Maraq Suugo

Maraq Suugo, a beloved staple of Somali cuisine, is a delightful pasta dish that carries the influence of Italian culinary tradition, mixed with the rich flavors of East African cooking. This dish perfectly embodies the cultural fusion that occurs when various culinary traditions come together. With its aromatic sauce and hearty pasta, Maraq Suugo has become a cherished meal in many Somali homes and is often enjoyed during festive occasions and everyday family dinners.

Ingredients

• Spaghetti - 400g
• Ground Beef - 500g
• Onion - 1, finely chopped
• Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
• Ground Cumin - 1 tsp
• Ground Coriander - 1 tsp
• Tomatoes - 400g, crushed
• Tomato Paste - 2 tbsp
• Olive Oil - 3 tbsp
• Cinnamon Stick - 1
• Cardamom Pods - 3
• Bay Leaves - 2
• Salt - to taste
• Black Pepper - to taste
• Cilantro - for garnish

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. Measure out your spices: ground cumin, ground coriander, cinnamon stick, and cardamom pods. Keep the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste handy.

Step 2: Start the Sauce

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until soft and translucent. Add the garlic and continue to cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Cook, stirring frequently, until it is browned.

Step 4: Spice it Up

Stir in the ground cumin, ground coriander, cinnamon stick, and cardamom pods. Cook until the spices are fragrant, about 2 minutes.

Step 5: Simmer the Sauce

Add the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir in the bay leaves, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 30 minutes, or until it thickens. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking.

Step 6: Cook the Spaghetti

While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Use your cooking timer to ensure perfect timing. Drain and set aside.

Step 7: Combine and Serve

Remove the cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and bay leaves from the sauce. Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and mix well to coat the pasta evenly.

Step 8: Garnish and Enjoy

Transfer the Maraq Suugo to a serving dish and garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve hot and enjoy your traditional Somali meal!

Enjoying Maraq Suugo

Maraq Suugo is often enjoyed as a communal dish, with family and friends gathered around, sharing stories and laughter. Pair it with a side of fresh salad or bread for a complete meal. Some like to drizzle a little extra olive oil or sprinkle a pinch of grated cheese on top for added richness. However you choose to savor it, Maraq Suugo is not just a meal; it's an experience of cultural history and flavor.