HUMMUS RECIPES
There is no doubt about the popularity of hummus, which is a staple on tables in the Middle East region, and has become a favorite buy the world over.
Serves 5 | Prep/cooking 65 mins
INGREDIENTS |
- 250g chickpeas
- 1tbs baking soda
- 10g garlic
- 75g olive oil
- 350g tahini
- 250g lemon juice
- 4 ice cubes
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of paprika&parsley (optional)
PREPARATION |
- Soak the chickpeas in cold water overnight (minimum of 10 hours) adding baking soda .
- The next day, remove the water and pour into a pot, add water and bring to boil over a high flame.
- Skim off foam that comes to surface. then once the water boils, lower the heat until the chickpeas have softened, around 20 minutes (it will break between your fingers).
- Drain the chickpeas but keep about 1 cup of the water in the pot. Set aside to cool while you prepare the other ingredients. Keep about 1/4 cup of the chickpeas for garnish.
- Make a creamy paste by adding the chickpeas in a food processor for a few minutes, then add ice cubes, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper. taste to adjust seasoning.
- Pour the hummus in a bowl, garnish with the whole chickpeas and a little extra-virgin olive oil , parsley and sprinkling of paprika are optional. Serve with bread.
SEAFOOD |
GRILLED SEA BASS WITH MAITAKE AND GOCHUJANG HOLLANDAISE
Serves 2 | Preparation time 20 min
INGREDIENTS |
- Sea bass fillet
- Maitake mushrooms (Below Farm brand, available at Waitrose)
- Baby heirloom carrots
- Gochujang hollandaise
- Maldon sea salt
- Olive oil
- White pepper
- Butter
- Organic shiro miso paste (Available at 1004 Gourmet store)
Gochujang Hollandaise Sauce
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- Salt, to taste
PREPARATION |
PLATING |
GET TO KNOW CHEF GABRIELA CHAMORRO
CHEF |
MAURIZIO PACE
HEAD CHEF AT LA PETITE MAISON DOHA
Chef Maurizio Pace has had a remarkable culinary journey that spans across various countries and diverse cuisines. From his humble beginnings in a small restaurant in his hometown to leading the kitchen of La Petite Maison (LPM) in Doha, Chef Maurizio has honed his skills and deepened his passion for the culinary arts. With rich experiences in Rome, Tuscany, London, and Hong Kong, he brings a unique blend of tradition and innovation to his cooking. In this interview, Chef Maurizio shares insights into his professional career, his guiding philosophy, dreams, and exciting plans for LPM Doha.
READ MORE INTERVIEWS
WHAT’S NEW |
GODIVA UNVEILS LUXURIOUS NEW CHOCOLATE CAFE AT DUBAI MALL
A luxurious destination for dessert lovers, offering exclusive chocolate experiences and a customizable selection of GODIVA’s iconic creations.
Global luxury chocolate brand GODIVA has officially opened its newest café and store in Dubai Mall, the city’s largest lifestyle destination. This marks a significant expansion for the brand in the Middle East, offering customers a unique and indulgent chocolate experience.
The new café features a dessert bar, two exclusive GODIVA chocolate fountains, and a wide selection of both core and seasonal chocolate treats. Visitors can create their own personalized GODIVA boxes filled with their favorite chocolates. This makes for a truly unique gift.
Steve Lesnard, President of GODIVA, expressed his excitement about the new opening. He stated, “This new location allows us to share our passion and unparalleled premium chocolate credentials with even more people.” He highlighted the brand’s commitment to creativity, craftsmanship, and cultural relevance in the Middle East.
GODIVA’s Dubai Mall café is part of a broader strategy to expand its retail presence in the region. The company aims to capitalize on the growing demand for premium chocolate in the Middle East. It also seeks to drive significant growth for the GODIVA brand.
In addition to its world-renowned chocolate collections, the café offers an all-day menu featuring tartines, croissants, Belgian waffles, crêpes, pancakes, and patisseries. There is also a dedicated kids’ menu with mini croissants, mini pancakes, and a mini classic fondue.
The upscale café design combines ornate art nouveau features with modern touches. This creates a welcoming atmosphere for customers to enjoy a hot drink and meet friends over dessert.
WHAT’S NEW |
SALON DU CHOCOLAT ET DE LA PATISSERIE DUBAI GETS READY FOR ITS THIRD EDITION AT A NEW LOCATION, MADINAT JUMEIRAH, MADINAT ARENA
September 18-20, 2024.
RECOMMENDED BOOK |
LATEST COOKBOOK: SOUK TO TABLE
RECOMMENDED BOOKS
MUST TRY RECIPES FOR SALMON LOVERS
Salmon is a great source of protein, healthy fats, and various essential vitamins and minerals.
Enjoy our selection of delicious raw, smoked and baked recipes!
WHAT’S NEW |
ICD BROOKFIELD PLACE DEBUTS FIRST DINNER CLUB: A CULINARY WEEK OF FLAVORS
Restaurant Week event at ICD Brookfield Place brings exclusive prix-fixe menus and unforgettable dining experiences from September 23rd to 29th, 2024.
Dubai’s ICD Brookfield Place is thrilled to announce its first Dinner Club. This must-attend Restaurant Week event runs from September 23rd to 29th, 2024. The exclusive weeklong celebration offers food enthusiasts an exceptional opportunity to indulge in premier dining experiences. These will take place at some of the property’s most celebrated venues: Josette, La Niña, Lulu & the Beanstalk, and The Guild.
Guests can enjoy early dinner prix-fixe menus featuring a choice of three-course meals. These menus are available daily from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM. With two menu options priced at AED 150 and AED 275 per person, diners are promised an unforgettable culinary experience. Each menu includes a carefully crafted starter, main course, and dessert. This ensures a delightful journey of flavors. Vegan options are available for every course, making the Dinner Club accessible to all dietary preferences.
For those looking to enhance their dining experience, the Dinner Club offers handpicked cocktails and wines. These are available for pairing at an additional cost. Each venue promises a unique atmosphere and distinctive menu, reflecting the diverse dining options at ICD Brookfield Place.
From the stylish charm of Josette to the relaxed vibe of Lulu & the Beanstalk, attendees are in for a culinary treat. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or simply looking for a memorable evening out, the Dinner Club promises a week of flavors and dining delights.
With limited spaces available, food enthusiasts are encouraged to book early. This will secure their spot at one of Dubai’s most exciting dining events of the year.
RESTAURANT IN LEBANON |
MAISON PRUNELLE
OTHER RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS IN LEBANON
HOW THE GUT INFLUENCES YOUR HEALTH
& 5 STEPS TO SUPPORT IT
Your gut is more than just your stomach and intestines. It’s a complex system that plays a crucial role in your overall health. Discover how to support your gut’s well-being in order to live healthier life.
Understanding the Gut: More Than Just the Stomach and Intestines
Many people think the gut only refers to the stomach and intestines, but it actually involves much more. The gut, or gastrointestinal (GI) tract, includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, and anus. Additionally, the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder are key players in digestion, performing functions like storing vitamins, detoxifying toxins, and secreting hormones.
The Gut Microbiota: Your Internal Ecosystem
One of the most important parts of our digestive system is the gut microbiota—a community of trillions of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites). These organisms:
- Support our immune system
- Help produce essential vitamins and neurotransmitters
- Influence various aspects of our health, including brain function, skin health, and heart health
The Gut Barrier: Your Body’s Second Skin
The gut barrier, often called the “second skin,” is a protective layer made of four parts: microbial, chemical, mechanical, and immune barriers. Its job is to:
- Absorb nutrients from digested food
- Prevent harmful substances like pathogens and toxins from entering the bloodstream
When the balance of bacteria is off—too much harmful bacteria and not enough beneficial bacteria—the gut barrier can become inflamed. This can lead to food intolerances, as undigested food particles leak into the bloodstream, triggering an immune response. Cutting out certain food groups only provides temporary relief, as more intolerances can develop over time.
Beneficial bacteria play a crucial role by:
- Helping digest food and absorb nutrients
- Producing essential nutrients like B vitamins and vitamin K
- Creating short-chain fatty acids that regulate immune cells
- Protecting against harmful pathogens
- Maintaining a strong gut barrier
When this balance is disrupted, it can cause inflammation throughout the body, leading to chronic conditions and autoimmune diseases. As Hippocrates famously said 2,500 years ago, “All disease begins in the gut.”
5 Steps to Support a Healthy Gut
So, how can you support your gut and keep your health on track? Here are five simple steps:
- Limit Antibiotic and PPI Use
While antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like Nexium are sometimes necessary, overusing them can harm the gut microbiome. Overuse can:
- Cause antibiotic resistance
- Destroy good bacteria
- Affect enzyme and acid production, leading to long-term health problems Focus on a Gut-Friendly Diet.
2. Focus on a Gut-Friendly Diet
Processed and fatty foods can damage the gut. Work with a specialist to maintain a balanced diet rich in protein and carbs while avoiding excess fat. Incorporate gut-supporting foods like:
- Bone broth
- Yogurt
- Kefir
- Berries
- Kiwi
- Apple cider vinegar
- Ginger
- Fiber-rich foods
3. Prioritize Quality Sleep
Getting enough sleep is crucial for gut health. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep in a dark, cool room. To improve sleep quality:
- Limit screen time before bed
- Use night mode on devices to preserve melatonin production
4.Exercise the Right Way
Physical activity promotes healthy gut bacteria, but overdoing high-intensity workouts can harm the gut barrier. Focus on:
- Strength training
- Daily steps
- Moderate endurance exercise
These help maintain a balanced microbiome.
5. Choose Supplements Wisely
Certain supplements can support gut health. Consider:
- Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) to soothe the gut lining
- Zinc and L-glutamine (found in bone broth) to help repair it
- Saccharomyces boulardii probiotics for digestion support
- Magnesium citrate to ease constipation
For personalized advice, check out my Gut Protocols or book a consultation.
WHAT’S NEW |
DUBAI’S CULINARY SCENE TAKES CENTER STAGE WITH THE BEST CHEF AWARDS 2024
Global culinary icons and local rising stars to gather in Dubai for prestigious awards event in from November 4 -6, 2024.
The Best Chef Awards has announced that Dubai will host its 8th annual awards ceremony from November 4-6, 2024. This marks a historic milestone as the first time the prestigious global culinary event has been held in the Middle East. It cements Dubai’s status as a culinary powerhouse.
Powered by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), the 2024 edition will feature a star-studded lineup of international chefs. These include Vaughan Mabee, Albert Adrià, Ángel León, and Floriano Pellegrino & Isabella Potì. Local culinary luminaries like Gregoire Berger, Mohammed Orfali, and Himanshu Saini are also set to make a significant impact on the event.
Dubai’s growing culinary reputation is evident in its recent recognition as one of the world’s top 10 cities for foodies. The city also ranked second-highest for restaurant density. Its commitment to culinary innovation and ability to export homegrown dining concepts to international markets have further enhanced its global standing.
The Best Chef Awards 2024 will not only showcase Dubai’s culinary excellence. It will also provide a platform for networking, collaboration, and recognition of both established and emerging culinary professionals. With a focus on emerging talents and a diverse range of culinary experiences, the event promises to be a highlight of the Dubai culinary calendar.
Event highlights:
- Global Culinary Leadership
- The Future of Food (R)evolution
- The Best Chef Awards Gala
- City-Wide Engagement & Networking Opportunities