MENA Cooking Club: Qatari Margoog

I am SO excited to announce that this month at MENA Cooking Club we are visiting Qatar! So basically, I am staying home this month! ;-) Our host this month is Carrie from Witchy Kitchen. 

Doha is the capital of Qatar and has been my home for the past 2+ years. Here you can see its famous skyline, as seen from the Museum of Islamic Arts.

I`m going on my third year in Qatar and this place has definitely grown on me. There is so much to say about this tiny country on the east coast of the Arabian Peninsula that I don`t really know where to start... I guess if you want to know a little more about Qatar: stick around on my blog and check out some of the previous posts I wrote about my experiences here and here. Also stay tuned for more in the future! 

But I haven`t really written much about Qatari cuisine... Unfortunately Google is not very helpful in this aspect: there`s very little information out there on Qatari food... Only Qtips offers some insight in this video. But that makes it all the more fun in my opinion! I fondly remember the first Qatari dish I tried out myself. It`s called saloonah and ever since it`s been a huge hit in our family! (I`ll be sharing my recipe for saloonah too, in shaa Allah.) With MENA Cooking Club this month I tried out a new main dish and again it`s definitely a recipe and dish to remember! 

The original recipe I used did seem quite difficult to me in the beginning as it adds some kind of wheat made dough balls. Eventually I found several recipes with all different interpretations to the wheat addition: some added dough balls of wheat mixed with water, others rolled out the dough balls first into some kind of tortillas and another recipe just added plain tortillas. As our Lulu (local supermarket) didn`t have my favorite tortillas in stock and I couldn`t really wrap my head around the dough balls, I decided to think out of the box and instead I used... Egyptian bread. So here`s my margoog with an Egyptian twist. :-)

Serves: 4 

Ingredients - Checklist: 
O 1 kg lamb pieces (I prefer with bones)
O 3-4 cups of water 
O 1 tsp salt
O 1 tsp black pepper
O 1/2 tsp cinnamon
O 1 tbs cumin 
O 1 dried black lemon 
O 2 tbs olive oil
O 2 red onions, diced
O 4 cloves garlic, diced 
O 1 green bell pepper, diced
O 3 `kousa` (small zucchini), cut into long rectangular pieces
O 3 small aubergines, cut into long rectangular pieces
O 2 large carrots, cut into long rectangular pieces
O 1 can tomato pieces (400 g)
O 1 handful of fresh cilantro/coriander leaves, chopped 
O 1 Egyptian bread 

Preparations: 

• Heat olive oil in a large pot.
• Add onion and garlic, saute until onion becomes transparent and garlic turns golden.
• Add the lamb pieces and bake on both sides. 
• Add tomato pieces, salt, black pepper and cumin. 
• Add 3-4 cups of water. (Or until the meat is completely covered.)
• Add kousa, aubergines and carrots. 
• Bring to a boil, then add cinnamon and dried black lemon. 
• Add bell pepper. 
• Bring to medium heat, cover and let simmer for about an hour. 
• Cut the Egyptian bread in 2 halves and place them under a hot grill for 2-3 minutes or until the bread becomes crispy. 
• Let the bread cool. Once cool, break the bread in small pieces. 
• After the `saloonah` (The mixture of meat and vegetables) has been on the stove for about an hour, add the small pieces of bread.
• Let simmer for another half hour. 
• Add chopped cilantro before serving. 

Enjoy! :-) 

Eid-ul-Fitr party 2015

Last weekend we had our Eid-ul-Fitr party. I know, I know, Eid-ul-Fitr was way back in July, but as most of us girls in Qatar were traveling abroad during Eid, we decided to throw a party when most of us got back. 

We decided to make it a REAL party. So not just a get together with some cake and chai, but an actual party including gifts, dress up, decorations, ... all centered around a theme. We`ve had several ideas for a party theme, but the majority vote turned out in favor of *Arabian princesses*!

The party was at my home and I was in charge of making the decorations -Of course, I hear you thinking...-, so I got all crafty again and I was really pleased with how things turned out, alhamdouliLlah. I guess these decorations can suit any Eid party so if you`re looking for some inspiration, here they are... 

These golden moons and silver stars were already hanging from the ceiling in my hallway during Ramadan, but as they so beautifully fit our theme, I decided to let them hang there a little longer. :-) If you`re looking for a template of an 8 pointed star: just continue reading, I am sharing one below. 

I really love how these lanterns turned out. You can find the template for this (and other) lantern(s) here. 

If you`ve been reading my blog a little, you know I love garlands. I don`t know what it is about them, but I`ve got garlands hanging in practically every room of my house! (Okay, except the bathrooms.) I crochet them or make them out of paper. Here`s a template for an 8 pointed star, just print them in different colors, punch holes in them, string them together, eh voila! 

These little candle light lanterns really created a cozy atmosphere for our party. They are a must have for every Eid party! Here`s the template. 

(As you can see, I really love the crafts from Sweet Fajr. Definitely check out her website!)

Everyone made an Arabian inspired dish and I made Omani Chaklama and Saudi Champagne, both recipes can be found on my blog. 

By Zawani M.

As we got all dressed up -And it was great seeing how everyone interpreted the theme in their dress and accessories!- we really needed to take some pictures, so one of the girls put together a photo booth. She did an amazing job and I really loved how it turned out. I hope we can include a photo booth like this in our future Eid parties! 

But Eid is not all about partying, we also wanted to do something useful and one of the girls put together an islamic quiz. There were 10 questions and for every question answered correctly we got a lovely (hijabi) brooche/pin! I really learned some new things this way: did you know the name of the angels who write down our good and bad deeds? They are called `Kiraman Katibin`. Maa shaa Allah! 

Aren`t these pins lovely?! One of the sisters brought them from Malaysia, I absolutely love them! (And I ended up winning 4, alhamdouliLlah!)

AlhamdouliLlah, it was one of the best Eid-parties ever and I am really grateful to all the sisters who put their effort into making it such a success. Celebrating Eid, when you are living abroad, far away from muslim family and your muslim friends back home, can be really difficult. But we really had a blast and I am looking forward to our next Eid! 

Palestinian lentil soup

It`s been a busy month: the last day of Ramadan we traveled to Egypt to visit family and we stayed there until the beginning of August. When we got back, I had my hands full with mr. Blueberry and giant piles of laundry and as the deadline for this month`s cooking challenge drew closer I decided to choose the easiest recipe.

This August we`re visiting Palestine at MENA Cooking Club and I chose to make the Palestinian lentil soup. It`s really easy to make, doesn`t require ingredients that are hard to find and is healthy! A must try!

Serves: 2-3

Ingredients - Checklist:

• 2 tbs of olive oil
• 1 red onion
• 1 cup red lentils 
• 2 cubes vegetable stock
• 6 cups water
• 1 tbs cumin
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1/2 lemon
• salt to taste
• parsley for garnish 

Preparations:

• Chop onion in small pieces and wash lentils. 
• In a pot over medium heat, heat olive oil and add chopped onions. Saute until lightly browned. 
• Add lentils and stir for a few minutes. 
• Add water and vegetable stock. 
• Bring to a boil. Reduce to medium heat and let simmer for about 45 minutes. (Or until the lentils are very tender.)
• Add spices and juice of 1/2 lemon. 
• Blend everything until the soup has a creamy texture. 
• Pour into bowls and add a few leaves of parsley for garnish.

Enjoy! :-)

Source: adjusted from Kitchen of Palestine. 

Omani Sweets: Chaklama

This is a great treat to make with your kids for Eid! :-) 

Serves: about 40 small balls 

Ingredients - Checklist: 

O 4 cups coconut powder

O 1 tsp vanilla sugar 

O 1 tsp baking powder

O 1 tbs melted butter 

O 1 tin Nestle sweetened condensed milk (397 g)

Preparations: 

• Melt the butter in a little saucepan. 
• Mix the coconut powder, vanilla sugar, baking powder and melted butter together in a large bowl. 
• Pour in the milk and mix everything together with a wooden spoon until a soft, crumbly dough forms. 
• Preheat your oven to 180 C celsius. 
• Cover an oven tray with a sheet of baking paper. 
• Shape the dough into small balls and place them on the baking paper, leaving spaces between each ball. 
• Bake for about 10-15 minutes. (Until the balls turn golden brown.)
• Allow to cool and serve. 

July`s Cooking Challenge: Oman

I was really excited to find out that at MENA Cooking Club we`ll be exploring the Omani cuisine this month!

Oman isn`t that far from Qatar at all, it is located in the south of the Arabian peninsula, bordering Yemen, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. A sultanate, governed by Oman`s sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said, Oman is home to about 3.2 million people. 

National Geographic Traveler. 

This country really speaks to my imagination and I`ve told my husband ever since we came to live in Doha, that I want to visit it. I`m not sure what it is that attracts me so much about Oman, but I think it has something to do with the rich history of the country. It is the land where frankincense was cultivated and exported from to every corner of the world and the landscape of the country is dotted with mosques, castles and fortresses.

Muscat, Oman`s capital. National Geographic Traveler.

The vast majority of the country is desert. In the southern part of the Arabian peninsula, partly in Oman, you will find what is called *Rub` Al Khali* or the empty quarter: the world`s largest contiguous sand desert. 

The empty quarter, as seen in Saudi Arabia. National Geographic.

But Oman is also home to some incredible fauna and flora: every year in the most southern part of the Arabian peninsula near the Indian Ocean, the Dhofar mountains and the monsoon work together to turn this desolate land into a little Paradise: the transformation it undergoes is absolutely breath taking. The second episode of the BBC`s documentary series Wild Arabia, titled *The jewel of Arabia*, covers this amazing spectacle of nature.

Did I convince you already? Oman is definitely on my countries-to-visit-list, but for now I`ll have to be content with exploring its rich heritage in my own kitchen. 

This month`s host is Rafeeda from The Big Sweet Tooth and here are the two recipes I worked with: Omani Lamb Kabouli and Omani Chaklama.

Enjoy!

Omani Lamb Kabouli

Serves: 2-3 

Ingredients - Checklist: 
O 400-500 grams of lamb pieces with bones
O 4 1/2 cups of water 
O 1 cinnamon stick 
O 1/2 tsp whole cardamom pods 
O 1/2 tsp whole cloves 
O 1/2 tsp whole black peppers 
O 1/2 cup of water (extra)
O 1 large onion, diced 
O 2 tbs olive oil
O 2 cloves garlic, diced 
O 2 tbs raisins
O 1/2 tin canned chick peas 
O 2 tbs Omani mixed spices
O 1/4 tsp saffron powder 
O 1 1/2 cup basmati rice 
O 2 cubes Maggi chicken stock

Preparations: 
Omani mixed spices:

I bet you don`t have an Omani spice mixture hidden in your kitchen cabinets, but rest assured, neither do I. :-) You can easily make it yourself as you do probably have most, if not all, of these spices at home. I used this recipe to make my Omani mixed spices and it turned out really nice in this dish. 

*****

Lamb pieces: 

• Put the lamb pieces and 4 1/2 cups of water in a large pot. 
• Bring to a boil, then add the cinnamon stick and the whole spices. (Cloves, cardamom pods and black pepper.) 
• Cover, reduce to low heat and let simmer for 1 1/2 hours or until the meat becomes tender. 
• When the meat is ready: remove the pieces from the pot, put them on a plate and set aside. 
• Drain the stock and set aside. 

*****

Onion mixture:

• Cook half of the extra water (1/4 cup) and the onion in a large sauce pan. 
• Turn to medium heat and stir occasionally until most of the water has evaporated and the onions become tender. (About 5 minutes.)
• Add 1 tbs of olive oil and stir until the onions turned golden in color. 
• Add garlic, raisins, chickpeas, 1/2 tbs of Omani mixed spices, 1/4 tsp of saffron and the remaining of the water. 

*****

Final stage:

• Add the drained stock to a large pot with an additional 2 cups of water.
• Add 1 tbs of olive oil, 1 1/2 tbs of Omani mixed spices, Maggi Chicken stock cubes and rice. 
• Bring to a boil, stir occasionally, cover and cook over low heat for about 10 minutes or until the rice is semi cooked. 
• Add the lamb pieces, mix, cover and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked. 

*****

Serve on a big platter and top with the mixture of onions, garlic and chickpeas.

Tastes great with a fresh salad on the side. 

Ramadan in Qatar... What`s it like?

As a convert I spent most of my Ramadans back home in a non-muslim environment. This meant that although the atmosphere of Ramadan could be felt in my own home, you couldn`t notice Ramadan the moment you set foot outside. Daily life just continued at its normal pace, the streets looked the same, people did the same things, ... Nothing seemed out of the ordinary. 

It`s my 3rd Ramadan in Qatar this year and I definitely prefer spending this precious month here. Ramadan is reflected in every aspect of daily life and the country just breathes the atmosphere of this holy month. But what is so different between fasting here and fasting back home? What makes Ramadan here such a special time of the year? 

Sunset on the first night of Ramadan at Souq Waqif in Al Wakrah. 

Here`s a list of Qatari traditions and things to know about Ramadan in Qatar!

1. Timings 

A day of fasting in Qatar is definitely shorter than a day spent fasting in Belgium. At least in the summer that is. While people in Belgium have to fast a total of 18-19 hours, in Qatar it`s about 15 hours. Fajr (Dawn) is around 3 AM and Maghreb (Sunset) around 6.30 PM. This means that iftar (the meal of breaking the fast) is mostly spent with many other people, whether at home or outside in restaurants. I remember my last Ramadans in Belgium, Maghreb time was already around 9 PM and it meant that breaking the fast with others was difficult and hardly happened. People were just too tired. It made for a lonely Ramadan... 

Also praying taraweeh at the mosque was almost impossible for a lot of people with such timings.  (Especially if you have to get up early in the morning for work!) 

On the other hand the climate in Belgium, even in summer, is rather mild, while temperatures in Qatar are reaching the fifties, so thirst is more of an issue here! 

2. Daily life turns upside down

Back home life just continued at its normal pace, but in Qatar, everything shifts during Ramadan. Supermarkets and stores will adjust their opening hours, restaurants are closed during fasting hours, while working hours are reduced. My husband f.ex. only has to work 5 hours during Ramadan instead of the normal 8. The whole country slows down during Ramadan. (At least during the day, things get really busy at night!) However, this does mean that if you need to get any paperwork done, chances are it`s not going to happen in Ramadan. So if you urgently need to settle some administration: be sure to get it done before Ramadan starts or wait patiently until the month has passed... 

For a list of this year`s opening hours for supermarkets, malls and restaurants, click here. 

3. Cannon shot at sunset

The Ramadan Cannon by Omar Chatriwala, Doha News.

Being in a muslim country means that the breaking of the fast is signaled by the adhaan (call for prayer). But Qatar also has another tradition: every evening at sunset, a cannon shot is fired! This tradition is carried out across the Gulf region and other countries of the Middle East as well. 

The cannon used to be located next to the General Post Office, but now sits in the shade of the Sheikh Muhammad Ibn Abdul Wahhab Mosque or as it is commonly known the State Mosque. 

4. Ramadan decorations 

One of the main reasons I loved Christmas so much as a child (I was raised a Catholic) were the decorations and especially the lights. I don`t celebrate Christmas anymore today, but I still love that time of the year back home when the streets are decorated with millions of little twinkling lights. 

In Qatar, however, streets aren`t decorated during Christmas, but during Ramadan! 

The palm trees along the Corniche are draped in strings of lights and Katara, Qatar`s cultural Village and one of my favorite hang out spots in Doha, is definitely a must see during Ramadan... 

Source.

Source.

5. No drinking and eating in public 

In Qatar it is illegal to eat or drink in public during Ramadan. Non-muslims aren`t expected to fast, so non-muslims can still eat or drink in their homes or at work, but in a designated area. Although a lot of muslims won`t mind, it is advised to non-muslims living here to not eat or drink in front of muslims while in private. 

Throughout the year alcohol consumption in Qatar is restricted: there is only one store in Doha, Qatar Distribution Company, where non-muslims, with a permit, can buy alcohol (and pork) from, but it is closed during the entire month of Ramadan. Non-muslims can only consume these goods in the privacy of their own homes. However, alcohol is also served in some bars and hotels around Qatar, yet in Ramadan alcohol isn`t allowed to be served anywhere. 

People who are caught drinking or eating in public during Ramadan risk being fined and even imprisoned or deported. 

6. Lavish iftars

Although Ramadan is about leaving food and drink and overindulging in it when breaking the fast is definitely not what a muslim should do, a lot of restaurants and hotels prepare open buffets for iftar. Our family mostly eats iftar in the comfort of our own home, but we have attended several of these open buffets over the years and it makes for a fun night out during Ramadan. My favorite remains the one at Grand Heritage Hotel and Spa. The entrance and dining area are decorated in an oriental style and the food is absolutely amazing: my husband loves their roasted lamb and I am fond of their pasta station, where you can pick and choose your own pasta dish while a cook prepares it in front of you. They also serve a variety of European and Arabic sweets which really top off this iftar. What I also really like about this place is that they prepare a special prayer room for their guests. I remember attending an iftar in a Lebanese restaurant 2 years ago where me and my husband actually had to pray outside in the parking lot as there was no space at all to pray inside... 

Source. 

For me, attending such an open buffet, is a once in a while occasion, a special evening out during Ramadan. (And a break from cooking for me!) But unfortunately some people attend such buffets every evening and overindulge in food after fasting. Every Ramadan hundreds of people end up in the ER at hospitals downtown after overeating and dozens get hospitalized with gastritis, dehydration and kidney problems. 

If you`ld like to enjoy an evening out during Ramadan, click here for a list of places that offer iftar and souhour (meal before dawn) in Doha this Ramadan. But be warned! ;-)

7. Garangao 

On the 14th night of Ramadan children in Qatar celebrate Garangao. They dress up in traditional clothing, sing a typical Garangao song and knock on their neighbor`s doors to receive nuts and candy. (Halloween anyone? Although in Qatar there are no monsters and ghosts involved!) 

Typical Garangao nuts and candy.

It is celebrated in all of the Gulf countries under different names. It is an immensely popular tradition in Qatar and Qatar Foundation, Aspire Zone and Katara all host events on this night with lot`s of fun and games for the kids. 

8. Corniche Car Parade 

Every evening, around an hour before sunset, the Corniche is the backdrop for what has become a Ramadan tradition in Qatar: the Corniche Car Parade. The recipe is simple: young men + fancy cars = boys having fun! Porsches, Lamborghinis, oldtimers, ... You can watch them all, every evening around 5 PM.
What this has to do with Ramadan remains a mystery to me, but let me just say: boys will be boys... 

Chantelle D`mello, Doha News. 

9. Taraweeh prayers 

Sheick Muhammad Ibn Abdul Wahhab Mosque or the State Mosque.

During Ramadan muslims are encouraged to pray supererogatory prayers. Praying *taraweeh* in congregation at the mosque is an important part of Ramadan. The past years I often went to pray at my local mosque down the street, but I have always wanted to attend the prayers at the State Mosque as during Ramadan, local and internationally famous shuyuck (Plural of sheick) are invited to lead taraweeh prayers. One of the reciters I love listen to most is Sheick Saad Al Ghamdi, who is an annual guest in Qatar during Ramadan. Below is a list with the shuyuck who will be leading the taraweeh prayers this year. 

Turki Al Marri/ MalAllah Al Jaber/ Mohamed Taher/ Yousef Ashir (30 days)
Abubakr Al Shateri (9-11 Ramadan)
Mohamed Al Luhaydan (12-14 Ramadan) 
AbdelHadi Kanakri (14-16 Ramadan)
Yasir Al Dosari (17-18 Ramadan)
Saad Al Ghamdi (17-20 Ramadan)
AbdelWali Al Arkani (21-25 Ramadan)

I guess that sums it up! If you know of any Qatari traditions during Ramadan that I`ve forgotten, please tell me about them! 

Ramadan Mubarak!