In a recent visit to the rural community of Firmeza, nestled in the mountains of Santiago de Cuba, Father Leandro NaunHung and members of his church brought a message of faith, solidarity, and hope to the residents. Alongside delivering a mass and distributing donations of food and clothing, the priest engaged with the locals in preparing meals using ingredients unfamiliar to many Cubans but common in other cultures, such as nopal and banana flower. They organized a large community lunch for all the neighbors.
“Vegetarians by doctor’s orders!” joked NaunHung as he demonstrated how to cook these foods over wood-burning stoves, a necessity due to the lack of basic resources like gas, electricity, or charcoal in this impoverished Cuban region.
While nopal is a staple in Mexican cuisine, it remains largely unknown in Cuba. This culinary experience provided a valuable lesson in diversifying diets during times of scarcity. However, the priest noted that one drawback of the recipe is its requirement for a significant amount of cooking oil, a product that is extremely hard to find in the country.
Combatting Food Shortages with Creativity
This activity is part of Father NaunHung's broader efforts to assist rural communities in coping with Cuba's severe food crisis. He has a history of sharing practical kitchen solutions with Cubans. Recently, he taught how to make a local version of “sampa,” a long-lasting food made from grains and honey, which can stay good for over a decade.
The banana flower and nopal soup was more than just a meal; it was a reason to gather and strengthen community bonds, providing emotional support amid hardships.
A Commitment to Rural Communities
Father NaunHung has shown a deep commitment to the rural areas of Santiago de Cuba. He actively uses his social media to share creative ideas that help residents improve their quality of life.
This endeavor underscores the priest's dedication to offering practical solutions and emotional uplift to those struggling in these challenging times.