Catholic priest Leandro NaunHung continues to share survival recipes on social media, which he deems crucial in these times of crisis, despite facing criticism from some individuals.
NaunHung posted a recipe for spaghetti with purslane and spinach on Facebook, accompanied by a thoughtful reflection: "I am not afraid of criticism, only of being forgotten."
He elaborated on this by saying, "In the 90s, during the 'Special Period', people survived on the unimaginable, but they've forgotten." Addressing the current economic crisis, he added, "At least those who survive this famine will remember what we had to eat."
A Recipe Born of Necessity
In the video shared by NaunHung, a woman can be seen preparing spaghetti with purslane and spinach, seasoned with sweet potato vine and pigweed. She began by thoroughly washing the leaves, sautéing them in oil, and adding seasoning packets. Separately, she cooked the spaghetti until tender, then mixed it with the sautéed greens.
Finally, the priest, who enjoys helping in the kitchen and sharing meals with his parishioners, grated some cheese over the top before serving the dishes to several children and young people.
Shining a Light on Rural Struggles
Through his social media accounts, NaunHung highlights the often overlooked realities of rural communities in Santiago de Cuba, sharing stories that help people endure the severe economic crisis affecting low-income families.
Recently, he shared the story of a mother who uses purslane leaves for cooking as a means of survival. In another video, he demonstrated how to prepare a Cuban version of sampa, a long-lasting food he recommended as a practical solution to the country's economic and food crisis.
NaunHung explained on Facebook that sampa (or tsampa) is "a food made from roasted grains and seeds, full of energy for times of crisis."
Innovative Community Meals
During a visit to the rural community of Firmeza, nestled in the mountains of Santiago de Cuba, NaunHung collaborated with locals to create a meal using ingredients that are uncommon on the island but popular in other cultures, such as nopal and banana flower. Together, they prepared a large lunch for all the neighbors.