Baasto iyo Suugo Suqaar (Mogadishu Xawaash Beef & Cilantro Spaghetti) – Authentic Somalia Recipe

Ingredients for Baasto iyo Suugo Suqaar (Mogadishu Xawaash Beef & Cilantro Spaghetti) (4 Servings)

• 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) al dente spaghetti pasta, prepped into bite-sized pieces
• 1.5 cups diced beef suqaar in rich tomato-bell pepper sauce, washed and trimmed
• 1 cup fresh banana and lime on the side
• 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with Somali xawaash spice blend
• 1.5 tbsp traditional Somalia seasoning (5 cloves garlic, fresh cilantro, sweet onion)
• 2.5 tbsp traditional cooking oil, sea salt, cracked black pepper, and fresh citrus or herbs

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Cook or soften the noodles/pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente, then drain while reserving 1/2 cup cooking water.
2. Heat oil in a wide wok or deep skillet over high heat; flash-sauté garlic, Somali xawaash spice blend, and 5 cloves garlic, fresh cilantro, sweet onion for 30 seconds.
3. Add al dente spaghetti pasta and diced beef suqaar in rich tomato-bell pepper sauce, stir-frying briskly for 5–6 minutes until tender-crisp.
4. Toss in the noodles along with a splash of reserved liquid so the Somalia sauce clings glossily to every strand.
5. Finish with fresh banana and lime on the side and serve piping hot.