Editorial sample recipeSomalibeginnerDairy-FreeGluten-FreeHalal

Somali Spiced Chicken And Yellow Split Pea Maraq

Name: Somali Spiced Chicken And Yellow Split Pea Maraq
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Somali
Ingredients: 1.5 lb boneless skinless halal chicken thighs, cut into 1.5-inch pieces; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 large red onion, thinly sliced; 3 clove garlic, minced; 1 tsp ground cardamom; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 0.5 tsp ground turmeric; 0.75 cup yellow split peas, rinsed and drained; 3.5 cup halal chicken broth; 1 tsp salt

Comforting Somali chicken stew layered with earthy split peas, caramelized onions, and warming cinnamon and cardamom.

Prep: 15 min
Cook: 35 min
Total: 50 min

AI-generated illustration of Somali Spiced Chicken And Yellow Split Pea Maraq

AI illustration

Technique to learn

Onion Caramelization for Maraq Base

Slowly browning onions before adding broth to build a naturally sweet, savory foundation for stews.

Instructions

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a deep pot over medium-high heat.
Step 2: Add chicken thigh pieces and season with salt, searing until lightly browned, about 5 minutes, then transfer to a plate.
Lower heat to medium, add sliced red onion to the pot, and cook for 6 minutes until soft and deeply caramelized around edges.

Step 4: Add minced garlic, cardamom, cinnamon, and turmeric, stirring constantly for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5: Stir in rinsed yellow split peas and pour in halal chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from bottom of pot.

Step 6: Return seared chicken to pot, bring stew to a boil, then cover tightly and simmer over medium-low heat for 25 minutes until split peas are tender.

Step 7: Uncover pot and simmer 3 more minutes to thicken stew slightly before serving with rice or flatbread.

Cooking tips

Pick over and rinse yellow split peas thoroughly in cold water to remove any debris before cooking.
If stew thickens too much while cooking, add 2 tablespoons of hot water to reach desired consistency.
Original home-cooking adaptation inspired by Somali; regional versions vary.
Use halal-certified meat, poultry, stock, sauces, cheese and other processed ingredients. Check labels and avoid cross-contamination. Recipe screening is not halal certification.

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