Hilib Shidan: Flavorful Somali Eggplant & Meat Stew
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Ingredients
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500 grams Beef chuck, cubed
(Use boneless, lean cut for stew)
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2 medium Eggplants
(Cut into 1-inch cubes)
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4 medium Tomatoes
(Fresh, finely chopped)
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1 large Onion
(Finely sliced)
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3 cloves Garlic cloves
(Minced)
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1 inch Ginger root
(Fresh, grated)
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3 tablespoons Vegetable oil
(For sautéing)
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2 cups Water
(For simmering the stew)
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1 teaspoon Ground cumin
(Adds warm flavor)
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1 teaspoon Ground Coriander
(Adds depth to the spices)
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0.5 teaspoon Turmeric Powder
(Fresh turmeric preferred)
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0.5 teaspoon Chili powder
(Adjust to heat preference)
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1 teaspoon Salt
(Adjust to taste)
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0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
(Freshly ground)
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2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro leaves
(Chopped for garnish)
(Use boneless, lean cut for stew)
(Cut into 1-inch cubes)
(Fresh, finely chopped)
(Finely sliced)
(Minced)
(Fresh, grated)
(For sautéing)
(For simmering the stew)
(Adds warm flavor)
(Adds depth to the spices)
(Fresh turmeric preferred)
(Adjust to heat preference)
(Adjust to taste)
(Freshly ground)
(Chopped for garnish)
Nutrition
- Servings: 4
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (300g)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 690 mg
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
- Calcium: 65 mg
- Iron: 4 mg
Instructions
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1 - Prep Vegetables and Meat:
Wash and cube the eggplants, chop tomatoes, slice onions, mince garlic and grate ginger. Cut beef into cubes if not already done.
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2 - Brown the Beef:
Heat 2 tbsp oil in a heavy pot over medium heat. Add beef cubes and brown them on all sides for 8-10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
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3 - Sauté Onions, Garlic, and Ginger:
Add remaining oil to the pot. Sauté onions until translucent. Add garlic and ginger, stir for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
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4 - Add Spices and Tomatoes:
Sprinkle in cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder (if using). Mix well. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until tomatoes soften and impart their juices.
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5 - Combine Ingredients and Simmer:
Return browned beef to the pot. Stir to coat with spice-tomato mixture. Add water and salt, then bring stew to gentle simmer, cover and cook 20 minutes.
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6 - Add Eggplants and Continue Cooking:
Add cubed eggplants to the pot. Stir gently. Cover and continue to simmer until eggplants are tender and flavors meld, about 10 minutes.
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7 - Final Seasoning and Garnish:
Season stew with freshly ground black pepper. Adjust salt if needed. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving hot.
Wash and cube the eggplants, chop tomatoes, slice onions, mince garlic and grate ginger. Cut beef into cubes if not already done.
Heat 2 tbsp oil in a heavy pot over medium heat. Add beef cubes and brown them on all sides for 8-10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Add remaining oil to the pot. Sauté onions until translucent. Add garlic and ginger, stir for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Sprinkle in cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder (if using). Mix well. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until tomatoes soften and impart their juices.
Return browned beef to the pot. Stir to coat with spice-tomato mixture. Add water and salt, then bring stew to gentle simmer, cover and cook 20 minutes.
Add cubed eggplants to the pot. Stir gently. Cover and continue to simmer until eggplants are tender and flavors meld, about 10 minutes.
Season stew with freshly ground black pepper. Adjust salt if needed. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving hot.
More About: Hilib Shidan: Flavorful Somali Eggplant & Meat Stew
About Hilib Shidan
Hilib Shidan is a beloved Somali stew that features tender beef paired with soft, spiced eggplant and luscious tomatoes. Its name roughly translates to 'to cook meat' in Somali contexts, but the inclusion of eggplant and vibrant native spices sets it apart, creating a richly layered dish that celebrates Somali culinary tradition.
Recipe Insights and Tips
The use of fresh ingredients like ginger, garlic, and fresh tomatoes adds a fragrant brightness that balances out the earthiness of the beef and eggplant. To enhance the depth of flavor, sear the meat well to develop caramelization before combining it with the tomato and spice base. Gently simmering the stew allows spices to fully penetrate the meat and vegetables.
Optional chili powder offers a subtle heat reminiscent of the Somali palate’s fondness for mildly spiced dishes, but it can be adjusted or omitted for those who prefer less heat. Fresh cilantro provides a zesty finish that brightens each bite. This dish pairs wonderfully with Somali staples such as rice, flatbread, or chapati.
Cultural Significance
Somali cuisine draws from African, Arab, and Mediterranean influences, reflecting the country's historical trade links. Dishes like Hilib Shidan show this harmony through bold yet finely balanced spices that enhance native ingredients like eggplant and meat. This recipe not only delivers rich functional nourishment but conveys the warmth of Somali communal sharing and hospitality traditions at the dining table.
Whether you are recreating a traditional meal or exploring new international dishes, Hilib Shidan offers a uniquely hearty and flavorful experience from the Horn of Africa.
