Title:** Cooking Somali Bariis Iskukaris **Setting:** A cozy kitchen filled with the warm aroma of spices. **Characters:** You (the cook), the ingredients, and a pot waiting to transform simple elements into magi **Scene 1: Gathering the Ingredients** _(You stand in your kitchen, surveying the ingredients laid out before you.)_ 📌 **You say:** "Alright, today we're making Bariis Iskukaris. Here’s what we need:" - 2 cups basmati rice (rinsed) - 1 lb chicken (cut into pieces) - 1 onion (finely chopped) - 2 cloves garlic (minced) - 1 tsp cumin - 1 tsp coriander - ½ tsp turmeric - ½ tsp cinnamon - 1 tomato (chopped) - 4 cups water or broth - 2 tbsp oil - Salt & pepper (to taste) - Fresh cilantro (for garnish) --- **Scene 2: Cooking the Chicken** _(You heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.)_ 📌 **You say:** "First, we cook the chicken until golden brown." _(You add the chicken pieces, searing them on all sides.)_ 📌 **You say:** "Once the chicken is cooked, time to infuse the magic—spices!" _(You add onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.)_ _(The kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma.)_ --- **Scene 3: Building the Flavor Base** 📌 **You say:** "In goes the tomato, breaking it down into a rich sauce." _(You stir the tomato into the mixture, letting it simmer for a few minutes.)_ 📌 **You say:** "Now, it's time for the rice." _(You add the rinsed rice, stirring to coat it with the flavorful mix.)_ --- **Scene 4: The Simmering Stage** 📌 **You say:** "We pour in the broth, bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer." _(You cover the pot, letting the rice cook for about 15 minutes.)_ 📌 **You say:** "Patience! The rice is absorbing all that incredible flavor." --- **Scene 5: The Grand Reveal** 📌 **You say:** "Let’s check! Fluffy, fragrant, and ready to serve." _(You fluff the rice with a fork, garnishing it with fresh cilantro.)_ 📌 **You say:** "And just like that, Somali Bari