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Embark on a culinary voyage to the Somali coast with our Somali Fish Stew (Maraq Samak) recipe, a delightful and aromatic dish that encapsulates the essence of Somali cuisine. In this article, we will guide you through the preparation of this iconic fish stew while sharing insights into its cultural significance.

Exploring Somali Fish Stew (Maraq Samak)

Somali Fish Stew, known as Maraq Samak, is a reflection of the vibrant coastal life and rich culinary heritage of Somalia. This flavorful stew combines:

1 pound of fresh fish fillets (e.g., snapper, tilapia)

Cooking oil

2 onions, finely chopped

3 cloves of garlic, minced

Somali spice blend (Xawaash)

2 tomatoes, diced

2 tablespoons of tomato paste

2 bell peppers, diced

2 optional green chilies (for heat)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh cilantro (coriander) for garnish

Water or fish broth

Instructions:

Preparing Somali Fish Stew (Maraq Samak):

Begin by cleaning and cutting the 1 pound of fresh fish fillets into bite-sized pieces.

In a large pot, heat cooking oil over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until they become soft and translucent.

Add the fish pieces to the pot and cook briefly until they turn white.

Sprinkle the Somali spice blend (Xawaash) over the fish and onion mixture. Stir well to coat everything with the aromatic spices.

Add diced tomatoes and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste to the pot. Cook until the tomatoes break down and release their juices.

Stir in 2 diced bell peppers and optional diced green chilies (for heat).

Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.

Cooking Somali Fish Stew (Maraq Samak):

Pour enough water or fish broth into the pot to cover all the ingredients.

Cover the pot and simmer the fish stew on low heat for about 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the fish to cook through.

Serving Somali Fish Stew (Maraq Samak):

Serve Somali Fish Stew (Maraq Samak) hot, garnished with fresh cilantro (coriander) for added flavor.

Enjoy this coastal delight that brings the taste of the Somali coast to your table.