Winter in Somalia is mild and muggy. In the dry, mountainous north, a chilly night might reach 50°F. In the south, closer to the equator, it seldom dips below 70°F. But whatever one’s definition of cold, the best succor for the weather in Somalia is the same as elsewhere: hot soup.
Maraq cad (Somali for clear soup) starts as most soups do. Take meat — typically lamb or goat — and simmer it in water with vegetables. Season it with spices and aromatics, maybe coriander, cilantro, and garlic. Once the flavors have melded, ladle it into a bowl over cooked rice or potatoes, to add some starch.
