The Cuban priest Leandro NaunHung has shared a local version of sampa on social media, presenting it as a practical solution to the economic and food crisis facing the country. NaunHung explained on Facebook that sampa (or tsampa) is "a food made from toasted grains and seeds, packed with energy for times of crisis."
He also mentioned that honey is used as a natural preservative, ensuring that sampa "can last more than 10 years without spoiling." He recommended this dish because it is very useful "for times of food scarcity."
In the shared video, NaunHung began by toasting the grains, using peas on this occasion, and then pulverized them with a traditional wooden pestle. The next step involved sifting the powder with a strainer, discarding the coarser particles and keeping the finer powder. He then added honey and formed small balls with his hands. These are not consumed immediately; they must first dry in the sun before being ready to eat.
NaunHung's Commitment to Rural Communities
NaunHung has shown a deep commitment to the rural communities of Santiago de Cuba, not only as a spiritual guide but also by providing practical support to help people face the daily challenges imposed by the crisis.
The Catholic priest has found a creative way to assist his community in generating extra income: recycling aluminum cans. Through social media, NaunHung shared a video encouraging residents of rural areas to collect empty beer cans and other products as a way to support both the parish and their own families.
Recently, he also distributed bread during a Sunday mass in a rural area of Santiago de Cuba, highlighting this gesture as a way to share joy and resist the harsh reality faced by Cubans. In a video posted on Facebook, he expressed a message of hope and solidarity while distributing bread in a rural area of Santiago de Cuba: "We bring you a gift, we bring you bread," the priest said, emphasizing that, amid the crisis affecting so many families, sharing food is a way to bring joy.
Understanding Sampa and Its Benefits
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about sampa, its preparation, and its benefits during times of crisis.
What is sampa?
Sampa is a food made from toasted grains and seeds, often combined with honey, that can last for over 10 years. It is known for being energy-dense and suitable for times of crisis.
How is sampa prepared?
Sampa is prepared by toasting grains and seeds, pulverizing them, sifting the powder, and then mixing it with honey to form small balls. These balls need to dry in the sun before they are ready to be consumed.
Why is sampa useful during a crisis?
Sampa is useful during a crisis because it is highly nutritious, has a long shelf life, and can be easily stored and transported. It provides a reliable source of energy when other food resources are scarce.