Soomaaliya: Food, Memory, and Migration: A Cookbook - by Ifrah F. Ahmed

75 recipes spanning cherished classics and modern interpretations, bringing the soul of Somali cooking to the world stage.Known by many names, the cape of spices, the nation of poets, and the land of cinnamon, Somalia is nestled in the Horn of Africa and is blessed with fertile fields, rich in spices, and endowed with the longest coastline in mainland Africa. This location and natural abundance have made Somalia a corridor between east and west, and a central point in global trade and migration, dating back millennia.In Soomaaliya, Ifrah F. Ahmed tells the story of her country through its history, its food, and its people. Somalia’s role in the spice trade yields xawaash, the most distinctive of Somali flavors, a heady blend of cumin, coriander, black pepper, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and turmeric that’s used in everything from marinades to stews. Cardamom also finds its ways into thin, fragrant crepes, sweet fried beignets called bur, and bariis, rice spiced with cardamom and cumin. This rice is paired hilib ari, tender goat meat stew that is a product of Somalia’s deep roots in herding and agrarianism. Baasto, or pasta, a relic of the long Italian colonial rule, is served with a range of simple tomato sauces to ragus. The bountiful waters supply fish freshly caught and fried. And for afternoon tea, a pot of spiced shaah, served with thick slices doolsho, an aromatic cardamom cake. These are a just a few of the over 70 recipes included that introduce the foundational flavors and tastes of the Somali palate.

• Over 70 traditional Somali recipes
• Profiles of food producers, writers, and chefs
• Learn about Somali foodways past, present, and future
• On-Location Photography

Expansive and generous, and fueled by a deep love, Soomaaliya is a celebration of the richness of Somali food, and the remarkable resilience of its people.

Every May, the city of Philadelphia celebrates World Heritage Month. The Free Library, in collaboration with the Office of the City Representative and Global Philadelphia, is celebrating by hosting a number of programs that celebrate Philadelphia's key role in the global community. Philadelphia was the first U.S. city honored with the Global Heritage title.

Food is an element that brings people together. Food is a shared experience with its own language that promotes cultural understanding. The celebration will host a series of presentations and book signings with some of the nation's leading award-winning top chefs who have appeared on national telelvision food shows, are featured in major publications, James Beard honored and have their books on best-of lists. Each program will be followed by a book signing and light tasting.

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