Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Djibouti with our flavorful Maraq! This traditional dish hails from the vibrant kitchens of the Horn of Africa, showcasing a fusion of aromatic spices, tender meats, and wholesome vegetables. Dive into a rich, hearty broth brimming with layers of complex flavors, including fenugreek, cumin, and coriander, perfectly complemented by succulent lamb or beef. Served piping hot alongside fragrant basmati rice or freshly baked bread, Djibouti Maraq offers a tantalizing journey for your taste buds. Whether you're a seasoned food enthusiast or an adventurous eater seeking new experiences, this dish promises an unforgettable gastronomic adventure straight from the heart of Djibouti's culinary heritage.

Here's a recipe for Djibouti Maraq:

Ingredients:

• 500g lamb or beef, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 onions, finely chopped
• 3 tomatoes, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 potatoes, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon ground fenugreek
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 liter beef or vegetable broth
• Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1- In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

2- Add the diced tomatoes to the pot and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3- Add the lamb or beef pieces to the pot and brown them on all sides, about 5 minutes.

4- Stir in the ground coriander, cumin, turmeric, fenugreek, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and cayenne pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes to toast the spices and release their flavors.

5- Pour in the beef or vegetable broth, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for about 1 hour, or until the meat is tender.

6- Once the meat is tender, add the sliced carrots and diced potatoes to the pot. Simmer for another 20-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are cooked through and tender.

7- Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.

8- Serve the Djibouti Maraq hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired. Enjoy it with rice, bread, or any other side of your choice.

This Djibouti Maraq recipe is sure to tantalize your taste buds with its aromatic spices and hearty flavors, providing a satisfying and comforting meal that captures the essence of Djibouti's culinary tradition.

Nutritional Values:

Providing exact nutritional values for ingredients can vary depending on factors such as brand, size, and preparation method. However, I can offer approximate nutritional information for some common ingredients typically used in Djibouti Maraq:

Lamb or Beef (500g):

• Calories: 1100-1200 kcal
• Protein: 80-90g
• Fat: 80-90g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits:

• Excellent source of protein, essential for muscle building and repair.
• Rich in iron, which helps in the formation of red blood cells and oxygen transport in the body.
• Contains various vitamins and minerals such as B vitamins, zinc, and selenium.

Onions (2 medium-sized):

• Calories: 100 kcal
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 4g

benefits:

• High in antioxidants, particularly quercetin, which may have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
• Contains prebiotic fibers that support gut health and digestion.
• May help reduce the risk of certain cancers and improve heart health.

Tomatoes (3 medium-sized):

• Calories: 60 kcal
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 4g

benefits:

• Good source of vitamin C, which supports immune function and skin health.
• Rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant associated with reduced risk of heart disease and certain cancers.
• Contains potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and muscle function.

Carrots (2 medium-sized):

• Calories: 50 kcal
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 4g

benefits:

• Rich in beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A, important for vision health and immune function.
• High in fiber, promoting digestive health and aiding in weight management.
• Contains antioxidants that may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer.

Potatoes (2 medium-sized):

• Calories: 200 kcal
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 5g

benefits:

• Good source of vitamin C, potassium, and B vitamins, essential for overall health and energy metabolism.
• Provide complex carbohydrates, offering sustained energy and satiety.
• Contains resistant starch, which acts as a prebiotic and may benefit gut health.

Garlic (2 cloves):

• Calories: 10 kcal
• Protein: 0.5g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g

benefits:

• Known for its potent antimicrobial properties, helping to combat infections and support immune function.
• Contains sulfur compounds with antioxidant properties, which may reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.
• May have cardiovascular benefits, including lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Vegetable Oil (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 240 kcal
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 9g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 17g

benefits:

• Provides healthy fats, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which support heart health and reduce inflammation.
• Source of vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects cells from damage.
• Contains essential fatty acids necessary for brain function and hormone production.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as cooking methods and specific brands of ingredients used. If you require more precise nutritional information, it's recommended to refer to the nutritional labels on the specific products you use.