Abu Dhabi Week takes a peek into the kitchen to discover more about the UAE’s traditional cuisine
Food has always played an integral part in celebrations and features prominently in traditional Bedouin hospitality. Eager to learn more about Emirati cuisine, Abu Dhabi Week spoke to Emirati Amna Al Hashly, managing partner of Blossom Sweets to find out what’s on the menu…
How did you get interested in cooking?
My journey and passion for baking started in fifth grade because my English teacher always used to bring in the most delicious cupcakes, so I decided to buy the ready mix Pillsbury and bake them myself. Since then I haven’t stopped and love experimenting with recipes, although Lamia my partner and sister is more of an expert. Together we make an excellent team and our patisserie is well known for its gourmet and fusion Middle Eastern desserts.
Can you describe Emirati cuisine in your own words? What does it commonly feature and include?
Emirati cuisine is a blend of Middle Eastern and Asian cuisines. Our cuisine includes machboos, which is spiced meat and rice; harees, which is wheatberries and can be made with either lamb or chicken. As for the sweets, luqaimat is very common and consists of little balls of batter deep-fried in oil.
What is typically served for festive occasions?
During Eid and special occasions rice and various kinds of spiced meat are usually served. As for the sweets, luqaimat is one of the most common sweets that you would find in all Emirati homes. It is a staple dessert during the Holy Month of Ramadan.
Tell us more about the importance of hospitality in Emirati culture. How does food factor in to this?
The Bedouin culture plays a big role in the UAE’s society today. Generosity and the Bedouin’s tradition of hospitality is still an integral part of our culture. The importance of food is very evident in our culture. We take pride in serving our guests with traditional feasts along with serving Arabic coffee, dates and pastries that have become the essence of most gatherings.
Where’s the best place to sample traditional Emirati food in Abu Dhabi, in your opinion?
Emirati restaurants are limited in Abu Dhabi, However, there is a restaurant called Yadoti, which means “my grandmother,” in Arabic that serves Emirati dishes.
What are some of the typical Emirati spices or flavours used in cuisine? Are these used in both sweet and savoury items?
Cumin seeds, fennel seeds, coriander, ginger, cardamom and saffron are commonly used. Some of the spices are also used in sweet and savoury dishes, such as saffron and cardamom.
Did you feature any special Emirati-themed desserts or treats for National Day at your bakery?
We usually serve Emirati-themed desserts in the Holy Month of Ramadan. For National Day, we created cakes and other desserts that represented the UAE.
Any last comments you would like to add?
Emirati food is very hearty! Everyone should try it.
Luqaimat Bites
Ingredients:
For the batter:
2 ½ cups flour
¼ tsp dried yeast
1 ½ tsp instant yeast
3 Tbs cornflour
1 tsp salt
3 cups warm water
½ cup rosewater
1 drop yellow food colouring
Pinch of saffron
For the syrup:
1 cup sugar
½ cup water
Method:
For the syrup, boil the water and sugar together on low heat without stirring until it is sticky and thick
Meanwhile, sift the dry ingredients into bowl, excluding the yeast
Dissolve yeast into warm water and then add to dry ingredients and combine to form a batter
Add a pinch of saffron and drop of yellow food colouring to rosewater and mix together and add to the batter
Leave in a warm place for half an hour
Heat oil and when hot, drop batter in by the teaspoon and cook until golden brown
Drain on paper towels and place immediately into syrup and toss to coat
Serve warm and enjoy
