Somali rice with grilled chicken (Bariis Iskukaris Mashiwi)

Bariis Iskukaris Mashiwi is one of Somalia's most beloved dishes. It's fragrant rice with local spices and marinated, then grilled, chicken. This dish draws inspiration from the ancient maritime trade routes between the Indian Ocean, Arabia, and East Africa. The rice cooks in a broth flavored with cloves, cardamom, and cumin, typical of Somali cuisine. The chicken is marinated before being barbecued but can also be baked. Bariis is often colored with caramelized sugar, giving it a characteristic amber hue, but I didn't do that: the choice is yours! This dish is often prepared for family gatherings, religious celebrations, and weddings. Rice is a staple in Somali culture, along with camel milk and spices. It's a complete, fragrant, and gluten-free dish.

Preparation time 20 mins

Cooking time 1 hour

Rest time for 1 hour

Total time 2 hrs 20 mins

Cooking method: Ninja Foodi , Traditional

Difficulty: intermediary

Servings: 4

Ingredients

For Bariis rice

400 g basmati rice
2 sliced onions
2 cloves of crushed garlic
2 fresh or canned crushed tomatoes
1 tsp cumin
4 cloves
4 cardamom pods
1 stick of cinnamon
1 tsp turmeric
2 tbsp oil
Salt
Water

For the Mashiwi chicken

1 chopped chicken
1 tbsp paprika
1 tbsp cumin
2 cloves of crushed garlic
1 Lemon juice
Salt and pepper
2 tbsp oil

Preparation

For the rice

1
2
Rinse the rice until the water runs clear.
3
Sauté the onion in oil, then add the garlic, tomatoes, and spices. I cooked the rice in my Ninja, but it might be better in a large pot; it will be less dry.
4
Add the rice, stir and then cover with water (1 volume of rice = 1.5 volumes of water).
5
Cook over low heat until completely absorbed.
6
Caramelize a spoonful of sugar in a pan, add a little water, and pour over the rice to color it. Stir gently. I didn't add any sugar myself. I'll try it next time.

For the chicken

7
8
Mix together all the spices, garlic, lemon and oil.
9
Coat the chicken pieces with this marinade.
10
Let it rest for at least 1 hour.
11
Grill in the oven or on the barbecue until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
12
Serve directly over the rice.

Keywords: bariis iskukaris, Somali chicken recipe, Somali cuisine, East African spiced rice, Somali mashiwi, traditional Somali dish, gluten-free African recipe, Somali grilled chicken, Mogadishu cuisine, traditional Somali rice