Zurbian (Surbiyaan) زربيان

English Af-Soomaali Français عربي Zurbian or zurbiyan is a type of Biryani that is popular in Yemen, other parts of the Arabian Peninsula as well as parts of Somalia. We believe the Arabic name زربيان (zurbiyan) was derived from رز برياني (ruz biryani) where the first two letters were reversed. Zurbian which is a variant… Continue reading Zurbian (Surbiyaan) زربيان

Tuna Patties (Kabaab Toonno) Croquettes de Thon كفتة التونة

English Af-Soomaali Français عربي Tuna Patties www.xawaash.com I left Somalia when I was 18. My elder brother and I had to sneak out of the country because at the time no one younger than 40 years was allowed to leave Somalia. Passports were not issued to “minors” aged 39 years or younger. Hard currency was… Continue reading Tuna Patties (Kabaab Toonno) Croquettes de Thon كفتة التونة

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

Chicken Stew (Maraq Digaag) Poulet Mijoté

This is a simple chicken stew that goes well with the Somali Chapati (Sabaayad), the Potato & Cumin Rice (Pilau), or Maanda (Muufo). It’s a typical Somali stew flavoured with Xawaash (Somali spice mix). Growing up in Somalia, the chicken we had there were all free range. The meat was tougher and required a much… Continue reading Chicken Stew (Maraq Digaag) Poulet Mijoté