What’s On My Table, With Zahra Abdalla
Iranian Herb Stew
Soak dried limes for 4 hours, rinse every 90 minutes – this helps remove the bitter taste from the lime and allows for better flavour. Rinse and drain before using.
Soak the dried chives for 30 minutes, drain and squeeze excess water. Set aside.
In a large pot, on a medium heat, fry the vegetables (green onion, parsley and chives) without oil for about 10 minutes, until the excess liquid has evaporated. Add 100ml of vegetable oil, fry for about 10 minutes. Turn off the heat, add the dried fenugreek and mix ingredients together. It is important not to fry the fenugreek as it can give the dish a bitter taste. Set aside.
In a large pot, on high heat, sauté the onions in 150ml of vegetable oil until they become translucent. Add in the turmeric powder and black pepper. Add the meat and fry until browned. Add about 2.5 litres of boiling water, allowing the liquid to come to a boil. Cover the pot with a lid, reduce the heat and allow to simmer for 90 minutes. Add the fried vegetables and season with salt and leave to simmer for an additional 90 minutes.
Add the cooked beans and soaked limes, simmer for additional 20 minutes. Finally, adjust for salt and add the dried lime or lemon juice. Turn off the heat.
Serve with rice.
PLUS, HERE ARE THREE THINGS ZAHRA IS LOVING THIS MONTH
Double Trouble Cup Set, AED 300 | NUNU
“I always start my day with a cup of coffee. These cups are my little moment of luxury – I find a quiet corner in my house and enjoy my coffee in peace.”
Available at HouseOfNUNU.com
Duck Jar, AED 160 | The Bowery Company
“The kitchen is the heart of my home, so I love to incorporate simple and subtle design elements to give it life. I use these little decorative jars to store staple condiments I need every day. Simple and elegant, they definitely make the cooking experience that much more enjoyable.”
Available at TheBoweryCompany.com
Chambray Oval Casserole, AED 1,695 | Le Creuset
“I love everything from Le Creuset and I'm always expanding my collection. The Le Creuset Chambray Braiser, in particular, adds a layer of elegance to any kitchen. The colour looks great on my shelves but the piece is also highly functional. I not only cook with it but I also serve dishes directly from it – you'll find it transitions seamlessly from stove to table.”
Available at TavolaShop.com
AND OFF THE TABLE
Carine
“While there are so many new and upcoming restaurants, I love the comfort and consistency that Carine offers. The food is always on point, and I have built genuine friendships with the staff. Whenever I can, I sit at my favourite oval booth table at the entrance of the patio, which overlooks the restaurant. The table is large enough to fit six but small enough to keep it cosy. It has a lovely view of the entire patio and the golf course. In the evenings, the lighting is warm and welcoming, and the music is at the perfect level – enjoyable but still allowing for conversation. I love that the staff knows what I like, and I always start my meal with my favourite drink. I usually order the same thing: burrata, onion tart, tuna tartare (the best in town), lentil salad, and grilled harissa prawns – I love dipping the bread in the sauce. I like their small plates, but if we are a big enough group, I enjoy ordering their Tomahawk steak. A meal is never complete without their decadent apple tart served with vanilla ice cream.”
Visit DubaiGolf.com
Follow @CookingWithZahra
DISCLAIMER: We endeavour to always credit the correct original source of every image we use. If you think a credit may be incorrect, please contact us at [email protected].
