.
- Other seafood like shrimp or calamari can be used in place of or in addition to fish.