10+ Djibouti Recipes to Delight Your Taste Buds

Djibouti offers a unique mix of flavors and traditions in its cuisine. Exploring Djibouti recipes allows you to experience a rich culinary heritage that blends African, Arabic, and French influences.

From hearty main dishes to tasty snacks, there’s something for everyone eager to try new flavors.

You’ll find that cooking Djibouti dishes can be a fun and rewarding experience. Each recipe provides a glimpse into the culture and history of this small yet vibrant nation.

Embrace the chance to add some new and exciting meals to your culinary repertoire.

1) Skoudehkaris: The National Lamb and Rice Dish

Skoudehkaris is a beloved dish from Djibouti. It features tender lamb cooked in a spicy tomato-based sauce, layered with fragrant basmati rice. This dish is a comfort food that brings warmth and rich flavors to your table.

You’ll find it commonly served at gatherings and special occasions. The combination of spices and ingredients creates a delicious meal that everyone enjoys. The aroma that fills your kitchen while cooking is simply delightful.

Ingredients

• 1 pound lamb
• 1 large red onion
• 2-3 tomatoes (approx. 1 to 1.5 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons niter kibbeh (or ghee)
• Cumin and other spices
• Basmati rice

Cooking Instructions

1. Cut the lamb into chunks and brown in niter kibbeh.
2. Add chopped onions and sauté until soft.
3. Mix in diced tomatoes and spices.
4. Layer in washed basmati rice and add water.
5. Cook until the rice is fluffy and lamb is tender.

2) Delicious Djiboutian Sambusas

Sambusas are tasty pastries filled with meat and spices, popular in Djibouti. They are often enjoyed as snacks or appetizers. These crispy treats are perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in.

To make sambusas, you can use lamb, beef, or even vegetables. The filling is mixed with onions and spices, giving them a delicious flavor.

You can serve sambusas with a side of spicy tomato sauce for added zest. This dish is not only flavorful but also a fun way to share a piece of Djiboutian culture.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 3/4 cup water
• 1 pound ground lamb or beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• Spices (cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper)

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix flour, salt, and oil in a bowl. Gradually add water to form a dough.
2. Cook the ground meat and onion in a pan with spices until browned.
3. Roll out the dough and cut it into circles.
4. Place filling on each circle and fold to seal.
5. Fry in oil at 350°F (180°C) until golden brown.

3) Laxoox: Djibouti’s Light and Fluffy Bread

Laxoox is a delightful flatbread from Djibouti. Its spongy texture makes it a favorite for many. You can enjoy it with sweet toppings like honey or savory dishes.

This bread is made using simple ingredients that create a fluffy texture. When cooked, it has a unique pattern with holes that give it character. Laxoox is perfect for breakfast and pairs well with butter.

You can easily make it at home and share it with friends and family. The simplicity of the recipe makes it accessible for anyone to try.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup warm water
• 1 teaspoon yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
2. Add flour and salt. Mix until a batter forms.
3. Cover and let it rise for 1 hour.
4. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
5. Pour a ladle of batter into the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes.
6. Flip and cook for another minute.
7. Serve warm with your choice of toppings.

4) Harira: Flavorful Djiboutian Soup

Harira is a delicious soup popular in Djibouti. It is often made with lentils, chickpeas, and fresh herbs. Some versions include meat for extra flavor.

To make Harira, you start by sautéing onions and spices in a pot. Then, add the lentils, chickpeas, and water to let everything simmer. You can also add pasta or rice for a filling meal.

This soup is perfect for any occasion and brings a taste of Djibouti into your kitchen.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons oil
• 12 ounces cubed beef (optional)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bunch parsley, chopped
• 1 bunch cilantro, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt to taste
• 6 cups water or broth
• 1 cup lentils
• 1 cup chickpeas

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion, parsley, cilantro, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes.
3. Stir in cumin and cubed beef, cooking until browned.
4. Pour in water or broth and bring to a boil.
5. Add lentils and chickpeas. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!

5) Exotic Mok-Cha: Spicy Fish Stew

Mok-cha is a delicious and spicy fish stew from Djibouti. It combines fresh fish with a variety of spices that create a warm and flavorful dish. This stew is perfect for anyone who enjoys a little heat in their meals.

To prepare Mok-cha, you will need ingredients like fresh fish, tomatoes, and various spices. The stew is often served with bread or rice, making it a hearty option for dinner.

Cooking this dish is simple, and you’ll love how the flavors blend together. It’s a great way to experience the unique tastes of Djibouti right from your kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) fresh fish fillets
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-2 green chili peppers, sliced
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp coriander
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups (500 ml) fish stock
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat (350°F/175°C).
2. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and cook until soft.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes and green chili peppers.
4. Add the cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes.
5. Pour in the fish stock and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Add the fish fillets and cook until done, about 5-7 minutes.

6) Halwa: Sweet Djiboutian Dessert

Halwa is a beloved dessert in Djibouti, known for its sweet and soft texture. This treat is often made with simple ingredients like cornstarch, sugar, and oil. It’s flavored with spices such as nutmeg and cardamom, giving it a wonderful aroma.

You can enjoy Halwa at special occasions or as a comforting snack. Its unique flavors evoke memories of home and are sure to delight your taste buds.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cornstarch
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup oil
• 1 tsp nutmeg
• 1 tsp cardamom

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, combine water and sugar. Heat until sugar dissolves.
2. Slowly stir in cornstarch to avoid lumps.
3. Add oil, nutmeg, and cardamom and mix well.
4. Cook on low heat, stirring constantly until thickened.
5. Pour into a greased dish and let cool before cutting into squares.

7) Isku Dhex Karis: Hearty Meat Pilaf

Isku Dhex Karis is a delicious and filling dish from Djibouti. This hearty meat pilaf combines rice with tender meat, making it a favorite for many. You can use beef, goat, or chicken for this recipe.

The dish is known for its rich flavors and is perfect for family gatherings. You will love how everything comes together in one pot, allowing the ingredients to blend beautifully.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) beef, goat, or chicken, cut into pieces
• 2 cups long-grain white rice (basmati)
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 4 cups water or broth
• Spices (cumin, cardamom, and cinnamon to taste)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add sliced onion and cook until soft.
3. Add the meat and cook until browned.
4. Stir in spices and rice, then mix well.
5. Pour in water or broth and bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes, until rice is cooked.

8) Misir Wat: Spicy Red Lentils

Misir Wat is a delicious Ethiopian dish made from red lentils. It is known for its spicy flavor, making it a favorite in many homes. This dish is not only tasty but also nutritious and vegan.

To make Misir Wat, you’ll need simple ingredients like red lentils, onions, and spices. The dish usually takes around 40 minutes to prepare and cook, making it a great option for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

• 1 cup red lentils
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 4 tomatoes, diced
• 2 tablespoons berbere spice
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pot over medium heat (350°F/175°C).
2. Sauté the chopped onion until soft, about 5 minutes.
3. Add berbere spice and stir for 1 minute.
4. Add tomatoes and cook until soft.
5. Stir in lentils and 2 cups water. Bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes.
7. Season with salt and enjoy your Misir Wat!

9) Maandazi: Fried Sweet Bread Delight

Maandazi is a popular treat in Djibouti. This fried sweet bread has a soft and fluffy texture, making it delightful as a snack or breakfast item. You will love the hint of cardamom that adds a special flavor.

To make maandazi, first mix your dry ingredients. Then, combine them with wet ones to form a dough. After letting it rise, roll it out and cut it into triangles before frying until golden brown.

These treats are often enjoyed warm and can be served with tea or coffee.

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cardamom in a bowl.
2. Add warm water and knead until smooth.
3. Let the dough rise for about 30 minutes.
4. Roll out the dough and cut into triangles.
5. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F or 180°C).
6. Fry the dough pieces until golden brown, then drain on paper towels.

10) Traditional Djiboutian Lentil Stew

Djiboutian Lentil Stew is a hearty and flavorful dish. It combines lentils with spices and vegetables, making it nutritious and satisfying.

You will need dried lentils, onions, and green peppers for the base. Spiced butter adds a rich flavor. It’s perfect for any meal, especially during cooler weather.

This dish is easy to make and is often served with rice or bread. The spices give it a unique taste that can warm you up.

Ingredients

• 2 cups dried lentils
• 6 cups water
• 3/4 cup Anaheim green peppers, chopped
• 2 cups red onions, chopped
• 1/4 cup spiced butter

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the lentils under cold water.
2. In a pot, heat the spiced butter over medium heat.
3. Add chopped onions and peppers. Sauté for 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the lentils and water.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Simmer for 30-40 minutes.