Tagalia

The mother sauce of the Sudanese kitchen — onions browned slowly to sweetness, then meat, garlic and spice built on top.

History and culture

Ask what is cooking in half the houses of Sudan and the answer begins with tagalia; most mullahs start from this browned-onion base.

Ingredients

  • 3 onions, sliced fine
  • 400 g meat
  • Garlic, tomato paste
  • Cardamom, pepper, salt, oil

How it is made

  1. Brown the onions slowly until deep amber.
  2. Add meat and sear; add garlic and paste.
  3. Add water and spices; simmer to a rich gravy.

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