Suqaar: Traditional Somali Dish with Recipe, Origins, and Cultural Value

 

Suqaar is one of the most loved Somali foods. It is easy to cook, delicious, and full of flavor. Suqaar is made with small pieces of meat cooked with onions, tomatoes, and spices. It is usually eaten with bread (muufo or canjeero), rice, or pasta.

Origin of Suqaar
Suqaar is a traditional Somali dish, also enjoyed by Somalis living abroad. The word “suqaar” comes from the way the meat is cut into small pieces, making it easy to cook and eat. It is one of the most popular dishes in Somalia.

The first time I ate suqaar was when I traveled to a town called Qabridahar. During the trip, I tried different foods like suqaar, canjeero xabshi, rice, and pasta. But the suqaar with jabati that I had for breakfast was the most delicious meal of my journey. Today, I want to share how suqaar is prepared.

Main Ingredients

Meat (goat, beef, or chicken), cut into small pieces

Onion and tomato

Green or red chili (optional)

Cooking oil

Spices: salt, a little sour spice, cumin, coriander, and cardamom

How to Cook Suqaar

1. Heat oil in a pan, then add onions and cook until golden.

2. Add the chopped meat and stir until it turns brown.

3. Add tomatoes and spices, then cook until everything mixes well.

4. Let it simmer to absorb flavor. Add a little water if needed to soften the meat.

5. Serve it with muufo, canjeero, rice, or pasta.

How Suqaar is Eaten

Breakfast: Chicken or beef suqaar served with canjeero.

Lunch: Rice with suqaar, one of the most common Somali meals.

Dinner: Muufo with suqaar, a light and tasty dish.

Cultural Value
Suqaar shows the creativity of Somali cooking through the use of spices. It is found in almost every Somali home, whether in cities or villages. Suqaar is also served at weddings, celebrations, family gatherings, and even during travels, as many restaurants prepare it for customers.

Conclusion
Suqaar is a simple, traditional, and delicious dish that represents Somali culture and daily life. Anyone who wants to experience the real taste of Somalia should try hot suqaar served with rice, bread, or tea.