Somali Rice Pilaf (Bariis Maraq) Riz Pilaf Somali البيلاف الصومالي
This is not your typical rice pilaf cooked with 1 cup broth for 2 or more cups of rice. This pilaf is cooked with 2 cups broth for each cup of rice, making it a very flavourful dish. In fact, it is so flavourful that we sometimes eat with it just a banana without missing the meat that is usually served with it.
Traditionally, this colourful rice dish was served on festive occasions. It was cooked with goat broth in huge pots set on charcoal fire. This rice was the centrepiece of the meal and was decorated with vegetables and raisins.
In Somalia, the quality of the rice was not as good as what we get nowadays. Also, for economic reasons, the rice was coloured with food colouring instead of saffron, which was a very expensive spice. However, the aromatic spices, the flavourful broth, that was simmered for hours, and the amazing skills of the ladies who prepared it, transformed the rice into an amazing dish.
We could say with confidence that Somali rice pilaf is better than any other pilaf out there. We hope that you will try it and we do hope that you will agree.
Ingredients:
(Tbsp is a tablespoon; tsp is a teaspoon)
(1 cup = 237 mL = 2.4 dl; 1 Tbsp = 15 mL; 1 tsp = 5 mL); all are level measurements
Serves 8 to 10 people
- ½ cup(s) (118 mL) Canola oil
- 1 Onion(s) (chopped)
- 3 Garlic clove(s) (minced)
- 2 Cinnamon stick(s)
- 1 tsp (5 mL) Xawaash
- ½ tsp (2.5 mL) Cardamom (ground)
- 10 Cloves
- 2 litre(s) Stock (hot)
- 2 Tbsp (30 mL) Vegetable seasoning salt
- 4 cup(s) (840 g) Sella basmati rice (parboiled rice)
- ¼ tsp (1.25 mL) Food colouring (red) – Add 1 tsp water
- ¼ tsp (1.25 mL) Food colouring (orange) – Add 1 tsp water
Stock:
- 1 Onion(s) (sliced)
- 7 Garlic clove(s)
- 2 Carrot(s)
- 1 Tomato(es)
- ½ Green pepper
- ½ bunch (50 g) Fresh parsley
- ½ bunch (50 g) Fresh cilantro – UK: coriander
- 1 lb Bones (chicken) – Or beef, fish, etc. (optional)
- 3 litre(s) Water (cold)
- 1 Tbsp (15 mL) Coriander seeds
- 1 Tbsp (15 mL) Cumin seeds
- 1 tsp (5 mL) Black pepper
- 1 Tbsp (15 mL) Vegetable seasoning salt