Somali BARIIS | DELICIOUS Somali RICE

basmati rice

🥗Healthier: brown rice

💰Cheaper: long-grain white rice

Brown rice increases fiber content while long-grain white rice is more economical.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Avocado oil has health benefits while vegetable oil is a cost-effective option.

raisins

🥗Healthier: dried cranberries

💰Cheaper: dried apricots

Dried cranberries provide a similar sweetness while dried apricots can be less expensive.

green bell pepper

🥗Healthier: zucchini

💰Cheaper: yellow bell pepper

Zucchini offers a similar texture and is often lower in cost than bell peppers.

Soak 4 cups of basmati rice in water for about an hour and then strain the water out.

Heat 1/2 cup of vegetable oil in a large pot.

Add 1 cup of diced red onions to the pot and fry until translucent.

Add spices: 1 teaspoon of garlic, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1/2 teaspoon of cardamom, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon of cloves, 1 teaspoon of coriander, and a stick of cinnamon; fry for a little bit until fragrant.

Add boiling water to the pot to cover the rice and toss in a bunch of cilantro.

Cover the pot with aluminum foil and cook on medium-high heat for about 7-10 minutes.

After 15 minutes, check the rice and add about 1 teaspoon of yellow food coloring mixed with 1/4 cup of water to one corner of the rice and mix gently to create a bi-colored effect.

Fluff the rice to incorporate the colors evenly and ensure it's cooked through.

Fry some onions and potatoes in the remaining vegetable oil until cooked through, adding raisins towards the end.

Prepare a quick salad with 2 mashed avocados, chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, red and green bell peppers, and onions, seasoned with olive oil, salt, pepper, and lime juice.

Plate the rice and top with the fried onions, potatoes, and raisins, then serve with the salad and banana.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: