Maraq (Somali Beef and Vegetable Soup)
In short: A light, fragrant broth with tender beef, potato, carrot and tomato, seasoned with cumin, coriander and cardamom and finished with fresh lime. It takes about 2 h 5 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 25 min
- Cook
- 1 h 40 min
- Total
- 2 h 5 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 330 kcal
Maraq is the everyday Somali soup: a light, fragrant broth with tender chunks of meat, potato, carrot and tomato, seasoned with cumin, coriander and cardamom and brightened with lime. Families make it for lunch, for visitors and for breaking the Ramadan fast, and it is eaten with bread, canjeero or a side of rice. The long, gentle simmer matters, since the bones and meat flavor the broth.
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown the beef on all sides for 6 to 8 minutes, then add the onions and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic, tomatoes, cumin, coriander, cardamom and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes until the tomatoes break down.
- Pour in the water and add the salt. Bring to a boil, skim off the foam, then simmer partly covered for 60 to 70 minutes until the beef is tender.
- Add the potatoes, carrots and green pepper and simmer for 20 minutes until the vegetables are soft.
- Remove the cardamom pods if you can find them. Stir in the cilantro and lime juice, then taste and adjust the salt.
- Ladle into bowls and serve hot with bread, canjeero or rice.
Tips
- For a thicker soup, mash a few pieces of potato against the side of the pot before serving.
- Chicken thighs or lamb shoulder can replace the beef. Chicken needs only 25 minutes of simmering before the vegetables go in.
Questions and answers
Can I freeze maraq?
Yes, for up to 3 months. Freeze the soup without the potatoes, which turn grainy after thawing, and add freshly cooked potato when reheating.
What is eaten with maraq?
Bread, canjeero or rice are the usual partners. A squeeze of lime and a spoonful of green hot sauce are common at the table.
Can I make maraq with more vegetables?
Yes. Zucchini, turnips and cabbage all work well. Add them in the last 15 minutes so they hold their shape.
How long does it take to make Maraq (Somali Beef and Vegetable Soup)?
About 2 h 5 min in total: 25 min of preparation and 1 h 40 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Maraq (Somali Beef and Vegetable Soup)?
About 330 kcal per serving, with 23 g of protein, 28 g of carbohydrates and 14 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 330 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 23 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 7 g |
| Sodium | 800 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
