Spicy Somali Potato Stew

Ingredients

While the original Bhutanese Kewa Datshi is a cheese and potato dish, this Somali adaptation transforms it into a spicy potato stew. The Somali version incorporates a variety of aromatic spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and paprika, giving it a distinct flavor profile. Additionally, the Somali version includes tomatoes and bell peppers for added sweetness and color, creating a vibrant and flavorful stew. We alse have the original recipe for Kewa datshi, so you can check it out.

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 green chili peppers, sliced 2 green chili peppers, sliced
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 5g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
3. 3.
   Stir in the ground cumin, ground coriander, ground turmeric, and paprika. Cook for a minute to release the flavors.
4. 4.
   Add the diced tomatoes, bell pepper, and sliced green chili peppers to the pot. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables soften.
5. 5.
   Add the cubed potatoes to the pot and stir well to coat them with the spices.
6. 6.
   Pour enough water into the pot to cover the potatoes. Season with salt to taste.
7. 7.
   Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
8. 8.
   Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Potatoes — Make sure to cut the potatoes into evenly sized cubes to ensure they cook uniformly.
• Green chili peppers — Adjust the amount of chili peppers according to your spice preference. For a milder version, remove the seeds before slicing.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.
• Serve the stew with Somali flatbread or rice for a complete meal.
• If you prefer a thicker stew, mash some of the cooked potatoes with a fork to thicken the sauce.
• Feel free to add other vegetables such as carrots or peas to the stew for added variety.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, allowing the flavors to meld together even more.

Serving advice

Serve the Spicy Somali Potato Stew hot in individual bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and freshness. Accompany the stew with Somali flatbread or rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle a pinch of paprika on top of the stew before garnishing with fresh cilantro. Serve the stew in colorful ceramic bowls to showcase the vibrant colors of the dish.