Discover the delicious flavors of Somali cuisine with this authentic Baasto (pasta) recipe. Cooked with a blend of Somali spices and served with a rich, tomato-based sauce, this pasta dish is paired with tender meat for a hearty and flavorful meal. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, Baasto offers a unique twist on traditional pasta recipes. Try it today and enjoy a taste of Somalia!

Ingredients:

- 400g pasta (spaghetti or penne)

- 300g beef or lamb, cubed

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

- 1 large onion, finely chopped

- 3 garlic cloves, minced

- 2 tomatoes, chopped

- 2 tablespoons tomato paste

- 1 teaspoon cumin

- 1 teaspoon coriander powder

- 1 teaspoon turmeric

- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

- 1 teaspoon paprika

- 1 teaspoon black pepper

- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom

- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

- 2 cups water or broth (chicken or beef)

- Lemon wedges (optional)

Instructions:

Cook the pasta:

  Boil the pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Cook the meat:

  In a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the meat and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the meat and set aside.

Prepare the sauce:

  In the same pan, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until soft and translucent. Add the cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, paprika, black pepper, cardamom, and salt. Stir for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Add tomatoes:  

  Stir in the chopped tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook for about 5 minutes until the tomatoes soften and blend into the sauce.

Simmer:  

  Return the cooked meat to the pan. Pour in the water or broth, cover, and let simmer for 20 minutes until the meat is tender and the sauce thickens.

Combine with pasta:

  Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, stirring to coat it evenly. Let it cook for 2-3 more minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb the flavors.

Serve:  

  Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lemon wedges on the side, if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Baasto, a flavorful Somali pasta dish!

Nutritional values

Pasta (400g)

 - Calories: About 131 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 25 grams

 - Protein: 5 grams

 - Fat: 1 gram

Benefits:

 - Provides a good source of carbohydrates for energy. It also contains some protein and can be part of a balanced meal.

Beef or Lamb (300g)

Beef:

  - Calories: About 250 kcal

  - Protein: 26 grams

  - Fat: 17 grams

Lamb:

  - Calories: About 294 kcal

  - Protein: 25 grams

  - Fat: 23 grams

Benefits:

 - Rich in high-quality protein and essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins. Provides a hearty and flavorful component to the dish.

Olive Oil (2 tablespoons)

 - Calories: About 884 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 0 grams

 - Protein: 0 grams

 - Fat: 100 grams

Benefits:

 - Contains healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. Supports heart health and adds flavor to the dish.

Onion (1 large)

 - Calories: About 40 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 9 grams

 - Protein: 1 gram

 - Fat: 0.1 grams

Benefits:

 - Provides vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C and potassium. Adds flavor and can have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Garlic (3 cloves)

 - Calories: About 149 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 33 grams

 - Protein: 6 grams

 - Fat: 0.5 grams

Benefits:

 - Known for its health benefits including antibacterial and antiviral properties. Adds robust flavor to dishes.

Tomatoes (2 tomatoes)

 - Calories: About 18 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 4 grams

 - Protein: 1 gram

 - Fat: 0.2 grams

Benefits:

 - Rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, and antioxidants like lycopene. Adds a fresh, tangy flavor to the dish.

Tomato Paste (2 tablespoons)

 - Calories: About 82 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 19 grams

 - Protein: 4 grams

 - Fat: 0.4 grams

Benefits:

 - Concentrated source of tomatoes, providing a rich flavor and added nutrients like lycopene.

Cumin (1 teaspoon)

 - Calories: About 375 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 44 grams

 - Protein: 18 grams

 - Fat: 22 grams

Benefits:

 - Adds a warm, earthy flavor. Contains antioxidants and aids digestion.

Coriander Powder (1 teaspoon)

 - Calories: About 298 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 55 grams

 - Protein: 12 grams

 - Fat: 14 grams

Benefits:

 - Adds a citrusy flavor. Contains antioxidants and may help with digestive issues.

Turmeric (1 teaspoon)

 - Calories: About 312 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 66 grams

 - Protein: 8 grams

 - Fat: 3 grams

Benefits:

 - Known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Adds a warm color and earthy flavor.

Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon)

 - Calories: About 247 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 81 grams

 - Protein: 4 grams

 - Fat: 1 gram

Benefits:

 - Adds a sweet and warm flavor. Contains antioxidants and may help regulate blood sugar levels.

Paprika (1 teaspoon)

 - Calories: About 282 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 54 grams

 - Protein: 14 grams

 - Fat: 12 grams

Benefits:

 - Adds a sweet and smoky flavor. Rich in antioxidants and vitamins A and E.

Black Pepper (1 teaspoon)

 - Calories: About 255 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 64 grams

 - Protein: 10 grams

 - Fat: 3 grams

Benefits:

 - Adds heat and flavor. Contains piperine, which may improve nutrient absorption.

Salt (1 teaspoon)

 - Sodium: About 38,000 mg

Benefits:

 - Enhances flavor and is essential for maintaining fluid balance. Use in moderation to manage sodium intake.

Ground Cardamom (½ teaspoon)

 - Calories: About 311 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 68 grams

 - Protein: 10 grams

 - Fat: 6 grams

Benefits:

 - Adds a warm, aromatic flavor. May aid digestion and improve breath freshness.

Fresh Cilantro (½ cup)

 - Calories: About 23 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 3 grams

 - Protein: 2 grams

 - Fat: 0.5 grams

Benefits:

 - Adds a fresh, citrusy flavor. Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, and may help with digestion.

Water or Broth (2 cups)

Water:

  - Calories: 0

  - Carbohydrates: 0 grams

  - Protein: 0 grams

  - Fat: 0 grams

Benefits:

  - Essential for cooking and hydration.

Broth:

  - Calories: About 10-15 kcal (vegetable or chicken)

  - Carbohydrates: 1-2 grams

  - Protein: 1-2 grams

  - Fat: 0 grams

Benefits:

  - Adds flavor and nutrients to the dish. Provides additional minerals and flavor depth.

Lemon Wedges (optional)

 - Calories: About 29 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 9 grams

 - Protein: 1 gram

 - Fat: 0.3 grams

Benefits:

 - Adds a tangy flavor and vitamin C. Can enhance the overall taste and freshness of the dish.

This combination of ingredients is typically used to make a hearty and flavorful pasta dish. The pasta provides the base, while the beef or lamb adds protein. The vegetables, spices, and herbs contribute to a rich and complex flavor profile. The choice of water or broth enhances the dish with additional flavor and nutrients.