I used to work for a non-profit organization that provided literacy and English language support to people in the surrounding communities who needed it. I also managed an after-school program for teenagers, one of which I managed. One of the teenage girls who worked under me was from Somalia. She was a very bright and industrious girl, and her initiative impressed her. When I left the institution, he gave me a Somali cake as a farewell present. It looked like a flat pound cake, but when I tried it, it was unexpectedly delicious. It was rich and spongy, with a wonderful nutty, spicy flavor I couldn’t quite put my finger on. Definitely the perfect gift for a foodie like me! Then I became curious about some Somali cuisine.
Somali cuisine is a cross between East African, Arabic and Indian cuisine. The Italians once had a colony in their country, and that grace was transferred to the kitchen. As in most African cuisines, except for North Africa and Ethiopia, Somalicuisine known in the Western world. As our world becomes smaller, however, I think it is more plausible that some of the less understood cultures of the planet will become more visible to us, including cuisine.
Typical bread
There are a few types of bread in Somali cuisine. They have flat breads similar to the Ethiopian injera, which in Ethiopia they use as a kind of plate, in which the Ethiopians put the best and exotically flavored meatballs. Bread, or variations of it, as in most countries in this region, is the source of food in Somalia. Unlike in Ethiopia, it does not always use a “plate”, but usually a meal or other food that is eaten separately, sometimes bread is broken up minute by minute and mixed into the main dish. Another type of bread in Somalia is known as muufo barawe, which is like wonderful lightly seasoned bread roll. It is a delicious leaven!
Typical Food
Some of the foods that Somalis eat are strange to Westerners, such as goat and camel. But they simply eat what is available to them in their country. They also consume beef and lamb. Since almost all Somalis are Muslims, they do not eat pork and pork does not figure in any cuisine.
Typical fruits, vegetables, grains
Many tropical fruits are grown in Somalia, due to the local climate. Their cuisine is rich in scabies, cooks, bananas, and pines. In addition to herbs native to Africa, many herbs that grow in the Mediterranean region and are used in the Persian region. in Somali cuisine, such as tomatoes, eggplant, pumpkins, spinach and other greens, and okra. Wheat and rice are some of the most common grains.
Arabic and Middle Eastern Influences
Somalis enjoy halvah, which is a honey-sesame seed confection popular throughout the Arab world and the Middle East. Somalis also have their own version of hummus.
Indian influences
Some of the commonly eaten snacks originate in Indian cuisine. Samosas, fried turnovers, are known as sambusa in Somalia, and are among the most popular meals. Samosas and their variations are found in many other countries of East Africa, the Middle East, and even Central Asia, under slightly different names. Somali food spices also carries an Indian influence, such as banana and cumin often.
Italian influence
Somalis apparently enjoy pasta, on top of which they put a stew made of meat and vegetables. Rich vegetables infused with greens or grains are typical in many different African cuisines, and Italian pasta with African-style soup certainly makes for a unique fusion. Somalis also have their own version of Italian gelato, made from products indigenous to the region.
Somali cuisine is a fascinating cross-section of foreign and indigenous influences. My exploration of this cuisine has always delighted my palate. I hope you are happy with yours too. Oh, and I was given this cake as a gift? Somali Cake, and the recipe for it here.
Enjoy!
Sources:
Personal use.
History of Nations. “History of Somalia.” History of Nations.net
Sandler, Bea. “Ethiopia: Menus & Recipes from Africa.” Africa.upenn.edu
Gale, Tammy Amina. “Tammy’s Somali Home.” Tammy’s Somali Home.blogspot
