Somali food is not spicy hot. It is unlike the cuisines of neighbouring countries that use a lot of hot spices. Somalis prefer to serve the hot sauce on the side just like the salt and pepper which everyone can adjust to his/her taste. One thing you do not have to worry about when…
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If you have never had a plantain, it tastes pretty much like a potato when a raw or semi-ripe plantain is cooked. We prepared this stew for some guests and they all thought they were eating potatoes. Plantains are a staple food in southern Somalia and are added to both savoury and sweet dishes….
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The eye of round roast is a very lean cut and can be quite tough if not cooked properly. There are different ways of cooking it but our favourite method is to cook it slowly in a flavourful broth. The meat releases its juices, making the broth even more flavourful. Even though the cooked meat…
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We never had shrimp in Somalia. We also never ate lobster there, or any other type of shellfish for that matter. Somalis did not consider those creatures worthy eating. Whenever fisherman found them in their nets, they tossed them back to the sea. Somalia has the longest coastline in mainland Africa and has an…
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This flat bread is very popular as a breakfast item that is usually served during the Eid. It is similar to Anjero but it has additional ingredients that make it different. Ambabur has different spices added to the batter that give it a special taste. The types of spices added can vary from one…
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Long before we were introduced to the doughnuts we had outside Somalia, we were familiar with kac kac. We loved these tasty snacks that were sold in traditional Somali restaurants (maqaayo Soomaali) in Mogadishu. They were great for a quick breakfast when served alongside a cup of Somali tea with milk (shaah caddeeys). In those…
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Icun icalaanji caloosha iggee (iggeli) Are you getting ready for Eid? What would Eid be without icun? We mean the icun of “icun icalaanji caloosha iggee (iggeli)” fame. That is what the street vendors selling icun used to say and it means “eat me, chew me, and dispatch me to the stomach.” We do…
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East African curries are influenced by Indian as well as Middle Eastern cuisines, so any similarities are not coincidental. This curry contains coconut milk which features prominently in Swahili cooking and it is one of the ingredients that makes the food really delicious. This recipe is a family favourite and is one of the…
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We hear a lot about teamwork in the workplace but little about teamwork at home. We believe it is just as important if not more. We like to cook together, prepare recipes together, as well as taking turns to cook. Apart from the benefit it has of building a stronger relationship and fostering companionship…
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When we roasted these chicken drumsticks, we took them to a gathering at a friend’s house. One of her guests tried them and she said to us, “I have never had chicken this good in my WHOLE LIFE! I am a chef and I know what I am talking about.” Wow! What an amazing…
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