Food brings people together and sweets are a delight to people all over the world. Different cultures have their own versions of how to make and serve desserts. At SURVIVORS, the staff, volunteers, and clients are always excited when someone brings in a new treat to try.
This week a client from Somalia brought in some halwa for everyone to try. He wanted to share a piece of his home country with SURVIVORS. Halwa is a popular Somali dessert made from cornstarch, sugar, oil and ground cardamom. Halwa is typically eaten with biscuits (see the picture below, the Halwa is the dark brown, jelly-like, cube in the background) or coffee.
Everyone loved it! A client from the Middle East took a bite and a huge smile stretched across his face. “This is delicious,” he gushed as he took another bite.
Cassie, SURVIVORS’ clinical case manager, shared a recipe with the staff – here it is, originally from www.mysomalifood.com/somali-halwa/. We’d love to see your photos, if you make some.
Somali Halwa
Ingredients
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4 cups of water
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2 cups/1 lb granulated sugar
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2 cups/1 lb light brown sugar
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1 cup cornstarch
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1 cup ghee/oil
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1 teaspoon ground cloves
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2 teaspoon of ground cardamom
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Pinch saffron powder
Instructions
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Bring the sugar and the water to boil.
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Mix cornstarch, saffron and half of cup water, allow it to dissolve.
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Add the cornstarch to the mixture.
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Cook the mixture over medium heat while stirring.
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As the mixture turns thick, start adding oil. This might take about 30 minutes.
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Continue adding oil when it sticks to the bottom of the pan.
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Keep stirring until the mixture gets separated.
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When it starts to leave the sides of the pan add cardamom and cloves.
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Put the halwa on a baking sheet.
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Let it cool.
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Cut and serve
We’re a healing resource to survivors of torture and their families without regard to race, religion, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, or economic or immigration status.
SURVIVORS can provide specialized care and support to empower you in your healing journey to become a self-sufficient and healthy member of your family and community. We are able to offer services to torture survivors and their families free of charge. Professional interpretation is available.
To find out if you qualify for services, please call us at 619-278-2400 to talk with an expert staff member.
Pro-Bono volunteer physicians perform medical evaluations for clients’ asylum cases. Physicians write medical affidavits for attorneys to present in court, documenting that there is physical evidence of torture. Medical evaluations are always done in person, either at SURVIVORS’ office or a secondary location. Interpreters are provided for this service. Applicant’s medical licenses must be up to date.
Contractors accept clients for individual, couples or family therapy on a case-by-case basis. You choose your availability and create your own schedule. Therapy sessions may occur in your office setting in the community, Survivors’ office space, in-home, or via telemedicine. SURVIVORS provides compensation for your work. We will also provide professional interpreters to work with you.
You are not alone. We’re here to help. We’re a healing resource to survivors of torture and their families without regard to race, religion, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, or economic or legal status.
SURVIVORS can provide specialized care and support to empower you in your healing journey to become a self-sufficient and healthy member of your family and community. We are able to offer services to torture survivors and their families free of charge. Professional interpretation is available.
To find out if you qualify for services, please call us at 619-278-2400 to talk with an expert staff member.
PSYCHOTHERAPY SERVICES
SURVIVORS provides tailored individual, group, family, and couples therapy with licensed and licensed eligible mental health professionals throughout San Diego County.
MEDICAL SERVICES
SURVIVORS’ provides support for Survivors with medical needs like finding a physician for general health care or connecting with a vision provider to receive glasses.
PSYCHOTHERAPY
SURVIVORS provides tailored individual, group, family, and couples therapy with licensed and licensed eligible mental health professionals throughout San Diego County.
PSYCHIATRY
SURVIVORS’ psychiatric services include a thorough evaluation of clients and regular follow-ups by a psychiatrist.
PROFESSIONAL INTERPRETATION
SURVIVORS facilitates professional, trauma-informed interpretation so our clients can receive services in their native language or dialect to best support their healing process and care.
HEALING CLUB
SURVIVORS offers Healing Clubs to help counter torture survivor’s feelings of shame, humiliation, and isolation. Activities have included art projects and nature walks.
AYSLUM SUPPORT
SURVIVORS coordinates medical affidavits and psychological evaluations to support our client’s asylum cases. Medical and psychological evaluations are conducted by trained professional evaluators.
ASYLUM SUPPORT
SURVIVORS coordinates medical affidavits and psychological evaluations to support our client’s asylum cases. Medical and psychological evaluations are conducted by trained professional evaluators.
CASE MANAGEMENT
Services to address essential needs such as food, clothing, and housing. We distribute blankets, backpacks and educational supplies, public transit passes, and hygiene items.
MEDICAL SERVICES
SURVIVORS’ provides support for Survivors with medical needs like finding a physician for general health care or connecting with a vision provider to receive glasses.
PSYCHIATRY
SURVIVORS’ psychiatric services include a thorough evaluation of clients and regular follow-ups by a psychiatrist.
HEALING CLUB
SURVIVORS offers Healing Clubs to help counter torture survivor’s feelings of shame, humiliation, and isolation. Activities have included art projects and nature walks.
INTERPRETERS
SURVIVORS partners with professional, trauma-informed interpreters so our clients can receive services in their native language or dialect to best support their healing process and care.
CASE MANAGEMENT
Services to address essential needs such as food, clothing, and housing. We distribute blankets, backpacks and educational supplies, public transit passes, and hygiene items.