Somali food with a Modern twist| Barris recipe + Somalian incense| Cooking with Hafza

long-grain rice

🥗Healthier: brown rice

💰Cheaper: white rice

Brown rice adds fiber and nutrients, while white rice is more economical.

vegetable oil

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Olive oil is healthier but can be more expensive.

raisins

🥗Healthier: dried cranberries

💰Cheaper: sugar

Dried cranberries provide a similar sweetness with less sugar.

potatoes

🥗Healthier: sweet potatoes

💰Cheaper: yams

Sweet potatoes are more nutritious while yams are often less expensive.

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.

Soak the rice in water for 30 minutes, then drain.

Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.

Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Add diced carrots, potatoes, and green bell pepper; sauté for 5 minutes.

Mix in cumin, coriander, cardamom, cloves, bay leaves, salt, and black pepper; cook for 2 minutes.

Add the drained rice and stir to coat with the spices and vegetables.

Pour in water and bring to a boil over high heat.

Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until rice is tender and water is absorbed.

Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 10 minutes.

Fluff the rice with a fork and mix in raisins and cinnamon before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level: