Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Jewels of Jordan: Scrumptious Spread

Mineral water and maramiya (wild sage drink). Maramiya is good for stomach discomfort. Never thought it could be tasty!

Tamar hindi (sweet tamarind juice).

Tamar hindi is made by soaking tamarind in water for a few hours, then straining, sweetening and mixing it with rose water and lemon juice.

The (oh–so–good) homemade falafel, beth magli (omelette), and galait bendora (tomato dip). Tried falafel sandwich too, but didn't like it.

Brunch – mtabal/baba 'ghannouj, fries, tomato sauce, djaj magli (fried chicken), and salad with pitta bread.

Barag dawali (stuffed grape leaves) in the making – place some rice in the centre of a grape leaf.

Barag dawali in the making – fold.

Barag dawali in the making – fold.

Kusa (courgettes)

One of my final dinners. Take your pick.

A tree in Ajlun

Roz Mansaf, Jordan's national dish, with djaj magli (fried chicken) and kebab. The broth is for the rice.

Brunch pitta bread, homemade jubneih (cheese), chicken's liver stir–fry, hummus, sliced cucumber, tomatoes, zatar (mixed herbs), olive oil, zaitun (olives), and tea.

Ouzi with yoghurt and local salad. I'm not a fan of rice, but this one was yummy.

Brunch – wardeh (nabilse bread), fries, tomato sauce, chillies, hummus, falafel, beth magli (omelette), galait bendora (tomato dip), zatar (mixed herbs), olive oil, zaitun (olives), and tea.

Brunch – fries, tomato sauce, mtabal/baba 'ghannouj, djaj magli (fried chicken), and salad with pitta bread.

Brunch – pitta bread, salad, mtabal, fries, fried chicken, and shwaraba (vermicelli and carrot soup).

Lamb Mansaf Rice with broth and basal (onions)

Brunch in bed – pitta (the ones topped with zatar were manageesh), mtabal/baba 'ghannouj, jubneih (cheese), pickles, zaitun (olives), hard–boiled eggs, maleh (salt) and fulful (pepper).

Dinner – pitta, kmaj (bread), chicken and lamb kebab, grilled aubergine and tomatoes, and fruits.

Roz (rice) with pickles and fasuliya

Barbecue on cool, breezy Mount Nebo with my friends. It was surreal.

Shai bana'na (mint tea)

Ginger milk tea

Roz Maqluba (Upside Down Rice)

Blended salad

Masala Rice

Seneat bata'ta (potato and beef) stir–fry

Bamiya (lady's fingers) and beef stirfry

Ingredients for barag dawali (stuffed grape leaves) – grape leaves and spiced rice.

Barag dawali (stuffed grape leaves) in the making – roll and ready to be steamed.

Mahasyibarag dawali (stuffed grape leaves) and stuffed kusa (courgettes)


Ajlun

Barbecue in windy Ajlun with my friend and family

Photos by SkyJuice © All rights reserved.

What's a nation without its own culinary specialities, right? I have dined out at some Middle Eastern restaurants locally and recently, I was fortunate to have had the chance to sample some Middle Eastern delights during my trip.

I'd like to take this opportunity to wish my Muslim readers a blessed Ramadhan alKareem 1431H.

6 comments:

Thomas C B Chua said...

This is what food should be, and not those at the fast food joints. Your pictures made my salivate. The aroma and taste must be heavenly. Hope to sample them one day when I travel to your part of the world.

SkyJuice said...

Hi Thomas,

Thanks for dropping by. Appreciate it.

Yes, home–cooked food is the best especially when one is travelling. I don't reside in Jordan. Went there for a holiday recently.

Joseph Pulikotil said...

Hello SkyJuice:)

You did have a wonderful holiday not only visiting those amazing places steeped in history and deep religious background but you did enjoy the delicious food of the land.This is a marvelous experience to be cherished.Being an expert cook yourself, I am sure you would have picked up some useful tips for making them at home.

The photos are magnificent and I felt I was participating in a wonderful feast.I know it is a dream:)

You also made me check up the meaningS of SCRUMPTIOUS AND SUMPTUOUS because I got confused between the two.I should say I learnt something new.

I know all the Muslims all over the world are fasting these days and people like me find it difficult to get good eating joints when I am outside because restaurants owned by Muslims are closed and they open only in the evenings. Besides getting an autorickshaw in the evening is next to impossible because most of these three wheeler taxis are run by Muslims and all of them go to the Mosque to pray and to break their fast in the evenings.

Have a nice day:)
Joseph

SkyJuice said...

Hello Joseph,

Thank you for your comments as always.

I did have a wonderful time in the Middle East, thanks to my friends and their families. Wouldn't mind a revisit soon.

I'm not an expert cook, but I did pick up some tips on how to cook a few Middle Eastern dishes at home. It's good to learn something new.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend. :-)

sadness of orange said...

dawali and kusa are my favorites...and syawarma arabi from a restaurant in front of my jamiah..dellllicious...thanks for the awesome pics..i'm green with envy
^_^

SkyJuice said...

You're welcome, S.o.O. :-)