Somali cuisine

Somali cuisine originates from Somalia, a country located in the Horn of Africa. It features a variety of dishes, from main courses to side dishes, and includes a wide range of ingredients. The cuisine is influenced by the country's diverse cultures, including Somali, Ethiopian, Yemeni, Persian, Turkish, and Italian influences.

Etymology

The term "Somali cuisine" is derived from the country's name, Somalia. The word "Somalia" itself is an Arabic term that means "Go and milk", which is a reference to the country's pastoralist history.

Ingredients

Somali cuisine uses a variety of ingredients, including meat, dairy, and a range of vegetables. The most commonly used meats are camel, beef, goat, and lamb. Dairy products, such as milk and ghee, are also widely used. Vegetables like spinach, okra, and kale are common, as are fruits like bananas and guava.

Dishes

There are many traditional Somali dishes. One of the most popular is Canjeero, a type of pancake similar to Ethiopian injera. Another popular dish is Sambuus, a fried or baked pastry filled with meat or vegetables. Suqaar is a dish made from diced meat, while Bariis is a rice dish often served with meat or vegetables.

Beverages

Somali cuisine also includes a variety of beverages. Shaah is a traditional Somali tea, often served with breakfast. Camel milk is also a common beverage, often consumed fresh or fermented.

Influence

Somali cuisine has been influenced by various cultures. The use of spices in Somali dishes, for example, is influenced by Indian and Middle Eastern cuisines. The Italian influence is seen in the use of pasta in some dishes, a result of the Italian colonization of Somalia in the 20th century.

See also

• African cuisine
• Middle Eastern cuisine
• Italian cuisine

Somali cuisine Resources
Need Help Finding a Doctor? WikiMD's DocFinder can help find general and specialist physicians.	Latest articles Most recent articles Ongoing trials.