Baasto Recipe - A Taste of Somalia

A fun take on Italian style pasta Bolognese, Baasto is a real Europe meets Africa situation.

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"Do not insult the crocodile until you have crossed the river." - Somali proverb

Somali Baasto, known to many as a culinary delight, is far more than just a plate of pasta. This savory dish is a testament to Somalia's rich history and the fusion of diverse cultural influences. Baasto, which translates to pasta in Somali, might seem like a simple noodle-based fare, but its journey traces back to the Italian colonization period in the early 20th century. The Italians left behind a flavorful legacy, and the Somalis ingeniously blended it with their traditional tastes.

Today, Baasto showcases a harmonious marriage of Mediterranean pasta and the bold spices of Somali cuisine.

Imagine a plate where al dente spaghetti gracefully mingles with aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and cardamom. The dish is often enriched with succulent meat, such as goat or lamb, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your taste buds. Somali Baasto is not merely a meal; it's a cultural narrative on a plate, reflecting resilience and adaptability. As you savor each bite, you're tasting a slice of history, a testament to Somalia's ability to absorb and transform influences into something uniquely its own. So, dig in and let the delightful swirl of Somali Baasto transport you to a world where every bite tells a tale of tradition, adaptation, and the joy of shared meals.

Somali Baasto Recipe

Prep time 25 minutes | Cook time 40 minutes | Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450g) spaghetti

• 1 green bell pepper, minced

• 2 cans of chopped and peeled tomatoes

• 1 tablespoon tomato pastes

• 1 beef bouillon cube

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 yellow onion, minced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon cumin

• 1/2 tablespoon ground coriander

• 1/3 tablespoon cinnamon

• 1/2 tablespoon ground cardamom

• 1 tablespoon turmeric

• 1 pound (450g) beef or lamb mince

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish

• Banana for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and green bell peppers sautéing until golden brown.

2. Add in ground meat and cook until vegetables lose most of their water content and meat is browned.

3. Stir in the ground cumin, ground coriander, cinnamon, black pepper ground cardamom, and turmeric. Allow the spices to infuse into the onions and garlic for a minute. Add in beef bouillon cube and tomato paste.

4. Add in chopped tomatoes, cook until combined for 20-30 minutes

5. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

6. Garnish the Baasto with chopped fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness.

7. Serve the Somali Baasto hot, letting your taste buds explore the delightful fusion of Somali and Italian flavors.

This baasto recipe captures the spirit of the large African melting pot, a place where people have come and go and dishes have changed over time.

If you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram or Pinterest – seeing your creations always makes my day. Let's explore international cuisine together!

If you want to try to make more flavors of Africa , check out the links my recipes below.

East Africa

Djiboutian Skoudehkaris - A deeply rich beef and lamb rice dish

Kenyan Kuku Paka - A creamy coconut chicken curry

Mozambican Matapa - A thick and hearty peanut and greens stew

Somali Baasto - A East Africa take on a traditional Italian meat and pasta dish.

Tanzanian Coconut Pilau - A creamy coconut infused rice dish.

West Africa

Malian Tigue Degue - A rich and satisfying peanut chicken stew

Nigerienne Djerma Stew - A complex, tomato peanut infused chicken stew

Senegalese Poulet Yassa - A cheerful caramelized onion and lemon one pot.