Kisra: A Taste of Sudan’s Resilience Amid Crisis

Kisra: More than Food

• The Crisis Facing Sudan Today

  • Since the onset of the civil war in April 2023, over 30 million Sudanese—nearly two-thirds of the population—are in desperate need of humanitarian aid.

  • Cities like El Fasher in North Darfur have been under siege for over a year, with food supplies dwindling and access to aid severely restricted.

  • Widespread malnutrition and famine are creating a humanitarian catastrophe, affecting millions of vulnerable civilians.

  • Sources: JURIST, AP News, Financial Times

• The Significance of Kisra Today

  • Each layer of Kisra represents the layers of Sudanese history, tradition, and resilience.

  • Conflict and famine are threatening the ability of families to preserve these cultural and culinary traditions.

  • Cooking Kisra now is not just a culinary act, but an act of remembrance and solidarity.

  • Each meal prepared honors a culture that continues to endure despite overwhelming challenges and adversity.

Kisra Recipe: A Taste of Tradition

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sorghum flour

• ½ cup wheat flour (optional)

• Water (enough to make a thin batter)

• 2 tablespoons yogurt (as a fermenting agent)

• Oil or ghee for greasing

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine the sorghum flour and wheat flour.

2. Add water gradually to form a smooth, thin batter.

3. Stir in the yogurt to initiate fermentation.

4. Cover the bowl and let the batter ferment for 12–24 hours at room temperature.

5. Heat a lightly greased pan over medium heat.

6. Pour a small amount of batter onto the pan and spread it evenly to form a thin layer.

7. Cook until the edges lift from the pan, then flip and cook the other side briefly.

8. Remove from the pan and stack the Kisra layers.

9. Serve warm with your choice of stew or sauce.

As you enjoy this dish, remember that for many in Sudan, the ability to prepare and share Kisra is becoming increasingly difficult. The ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis threaten not only lives but also the rich cultural traditions of the Sudanese people. Please consider donating to organizations providing critical assistance to those in need. The donation link can be found in the Donate area of this blog.