Sudanese Appetizers

The Sudanese appetizers can’t all fit in the same category, as they differ in aliments and preparation methods. Still, breads with dips, rice and soups are the main Sudanese starters. Shorba is a specialty made of lamb soup, puree and peanut butter. The meal is also served with rice, but this is not a custom when serving it as an appetizer. There are many meals and breads (like Pita bread) which are served with traditional dips. Among these, there is the Sudanese yoghurt and tahini dip. This special dish, served with all kinds of veggies and meats as an appetizer is made with sesame seed and paste (locally known as tahini), plain non-fat yoghurt, minced garlic, lemon juice and chopped fresh parsley, all these spiced up with fresh black pepper. Other appetizer consists of drinks, especially herbal tea and all kinds of fruit juices (orange, grapefruit, lime) – these are served to the guests before the meal, because they are considered healthy after a journey.