Move Over Spaghetti and Meatballs: African Noodle Dishes You Need to Try

While pasta might be a staple in many households, a whole continent of noodle dishes is waiting to be explored! Africa boasts a rich and diverse culinary history, with unique noodle traditions that deserve just as much attention as their Italian counterparts. In this post, we'll journey through some of the most delicious and unexpected African noodle dishes, promising to challenge your taste buds and expand your culinary horizons. Ready to trade in your spaghetti and meatballs for a flavor adventure? Our Somali Pasta recipe is a delightful example of how African cuisine blends familiar ingredients with exciting new flavors. It's a hearty and satisfying dish, perfect for a family meal or a special occasion.

Twist on spaghetti and meatballs with fragrant spices and a rich tomato sauce.

For sure, spaghetti and meatballs hold a special place in many hearts (and stomachs!); East Africa offers a whole new world of pasta experiences that might just become your new comfort food obsession. Think of it as spaghetti and meatball's sophisticated, worldly cousin – familiar yet excitingly different.  And this culinary adventure has a surprising twist: a touch of Italian flair. Here's why you should ditch the blue box and dive into East African pasta:

Beyond the Red Sauce: While the sauce is a star player in spaghetti and meatballs, East African pasta dishes embrace a wider range of flavors. Imagine vibrant tomato-based sauces spiced with ginger, cardamom, and cloves, or fragrant coconut milk-based sauces with hints of chili and turmeric. This diverse flavor palette is partly thanks to the Italian colonization period in Libya (1911-1943), which introduced new ingredients and culinary techniques to the region.

Noodles with a Twist: East Africa takes its pasta shapes seriously! You'll find everything from spaghetti and macaroni (a nod to Italian influence) to unique regional varieties like sukuma wiki (kale) noodles and nyama choma (grilled meat) infused pasta.

Flavor Fusion: East African pasta dishes beautifully blend Italian culinary influences with local ingredients and spices. This fusion creates unique flavor combinations you won't find anywhere else. Think pasta tossed with berbere (a fiery Ethiopian spice blend), or a creamy coconut curry pasta with plantains. The historical connection to Italy adds another dimension to this fusion, resulting in dishes that are both familiar and excitingly new.

More Than Just Comfort Food: East African pasta dishes often incorporate nutrient-rich vegetables and lean proteins, making them a wholesome and satisfying meal.

Italian-Influenced Somali Pasta Dish 

To give you a taste, let's explore a popular East African dish that showcases this unique fusion: Baaasto iyo Suugo. This Somali pasta dish features small, shell-shaped pasta cooked in a rich tomato-based sauce with ground meat, onions, and a blend of Somali spices. Sound familiar? It's a delicious example of how Italian and East African flavors intertwine to create something special besides mac & cheese.

Baaasto iyo Suugo Somali Pasta Recipe

Our recipe is a delicious example of how Somali cuisine blends Italian influences with local flavors. It's a hearty and flavorful dish, perfect for a family meal or a special occasion.

Ingredients:

1 pound spaghetti

1 pound ground beef or lamb

1 large onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 green bell pepper, chopped

1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1 teaspoon Xawaash spice

1 teaspoon cumin

1/2 teaspoon coriander

1/4 teaspoon turmeric

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Salt to taste

Olive oil

Directions:

Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. In a large skillet or pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and chopped green pepper and cook for another 2-3 minutes.

Add the ground meat to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Stir in the Xawaash, cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, and black pepper. Cook for a minute or two until fragrant.

Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and salt. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened. Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss to coat. Serve hot.

Tips and Variations:

Spice it up: For a spicier Baasto, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small chopped chili pepper to the sauce.

Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the sauce, such as carrots, zucchini, or potatoes.

Make it vegetarian: Substitute the ground meat with lentils or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.

Serve with a side: Baasto is often served with a side of banana or a simple salad.

Enjoy your delicious and authentic Somali Baasto instead of spaghetti and meatballs.