Cookbook:Suqaar (Somali Spiced Meat Stir-fry)

Suqaar (Somali Spiced Meat Stir-fry)
Category	Meat recipes
Difficulty

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Suqaar is a flavorful and aromatic Somali meat stir-fry that is commonly served as a main course. This dish features tender pieces of meat cooked with a delightful blend of spices, onions, and bell peppers, creating a savory and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound beef, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• ½ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped, for garnish

Equipment

• Large skillet or frying pan
• Cutting board
• Knife

Procedure

1. In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the finely chopped onion to the hot oil and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Add the thinly sliced beef to the pan and cook until it browns and develops a nice sear on both sides.
5. Toss in the diced tomato and thinly sliced bell pepper. Continue to stir-fry until the vegetables soften slightly.
6. Sprinkle the ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cayenne pepper over the meat and vegetables. Mix well to evenly coat everything with the spices.
7. Season with salt to taste, adjusting the seasoning according to your preference.
8. Lower the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let the suqaar simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the meat to become tender.
9. Once the meat is fully cooked and tender, remove the skillet from the heat.
10. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley before serving.

Notes, tips, and variations

• Suqaar is typically enjoyed with Somali flatbread or rice, and it pairs well with a side of Somali salad or chutney.
• Feel free to adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less cayenne pepper to suit your taste.
• You can also add additional vegetables, such as carrots or peas, to enhance the nutritional value and add color to the dish.
• For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the beef with tofu or tempeh and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Beef is a rich source of protein, iron, and various B-vitamins.