Sudanese Food
A
culture of a civilization is based upon its accumulating heritage. The dietary
habits of people show an aspect of this civilization's culture. Sudanese
cuisine is as diverse as its geography and cultures. Central Sudan, is perhaps
the region that is the most diversified and colorful in its cuisine and dietary
habits. This is due to its being a melting pot for the different Sudanese
cultures and peoples, and to its exposure to external influences, like the
effect of the British domination during the Condominium period. food Societies
always start with simple, unsophisticated types of food and gradually with
their growth and development, they begin to improvise and discover more tasteful
and sophisticated dishes, each depending on the types of new animal and
agricultural discoveries. After having
established their basic cuisine, they tend to the development of complementary
foods e.g. appetizers, desert and other foods, which allows for the emergence
of a distinct cuisine.
It
is of importance to note that the main staple of the Sudanese is a special type
of bread called Kissra, which is made of durra or corn, Kissra is taken
together with a stew and this has become the main dish in central and Sudan in
general. The main components of which these stews are made are dried meat,
dried onions, spices and peanut butter. Other substances could be added like
milk and yoghurt. These are used in preparing two well- known stews; Ni'aimiya
and dried ocra is used in preparing other stews like Waika, Bussaara and
Sabaroag. Miris is a stew that is made from sheep's fat, onions and dried okra.
Other vegetables like potatoes, eggplants and others are used in preparing
their stews meat, onions and spices.
These
stews are accompanied with porridge (Asseeda), which is made with wheat flour
or corn. Other times Kissra is used. As for the popular appetizers in Sudan,
there is (Elmaraara) and (Umfitit) that are made of parts of sheep like the
lungs, liver and stomach. To these are added onions, peanut butter and salt, it
is eaten raw. Also other types of
porridges are popular in Sudan which are made of wheat, Dhukhun and dates. They
are taken together with milk, sugar and margarine. Soups are an important component
of the Sudanese food, the most popular are Kawari', which is made of cattle's
or sheep's hoofs in addition to vegetables and spices. Also there is
Elmussalammiya, which is made with liver, flour, dates and spices.
In
Ramadan (The Muslims' fasting month),
one of their favorite drinks is the Hilumur which is made from corn flour and
spices. Also there are Aabrai Abiyad and Nashaa, which are made of corn flour
also.
Food and drink
Sudanese people are very hospitable. Meals are eaten around a large, communal tray on which various meat, vegetable, salad, and sauce dishes are placed. These are eaten with the right hand, using flat bread or a stiff millet porridge known as asida or kisra. The strong Sudanese coffee is served from a special tin ‘jug’ with a long spout, known as a jebena. The coffee is sweet and often spiced with ginger or cinnamon, and is drunk from tiny cups or glasses. Fruit teas and herbal teas such as kakaday (hibiscus tea) are also popular. Most people seem to have a very sweet tooth, piling several teaspoons of sugar into their cups of tea, and enjoying sugary desserts. Peanuts, known as Ful-Sudani, are a popular snack, and can be made into delicious macaroons.
Sudanese people are very hospitable. Meals are eaten around a large, communal tray on which various meat, vegetable, salad, and sauce dishes are placed. These are eaten with the right hand, using flat bread or a stiff millet porridge known as asida or kisra. The strong Sudanese coffee is served from a special tin ‘jug’ with a long spout, known as a jebena. The coffee is sweet and often spiced with ginger or cinnamon, and is drunk from tiny cups or glasses. Fruit teas and herbal teas such as kakaday (hibiscus tea) are also popular. Most people seem to have a very sweet tooth, piling several teaspoons of sugar into their cups of tea, and enjoying sugary desserts. Peanuts, known as Ful-Sudani, are a popular snack, and can be made into delicious macaroons.