Bariis iyo Basbaas

Bariis iyo Basbaas recipe

Bariis iyo Basbaas recipe

Bariis iyo Basbaas” translates from Somali to “Rice and Peppers.” This is a simple and flavorful Somali dish that focuses on the combination of rice and often bell peppers, along with onions and spices. It’s a versatile dish that can be a main course or a side dish.

Here’s a recipe for Bariis iyo Basbaas:

Ingredients:

  • Rice:
    • 2 cups Basmati rice (or any long-grain rice)  
       
    • Water for cooking the rice (usually double the amount of rice, so 4 cups)
    • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Vegetables:
    • 1-2 medium onions, chopped
    • 2-3 bell peppers (any color), chopped (red, green, yellow are common)
    • Optional: 1-2 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
  • Spices:
    • 1 teaspoon cumin powder
    • 1 teaspoon coriander powder
    • ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
    • Salt to taste
  • Aromatics & Oil:
    • 2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil or cooking oil
    • 2-3 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
  • Optional Enhancements:
    • Fresh coriander (cilantro), chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Rinse the Rice: Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps the rice cook fluffy.  
     
  2. Cook the Rice: In a pot with a tight-fitting lid, add the rinsed rice, water, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the water is absorbed. Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and set aside.
  3. Sauté Onions: In a separate pan or pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Add Peppers and Chilies: Add the chopped bell peppers and, if using, the chopped green chilies to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the peppers start to soften, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Add Spices and Garlic: Stir in the cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, black pepper, and minced garlic (if using). Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the spices become fragrant.
  6. Combine Rice and Vegetables: Add the cooked rice to the pan with the vegetables and spices. Gently mix everything together until the rice is evenly coated with the flavorful mixture. Be careful not to mash the rice.
  7. Heat Through: Heat the mixture through for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
  8. Serve: Garnish with fresh coriander (if using) and serve hot as a main dish or a side dish.

Variations and Tips:

  • Meat: You can add cooked meat, such as shredded chicken or lamb, to the dish along with the vegetables for a more substantial meal. Cook the meat beforehand and add it during the last few minutes of heating the rice and vegetables together.
  • Other Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, peas, or tomatoes to the dish.
  • Spicy Level: Adjust the amount of green chilies to control the level of spiciness. You can also use chili powder instead of fresh chilies.
  • Flavor Enhancements: Some people like to add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the spice blend for a slightly different flavor profile.
  • Fresh Herbs: Besides coriander, you could also use other fresh herbs like parsley.

Enjoy your Bariis iyo Basbaas! This recipe is a basic guide, and you can always adjust the ingredients and spices to your personal taste.