Baasto iyo suugo tuuna (Pasta and spiced tuna sauce)

A Somali-Italian fusion dish of spaghetti with a spiced tuna tomato sauce, reflecting Italian colonial influence.

Ingredients:

  • 12 oz (340g) spaghetti
  • 1 can (5 oz) tuna in oil, drained
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 medium tomatoes, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp xawaash (or mix: 1 tsp cumin, ½ tsp coriander, pinch of cardamom, ¼ tsp turmeric)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 banana, sliced (optional, for serving)
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish

Preparation (30 minutes):

  1. Cook pasta: Boil spaghetti in salted water per package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Make sauce: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook onion until soft (5 minutes). Add garlic and tomatoes; cook until tomatoes break down (5 minutes).
  3. Add tuna and spices: Stir in tuna, xawaash, and salt. Cook for 5 minutes.
  4. Combine: Toss pasta with the sauce. Adjust seasoning.
  5. Serve: Garnish with parsley. Serve with a banana on the side (traditional).