Dishes from the Middle East – €180

Dishes from the Middle East

Even if you’ve never visited the Middle East you have probably tasted its legendary food.  And while its culinary history goes back thousands of years, right now it is mega fashionable and a great way to entertain – as Ottolenghi has shown, only more simple. The Middle East is famous for its hospitality and generosity and its dishes are always served in multiples, yet each one is worthy of a central place on the table. This makes sharing a meal the joy it is and always should be.  Our dishes span the entire Middle East – from Iran through Iraq and Turkey, via Lebanon and Syria, all the way to Palestine and Israel…

On this course…

We will turn the freshest produce and most common staples into exotic dishes with bold flavours and rich aromas. Flexible ‘anytime dishes’ that can often be made ahead, and are thus ideal for entertaining.

The dishes…

The dishes have exotic names like Fattoush and Fatteh (‘salads’ which incorporate crisply toasted flatbread shards). There are garlicky Kefte and moreish homemade Falafel.  We usually include a spectacula slow-roasted lamb with Za’atar or Baharat spices. Or that much-loved celebratory crispy rice from Iran Tahchin.  Many dishes are vegetarian and every dish has a story.  And of course we will teach you to master basics like super-easy traditional Arab flatbreads and labneh (homemade cheese).

Our desserts have equally evocative names and flavours:  think little cardamom flavoured creams with orange-flower- or rose syrup (called Muhallabiyeh. Think also pistachios and almonds and pine nuts. One thing is for sure: these dishes are guaranteed to make you dream of exotic climes. So be prepared for a plethora of deliciousness!