Celebrating Somali Culture with Ifrah F. Ahmed in Portland and Lewiston
Acclaimed Somali-born author and chef Ifrah F. Ahmed strives to foster community connection and highlight Somali history, culture, and cuisine during her visit to Portland and Lewiston on October 2 and 3.
Ifrah Ahmed, a Somali cookbook author, recently released her debut cookbook, “Soomaaliya.”
“I’m hoping that Somali culture and cuisine can resonate with the youth, especially in light of the political and legal challenges faced by Somalis in the U.S.,” said Ahmed.
Her visit is part of Coffee By Design & Community Organizing Alliance‘s “Midnimo: Unity: Celebrating Somali Food, Music, and Culture” event, following the release of her debut cookbook, “Soomaaliya: Food, Memory, and Migration.” The book features 75 Somali recipes, coupled with stories and interviews that reflect the depth of Somali culinary traditions.
Ahmed notes the impact of the Somali civil war on the community’s oral traditions, which have diminished due to global migration. “Many members of the international Somali population cannot speak the language or know their histories,” she writes.
While not the only Somali author documenting traditional recipes, Ahmed’s work is essential. Only a handful of Somali cookbooks exist, leading her to provide a foundational approach that encourages individual expression in cooking.
One highlight from her book is Malawax, a delicious cardamom crepe. “It’s always a favorite in my house,” Ahmed shared.
TELLING MAINE’S SOMALI STORIES
Mohamed Khalid, co-founder of the Community Organizing Alliance, emphasized the event’s theme of unity. “It’s really about breaking bread together,” he said.
Both Ahmed and Khalid reflect on the challenges faced by the Somali community in the U.S. and aim to promote appreciation for Somali culture and contributions to Maine.
“Somali identity extends beyond immigration narratives. Somali Mainers are integral to Maine’s story,” emphasizes Khalid.
IF YOU GO
Join the celebrations of Somali food, music, and culture:
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Community Meet and Greet Potluck: Oct. 2, 1-3 p.m., Portland Community Squash, 66 Noyes St., Portland. Free entry; bring a dish to share.
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An Evening with Ifrah F. Ahmed: Oct. 2, 6-8 p.m., Coffee By Design, 1 Diamond St., Portland. Free and open to the public, featuring discussions and a Q&A.
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Community Meet and Greet Potluck: Oct. 3, 12:30-2:30 p.m., Maine Museum of Innovation, Learning and Labor (MILL), 1 Beech St., Lewiston. Free entry, with snacks from the ISUKEN Co-op.
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Ilkcase Live in Lewiston: Oct. 3, doors open at 5 p.m., Agora, 220 Bates St., Lewiston. Free ticketed concert featuring Ilkcase Qays. Registration required.
How to Make Malawax from “Soomaaliya”
Makes 8 to 10
Ingredients:
- 1 1/3 cups (170 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (240 ml) milk
- 1 cup (240 ml) water
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup (50 g) sugar, plus more for serving
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- Melted ghee, as needed
Instructions:
- Blend flour, milk, water, egg, sugar, cardamom, and cinnamon until smooth. Pour into a large bowl.
- Grease a nonstick crepe pan with ghee and heat over medium-high.
- Ladle ⅓ cup of batter into the pan, spreading evenly. Cook until light brown, 1-2 minutes. Drizzle with ghee, flip, and cook for 20 seconds.
- Serve warm, dusted with sugar.
Enjoy the rich flavors of Somali culture!
