Where's the biryani?
Dear Readers,
We’re looking at whether Bangladeshi candidates made it to the November election and what it might mean for Warren residents. We’re also looking at some things to pack for your next outdoor get-together or picnic. Lastly, check out the DREAM Street Fair in Detroit tomorrow.
Sincerely,
Saa Nasta Newsletter
Warren isn’t ready for a Bangladeshi city council member
In the City of Warren, residents voted in the primary election to elect a new mayor and city council candidates on Tuesday. Warren also hasn’t had a new mayor in the past 16 years. There was a crowded pool of 36 candidates for the City Council.
None of the five Bangladeshi candidates made it to the November general election. Community members recently said it would have been powerful to have Bangladeshi representation in a city that is home to nearly 3,000 Bangladeshis.
However, two Asian Americans remain in the competition.
Mai Xiong is on the Macomb County Board of Commissioners, District 11-Warren. Xiong, who is Hmong, was the second vote-getter for City Clerk. She’s running against incumbent Sonja Buffa.
Marie C. Adkins immigrated from the Philippines 20 years ago. Adkins is running for a Warren City Council at large position. She’s one of four candidates who made it to the November ballot.
Did you pack the biryani?
Five things to take on your next Bangladeshi-themed outdoor gathering
If you’re Bangladeshi, you know there’s no picnic complete without biryani. Why wouldn’t you drive hours into the wilderness to enjoy mouth-watering mounds of rice mixed with veggies, chicken or beef? Check out this list of five things to bring on your next picnic or trip.
Biryani: This rice dish often made with chicken or meat is a family favorite. For long trips, marinate and cook the meat portion the night before. Refrigerate overnight. Then flavor the rice and add the pre-cooked meat in the morning. Couple it with a tomato-cucumber salad.
Chicken biryani recipe - https://www.indianhealthyrecipes.com/chicken-biryani-recipe/#wprm-recipe-container-38860
Instant Pot chicken biryani - https://ministryofcurry.com/chicken-biryani-instant-pot/#recipe
Bangladeshi-style noodles with eggs: This easy-to-make recipe is a crowd favorite. Make a tray of noodles by boiling four packs of ramen instant noodles added to stir-fried eggs cooked in onion, Thai pepper, and garnish with cilantro.
Maggi style noodles with eggs - https://www.tarladalal.com/egg-noodles-spicy-maggi-egg-noodles-14311r
Samosas, shingaras, and rolls: These bite-sized snacks are easy to make ahead of time, flash freeze, and keep frozen until you need to fry them. You can air-fry or deep-fry for a savory treat. Enjoy these with green chutney or Ketchup.
Easy samosa recipe - https://rasamalaysia.com/easy-samosa/#mv-creation-121
Cake: Simple, sweet, and humble, but a nice side treat while outdoors, which we simply call “cake” is something you can make ahead of time and enjoy as part of the picnic.
Bangladeshi cake recipe:
Dhood Saa: Don’t forget to bring my favorite, the saa! This Bangladeshi milk tea is a kick of caffeine. It tastes great with cake. Make it in the morning and bring it along in the flask. A perfect treat for washing down your meal.
I hope you enjoy these family favorites at your next outdoor gathering.
Community News:
Dream of Detroit, a nonprofit housing and community organization is hosting its fourth DREAM Street Fair from 12-8 p.m. in the Woodrow Wilson neighborhood. The fair will feature vendors selling food, clothing, and jewelry. There will also be free resources for people who are homeless - such as health screenings and products.
The Detroit Friendship House and Eastern Michigan University’s Center for Health Disparities Innovation and Studies are hosting a free Diabetes Education Workshop for people who want to learn more about prediabetes, prevention, or treating diabetes. The course will be held on Saturday, August 26th at 11 AM at the J&E Community Center located at 11816 Joseph Campau Ave, Hamtramck, MI 48212. Register here.