Nutrition Services features food from Somalia for second Spotlight on Cuisine

On Jan. 23, students at Maple Grove, Osseo and Park Center senior high schools had the opportunity to try out a new meal during lunch as a part of Nutrition Services’ second Spotlight on Cuisine.

The Spotlight on Cuisine featured sambusas, which are triangular stuffed pastries stuffed with fillings, such as lentils and ground beef, as well as traditional Somali spices. The sabusas were served with Bariis style rice, which is a traditional rice dish made with turmeric seasoning, cumin, onions, raisins and red peppers, and Tamarind sauce. 

The goal of the Spotlight on Cuisine is to educate students on different cultures through cuisine three to four times a school year with fun and exciting menu items. During the first Spotlight on Cuisine in October, high school students had the opportunity to try pupusas and curtido from Central America. 

Similar to the first spotlight, students were eager to try out a new dish, lining up once they saw the poster showing what was being offered. 

“We wanted to have a fun and exciting way to introduce and educate our scholars about different world cuisines they may not be familiar with or have tried before. Items that some of their fellow classmates may have as staples in their homes,” said Chef Jim Quast. “This helps broaden their food knowledge, exposes them to menu items they may love and want to try again and helps create food conversations around the lunch table with their classmates.”