English Af-Somaali Français We mentioned in previous posts how Somalis, in general, liked to eat red meat. From sea to shining sea (the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean), Somalis prefer to have meat included in their main meal of the day. That, however, was not always realized. In many places, the main meal was… Continue reading Vegetable Stew (Maraq Qudaar) Légumes Mijotés مرق الخضار
Category: Healthy Choices (Caafimaadka u roon)
2 Somali Hot Sauces (2 Nooc Basbaas) 2 Sauces Piquantes Somali البسباس الصومالي
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… Continue reading 2 Somali Hot Sauces (2 Nooc Basbaas) 2 Sauces Piquantes Somali البسباس الصومالي
Pizza 4 Ways (Biitso 4 Nooc) Pizza 4 Façons البيتزا – 4 انواع
In a previous post, we told you the story of Hooyo Fadumo’s beginnings with cooking and her fish debacle. Wanting to learn, she sought out anyone who could teach her: family, friends, and even total strangers. She tells the story of how she approached a Somali cook who was working for an Italian neighbour.… Continue reading Pizza 4 Ways (Biitso 4 Nooc) Pizza 4 Façons البيتزا – 4 انواع
Vegetable Soup (Barooddo Qudaar) Soupe de Légumes شربة خضار
We learned how to make this soup from Hooyo¹ Fadumo Abdulle (Abdullahi’s mother). Hooyo Fadumo is an amazing cook but her story with cooking did not have the greatest start. Actually, it began with an embarrassing experience. Even though born and raised in Mogadishu, she comes from a family of pastoralists (reer miyi). At… Continue reading Vegetable Soup (Barooddo Qudaar) Soupe de Légumes شربة خضار
Refreshing Salad (Insalaaddo) Salade Rafraîchissante سلطة منعشة
This cool, refreshing salad says summer to us but it is great all year round. The refreshing feeling comes from the moisture-laden cucumbers and tomatoes, and the mild onion flavour from the green onions. The salad also has a wonderful texture with different levels of crunchiness ranging from the slight resistance offered by the… Continue reading Refreshing Salad (Insalaaddo) Salade Rafraîchissante سلطة منعشة
Sorghum Porridge (Mishaari Masaggo) Porridge au Sorgho شوربة السورغم
Sorghum porridge is one of those traditional dishes that are very popular in many parts of Somalia. With the addition of buttermilk, sugar, and ghee, it is considered a very nutritious meal. That is why it is one of the essential Ramadan dishes for iftar (breaking the fast). Porridge (mishaari), whether made from wheat… Continue reading Sorghum Porridge (Mishaari Masaggo) Porridge au Sorgho شوربة السورغم
Veggie Topping (Qudaar) Garniture de Légumes Sautés خضار للأرز
This is a great way of introducing vegetables into meals for those who would not eat them otherwise. It is the way that most Somalis eat their veggies. Somali restaurants almost always serve some kind of veggie topping with the rice and meat dishes. Potatoes, carrots, and sweet peppers are a favourite choice. We… Continue reading Veggie Topping (Qudaar) Garniture de Légumes Sautés خضار للأرز
Aromatic Rice (Bariis Udgoon) Riz Parfumé الأرز البسمتي بالبهارات
This rice dish is for those days when we grill, when we want a rice dish that is both easy and quick. It is recommended to soak basmati rice for at least an hour, so the grains will become elongated during cooking. However, for this dish we usually skip this step or let the… Continue reading Aromatic Rice (Bariis Udgoon) Riz Parfumé الأرز البسمتي بالبهارات
Beef Kebabs (Hilib La Solay) Brochettes de Boeuf فيليه البقر المشوي
This has been the seventh weekend in a row that we had guests over for lunch. No, we are not complaining, but just stating it as a fact. Actually, we got to see many friends and family members that we have not seen for years and we enjoyed their company. Whenever we have guests… Continue reading Beef Kebabs (Hilib La Solay) Brochettes de Boeuf فيليه البقر المشوي
Spinach, Carrots, & Potatoes (Mbogga/Isbinaasho) Epinards, Carottes, Pommes de Terre
This is a healthy and great-tasting vegetable dish made of spinach and chunky mashed potatoes and carrots. You can serve it as a side dish or you can eat it with bread, muufo, anjero, rice, or you can even toss it with fresh pasta. It is an easy dish and is nutritious at the… Continue reading Spinach, Carrots, & Potatoes (Mbogga/Isbinaasho) Epinards, Carottes, Pommes de Terre