Somali spaghetti, often referred to as “Baasto Iskukaris” when prepared with spaghetti, is a unique dish that reflects the influence of Italian cuisine on Somali food culture.
It typically features a blend of spices, a rich tomato sauce, and is often served with meat like beef or chicken.
Here’s a simple recipe to make Somali spaghetti:
Cook time approximately 20-30 minutes
Serves four or more people
Ingredients
1 box whole wheat pasta
2 large handfuls Suqaar
(beef cubes)
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 tomato, cut in cubes
2 cloves (2 large pinches)
garlic–smashed and chopped
4 carrots chopped,
1 large double handful
1 small handful cilantro,
smashed and chopped
2 tablespoons
tomato sauce
Pinch of salt
1 teaspoon canola oil
How to prepare
1. Boil meat until cooked and tender,about 30 minutes.
2. Drain and rinse the meat.
3. In the same pan, add a capful of oil and carrots.
4. Cook on medium heat for 5 minutes.
5. Add onion.
6. Cook on medium heat until the onion is soft .
7. Add the tomato sauce and tomato and stir.
8. Cook until the tomato dissolves and reduces to a liquid.
9. Add the smashed garlic and cilantro and stir
10. Add salt to taste and the tomato sauce.
11. Stir everything well then add the cooked pasta.
12. Stir in the pasta and mix well.
13. Turn off heat and serve.
To cook the pasta:
1. Fill a large pot with water and add one small pinch of salt.
2. Add the pasta (one box) to the boiling water, keep stirring so it doesn’t stick together.
3. Cook until tender or about 10 minutes, drain and rinse.