Kalluun Duban (Mogadishu Baked Xawaash & Tamarind Coastal Fish) – Authentic Somalia Recipe
Indian Ocean coastal Somali fish baked under a blanket of spiced onions, peppers, and tangy tamarind.
- Country of Origin
- 🇸🇴 Somalia (East Africa, Africa)
- Dietary Profile
- pescatarian
- Prep Time
- 20 min
- Cook Time
- 30 min
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Signature Staples
- Thick white kingfish/snapper fillets, Sliced bell peppers, Tomatoes, Xawaash, Garlic
Ingredients for Kalluun Duban (Mogadishu Baked Xawaash & Tamarind Coastal Fish) (4 Servings)
- 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) thick white kingfish/snapper fillets, prepped into bite-sized pieces
- 1.5 cups sliced bell peppers, washed and trimmed
- 1 cup tomatoes
- 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with xawaash
- 1.5 tbsp traditional Somalia seasoning (garlic, turmeric, fresh lime juice, cilantro)
- 2.5 tbsp traditional cooking oil, sea salt, cracked black pepper, and fresh citrus or herbs
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Preheat oven to 390°F (200°C) and lightly oil an ovenproof skillet or baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onion, garlic, xawaash, and garlic, turmeric, fresh lime juice, cilantro for 3 minutes until fragrant.
- Combine thick white kingfish/snapper fillets and sliced bell peppers with the sautéed aromatics and layer evenly into the baking dish.
- Top with tomatoes and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbling and golden brown on top.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving warm at the table.