Soomaaliya by Ifrah F. Ahmed serves as a vibrant, living archive of Somali culinary traditions, capturing the soul of the Horn of Africa through 75 recipes, intimate interviews, and rich cultural storytelling. Nestled at a historical global trade corridor, Somalia's unique geography shapes its deeply layered cuisine, where ancient spice routes birthed *xawaash*, a signature blend of cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and turmeric used to flavor everything from comforting stews to aromatic *bariis* (rice). This comprehensive collection bridges generations both at home and across the diaspora, celebrating a diverse gastronomic heritage that seamlessly weaves nomadic pastoral roots, coastal abundance, and colonial influences like *baasto* (pasta) alongside everyday rituals like spiced *shaah* (tea) and cardamom-scented *doolsho* cake.
Please choose a recipe from the Soomaaliya - on [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Soomaaliya-Food-Memory-Migration-Cookbook-ebook/dp/B0GLX2HZJ3), at your favorite local store, or the [library](https://seattle.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S30C4110348)[ ](https://seattle.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S30C3264773)has a few digital copies available. One dish is required per person, so if you have a +1 please bring two dishes or double a recipe. Please post what you will be making in the comments so we have a balanced menu.
This event will be held at Srihaasa's home in Downtown Seattle. This is a limited attendee event, so please do not RSVP if you are not committed to coming. If something changes and you can't make it, please update your RSVP as soon as possible, *preferably at least 3-4 days in advance*. We usually have a waitlist and people need time to plan for a recipe, so no-shows, "place holder" RSVPs and last minute RSVP changes aren't groovy for an event like this. If you're not feeling well, please stay home. If you don't post what you are bringing by 9/19 or respond to messages we will move you to "not going" to make room for waitlist attendees. Thanks for your cooperation.
Additional reminders:
• Make sure your Meetup settings allow event updates from organizers. If you don't get the emails, check your spam, or social folders (for those on gmail).
• Bring serving utensils for your dish - and remember to take them home.
• Feel free to bring a beverage to share, alcoholic or non-alcoholic.
• Your dish must be prepared in advance and ready to serve when you arrive. (if you need to reheat please message host to confirm space)
• Please bring a few dollars to help cover the Meetup fees that Katy pays for hosting this group ($330+/year), Venmo (@katy-ionis) or PayPal equally appreciated. Thanks!
Looking forward to seeing everyone!
