Somali Pasta - Suugo Suqaar

Servings: 4

Author: Chef Connie

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Somali Pasta (Suugo Suqaar)

Somalian pasta, also known as Suugo Suqaar, is a hearty dish that reflects the Italian influence on Somali cuisine. The rich and flavorful sauce is infused with aromatic spices, and it pairs perfectly with spaghetti. Here’s how to make this delicious dish.

Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 40 MinTotal time: 50 Min

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Ingredients

For the Suugo Suqaar (Sauce):

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef or lamb
• 4 large ripe tomatoes, finely chopped (or 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup water or beef broth
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz (340g) spaghetti or your preferred pasta
• Water for boiling
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)

Instructions

1. In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt
2. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the garlic and green bell pepper, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
6. Stir in the ground beef or lamb, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 7-10 minutes.
7. Add the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, cinnamon, black pepper, and salt. Stir well to combine.
8. Pour in the water or beef broth, reduce the heat to low, and let the sauce simmer for 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally and adjust the seasoning if needed.
9. Toss the cooked spaghetti with the Suugo Suqaar sauce in the skillet. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
10. Allow the pasta to absorb the flavors for a couple of minutes over low heat.
11. Serve the Somali pasta hot, garnished with fresh cilantro

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Somali Pasta

Somali pasta, or suugo suqaar, is a beautiful example of how cultures intersect through food. The rich tomato sauce, seasoned with warm spices and tender pieces of beef, transforms a familiar bowl of pasta into something deeply comforting and uniquely East African. It’s a dish that feels both familiar and exciting, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want to explore new flavors without complicated techniques.

If you enjoyed this suugo suqaar recipe, continue exploring global comfort foods that tell a story with every bite. From East African classics to international fusion dishes, these recipes celebrate how simple ingredients and bold seasoning can turn everyday meals into something memorable.

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More Pasta Recipes from Around the World:

Libyan Pasta

German Pasta

Pasta Puttanesca

Pasta alla Norcina