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Skoudehkaris

Yields6 ServingsPrep Time20 minsCook Time1 hrTotal Time1 hr 20 mins

Skoudehkaris is a spicy and meaty one pot rice dish from the horn of Africa.

Djiboutian Skoudehkaris served on a plate

Main Ingredients
 2 tbsp vegetable oil or ghee
 1 large onion, finely chopped
 3 garlic cloves, minced
 1 inch piece fresh ginger, minced
 1 ½ lbs lamb (shoulder or stew meat), cut into cubes
 1 tsp ground cumin
 1 tsp ground cinnamon
 1 tsp ground cardamom
 ½ tsp ground cloves
 1 tsp ground black pepper
 1 tsp paprika
 1 hot chili pepper (or to taste), chopped
 2 medium tomatoes, diced (or 1 cup canned diced tomatoes)
 1 ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
 2 cups basmati or long grain rice, rinsed and soaked for 15 minutes
 4 cups water or broth (lamb or beef)
 Fresh coriander or parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions
1

Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the lamb and brown it on all sides—about 5–7 minutes.

2

Stir in onions and cook until soft and golden. Add garlic, ginger, and chopped chili. Cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.

3

Add cumin, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, black pepper, and paprika. Stir for 1–2 minutes to toast the spices.

4

Stir in the diced tomatoes and cook until they break down and create a thick base—about 5 minutes.

5

Pour in 2 cups of water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30–40 minutes until the lamb is tender.

6

Add the soaked, drained rice to the pot along with the remaining 2 cups of water or broth. Add salt. Stir gently, bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on low for 15–20 minutes or until rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.

7

Let rest for 5 minutes off heat, then fluff gently. Garnish with fresh coriander or parsley if desired.

Notes

Djiboutian lamb and rice stew that’s rich with spices and influenced by Somali, Yemeni, and French flavors. Skoudehkaris is a comforting one-pot meal popular throughout the Horn of Africa.

Nutrition Facts

6 servings

Serving size

1

Amount per serving
Calories480
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 18g24%
Sodium 500mg22%
Total Carbohydrate 50g19%

Dietary Fiber 2g8%
Protein 25g
Vitamin A 53mcg6%
Iron 2.6mg15%

* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.