Somali Bars

Somali Bars Recipe: Delicious Coconut and Chocolate Bars from Somalia

Region / culture: Somalia | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 12 bars

Introduction

Somali Bars are a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that combines the flavors of coconut, chocolate, and brown sugar. These bars are perfect for a sweet treat or snack any time of day.

History

Somali Bars have roots in Somali cuisine, where coconut and chocolate are commonly used in desserts. This recipe has been passed down through generations and is a favorite among families and friends.

Ingredients

2 cups flaked coconut
0.5 tsp salt (omit if using salted butter)
1 tsp baking powder
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
1.5 cups light brown sugar, firmly packed
2 eggs, lightly beaten
2 tsp vanilla
1.5 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

How to prepare

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature if stored in the refrigerator.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Combine the salt, baking powder, and flour by mixing or sifting them together.
Once the oven is hot, place the coconut on a cookie sheet and toast it until it turns lightly browned (approximately one or two minutes). Remove from the oven and let it cool.
Using an electric mixer, cream together the butter and brown sugar. Gradually add the beaten egg, ensuring thorough mixing after each addition. Stir in the vanilla. Gradually incorporate the flour mixture, mixing well with a wooden spoon.
Gently fold in the chocolate chips and the toasted coconut.
Lightly grease or butter a 9- x 13-inch cake pan and dust it with flour. Spread the batter evenly into the pan.
Bake at 350°F (177°C) for about 25 minutes. Remove from the oven as soon as a sharp knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Be careful not to over-bake.
Allow the cake to cool, then cut it into bars or squares before serving.

Variations

Add chopped nuts for extra crunch.
Use white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a different flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.

- Toasting the coconut adds a nutty flavor to the bars.

- Be careful not to over-bake the bars, as they can become dry.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Somali Bars with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful snack.

Cooking Techniques

Creaming the butter and sugar together helps create a light and fluffy texture in the bars.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use margarine instead of butter in this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

Somali Bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Somali Bars on a platter with a dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Somali Bars with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Somali Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Somali Bars contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Somali Bars contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Somali Bars contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Somali Bars contains approximately 3 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Somali Bars are a good source of iron and calcium.

Alergens

Somali Bars contain dairy and eggs. They may also contain traces of nuts.

Summary

Somali Bars are a delicious treat that is relatively high in carbohydrates and fats, but also provide some essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Somali Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the flavors of coconut and chocolate in a simple and delicious treat. Enjoy these bars with a cup of tea or coffee for a perfect snack any time of day.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Somali Bars. It was a warm summer day, and I had decided to take a leisurely stroll through the bustling streets of my neighborhood. As I passed by a local marketplace, a wonderful aroma wafted through the air, drawing me towards a small stand where a kind Somali woman was selling her homemade treats.

Intrigued, I approached the stand and struck up a conversation with the woman. As we chatted, she graciously offered me a sample of her famous Somali Bars. One bite was all it took for me to fall in love with the unique flavors and textures of this delicious treat. I knew right then and there that I needed to learn how to make them myself.

The woman, whose name was Fatima, smiled warmly at me and invited me to her home the following day to learn the recipe. I eagerly accepted her invitation, and the next day, I found myself standing in her cozy kitchen, surrounded by the enticing smells of spices and baking goods.

Fatima began to show me the process of making Somali Bars, starting with the base of the bars - a rich, buttery dough that she had perfected over years of practice. As she mixed the ingredients together, she shared with me the importance of patience and attention to detail when it came to baking.

Next, Fatima showed me how to prepare the filling for the bars, a luscious combination of dates, nuts, and spices that added a delightful sweetness and crunch to the bars. She explained that the filling was a traditional Somali recipe that had been passed down through generations in her family.

As we worked together in the kitchen, Fatima shared stories of her childhood in Somalia, where she had learned to cook from her mother and grandmother. She spoke fondly of the times spent in the kitchen, watching and learning as her elders prepared meals with love and care.

After the bars had been baked to perfection and cooled, Fatima taught me how to cut them into neat squares and sprinkle them with a dusting of powdered sugar. The finished bars were a sight to behold - golden and fragrant, with a tempting layer of date and nut filling peeking out from the buttery crust.

As I savored my first bite of the Somali Bars, I was transported back in time to Fatima's childhood kitchen in Somalia. I could almost hear the sounds of laughter and chatter, smell the heady scents of spices and baking bread, and feel the warmth of family and tradition all around me.

From that day on, Somali Bars became a beloved recipe in my own repertoire. I would often make them for family gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions, sharing the flavors and stories of Fatima's kitchen with those around me.

As I sit here now, reminiscing about that fateful day in the marketplace, I am filled with gratitude for the serendipitous encounter that led me to discover the magic of Somali Bars. They are more than just a recipe to me - they are a connection to a beautiful culture, a tribute to the art of cooking, and a reminder of the power of food to bring people together in love and harmony. And for that, I will always be grateful to Fatima and her delicious Somali Bars.