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Suugo Suqaar (Somali Pasta with Meat Sauce) on a white plate with a banana.
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Suugo Suqaar (Somali Pasta with Meat Sauce)

A recipe for Suugo Suqaar (Somali Pasta with Meat Sauce). Spaghetti noodles are paired with a xawaash spiced beef and tomato sauce.
Course Main
Cuisine Somali
Keyword beef, meat, pasta, Somali, Somalia, spaghetti, tomato
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
0 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 4 Servings

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
  • 1 cloves garlic peeled and minced
  • 1 small green bell pepper finely chopped and stem removed
  • 1 medium onion peeled and finely chopped
  • 1 pound (450 grams) inside (top) round beef finely chopped
  • 2-3 tablespoons (14-22 grams) Xawaash spice mix
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons (30 grams) tomato paste
  • 28 ounces (800 grams) diced tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon (12 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) water
  • 1 pound (450 grams) dried spaghetti
  • Cilantro for garnish
  • Bananas for serving

Instructions

  • In a large saucepan, drizzle the olive oil over medium heat.
  • Once heated, add the garlic, bell pepper, and onion. Cook, stirring often, until beginning to soften and the garlic becomes fragrant.
  • Add the beef, breaking it up into small pieces. Season with the Xawaash spice mix, salt, and black pepper.
  • Cook, stirring occasionally and continuing to break the beef into pieces, until browned and cooked through.
  • Stir in the tomato paste, then add the diced tomatoes, sugar, and water.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened and the flavors are blended, about 30 minutes.
  • Season to taste with more Xawaash, salt, and/or black pepper.
  • Towards the end of simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Add the spaghetti and cook just until tender, al dente.
  • Drain the pasta and serve with the meat sauce along with fresh cilantro and bananas.