Somali Biscuits (Buskud) Biscuits Somalis بسكويت

Somali Biscuits (Buskud) بسكويت

Somali Biscuits with Halwa (Buskud iyo Xalwo) بسكويت مع الحلوة الصومالية     These biscuits (cookies) take us back to Somalia, and in particular to childhood in Brava. Mornings start very early and almost everyone would wake up to a cup of coffee (kahawa in Bravanese; qaxwo in Somali). Somali coffee is not at all… Continue reading Somali Biscuits (Buskud) Biscuits Somalis بسكويت

Veggie Topping (Qudaar) Garniture de Légumes Sautés خضار للأرز

Veggie Topping (Khudaar) 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

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

Russian Salad (Insalaadda Ruuso) Salade Russe

Russian Salad (Insalaadda Ruuso)

  In Somalia, we remember this salad being prepared and served whenever important guests were invited. It was known as Insalaaddo Ruuso which is the Somalization of the Italian Insalata Russa (Russian Salad). This salad having originated in Russia, has many variations in different parts of the world. We usually serve this dish as a side… Continue reading Russian Salad (Insalaadda Ruuso) Salade Russe

Spinach, Carrots, & Potatoes (Mbogga/Isbinaasho) Epinards, Carottes, Pommes de Terre

Spinach, Carrots, & Potatoes (Mbogga/Isbinaasho)

  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

Somali Anjero (Canjeero) Anjero Somali

Somali Anjero (Canjeero)

  Somalis have their version of Hot cross buns! Hot cross buns! Only it’s not a nursery rhyme, it’s not about buns, and it’s not about something that you give to your daughters or sons. It’s a street cry, it’s about anjero, and you give it to the lion in the house. That lion of… Continue reading Somali Anjero (Canjeero) Anjero Somali

Milk-fed Baby Goat (Dhaylo) Chevreau de Lait

Somalis love their meat.  With the country predominantly nomadic, and with livestock as one of its main exports, it’s only natural that meat is an important component of the Somali diet.  Yet Somalis (in Somalia) are generally known to be quite lean.  The main reason was moderation in consumption and a lifestyle that demanded physical… Continue reading Milk-fed Baby Goat (Dhaylo) Chevreau de Lait

Yeasted Cake (Doolshe Qamiir) Gâteau Levé

Yeasted Cake

The Bravanese call this cake Mkate wa Khamiiri. They also know it as Ja, Teka (Eat & Smile).  Yes, it will bring a smile to your face but it will also test your patience.  In my opinion, this cake benefits from being cooled completely and let to rest for a few hours before eating it.  Actually, I… Continue reading Yeasted Cake (Doolshe Qamiir) Gâteau Levé