CULTURE
Sudan
is a miniature representation of Africa: a large country with
geographic, extremes ranging from sandy desert to tropical forest.
It has about 600 tribes who have Arabic as their common language,
beside there are about 142 different languages. The cuisine is
a melding of the many varied backgrounds of the people who live
in the Sudan's land.
The ritual of hospitality is as important in the Sudan as it is
in other Arab and African countries. And while there is a measure
of similarity in all the Arab and African countries, each has
its unique characteristics. For example, no other country prepares
coffee as the Sudanese do, and if this country acquired culinary
fame, it is for its Sudanese Jebena (Special made Sudanese Coffee).
The Sudanese fry their coffee beans in a special pot over charcoal
and then grind it with cloves and certain spices. They steep it
in hot water and serve it lovingly in tiny coffee cups after straining
it through a special tresh grass sieve.
In Sudan, if you are an important guest, a sheep will be slaughtered
in your honor. Many dishes will then be prepared, each more delicious
than the last. Favorite meats are lamb and chicken. Rice is the
staple starch. Breads are the Arabian Khubz, but the Sudanese
also make Kisra, an omelette- like pancake which is part of the
Sudanese dinner. Vegetables, fresh and cooked, are of infinite
variety. The okra, is an important ingredient in a (Bamia dish)-
Bamia is an okra lamb stew. You must try Maschi, a triple tomato
dish stuffed with beef, as it is such fun to make. As in most
Arabic countries, fruits are peeled and cut in small slices for
dessert, but the Sudanese also love sweets and every housewife
knows how to make Creme Caramela Custard. You will like their
unusual teas which can be made quite simply. But if you prefer
to serve coffee, make it a demitasse.
