Aromatic Somali rice

An impressive rice dish called bariis Somali

- 

"Bariis Somali is the recipe that first got people talking about my cooking. It's one of those dishes that makes me feel deeply connected to my roots," explains food writer Ilhan Mohamed Abdi. "The flavours are layered and, like many Somali dishes, it brings together sweet and savoury in a way that just makes sense. I've simplified the method so it comes together in just 15 minutes, but none of the flavour is lost. It's usually served with meat, like suqaar (lamb or beef cubes with veg) or chicken, and don't forget the banana, a classic Somali pairing that rounds everything out. You have to try it.

Ingredients

(Serves 4-6)

300g basmati rice (I use sella basmati)

125ml sunflower oil

1 onion, half sliced and half finely chopped

1 tomato, finely chopped

1 chicken stock cube

1tbsp ground cumin

1 small cinnamon stick