A Royal Ramadan Experience by Master Chef Mama

Enjoy an endless mix and match journey of authentic Arabic cuisine with a Moroccan twist

During the holy month of Ramadan, Pullman Dubai Creek City Centre offers a unique experience when it comes to ambience, food and service. The Medley Restaurant offers tantalizing Iftar and Suhour meals this Ramadan. Also, Ramadan deals are available for corporate groups.
Moroccan Master Chef Mama is the host and star of the property. She was the head chef to Princess Lalla Amina, the youngest sister of the late King Hassan II of Morocco in Rabat in the late 80s. With more than 20 years of experience in top-ranked kitchens in Morocco and the GCC, Master Chef  Mama is well known for her delicious dishes and amazing hospitality.
Says Mama, "New dishes are being introduced to the buffet this year with special focus on Moroccan cuisine, which is a melting pot of different cultures, distinctive flavours and exquisite presentations."
This Ramadan diners can look forward to a large array of tajines: lamb tajine with vegetables, lamb tajine with prunes and caramelised onions, chicken tajine with green olives and lemon, fish with sharmoula tajine which is a staple at the Moroccan tables.
She adds, "I am currently preparing a new speciality, called Sfouf. This is a unique unbaked Moroccan sweet made from toasted unhulled sesame seeds, fried almonds, and flour that has been browned in the oven. It has a very rich taste and it is packed with nutrients, as it is traditionally served only during Ramadan, where there is greater need of restoring energy."
A lot of hard work goes behind creating a dedicated menu for Ramadan. "I always stay true to my origins and to my Arabic/Moroccan culture. Although Ramadan is all about abstaining from food from sunrise to sunset, the fact is those who fast, look forward to breaking their fast. This is why Ramadan brings out the best in a cook," says the master chef .
"Majority of my dishes are cooked with natural ingredients without  artificial flavours. I count on extra virgin olive oil and saffron, ginger powder, curcuma and celery as flavour enhancers. I never create a dish without checking the quality of the ingredients," confirms the master chef .
For those who are dieting, she recommends the Harira soup as a starter, as it is rich in vitamins, fibres and carbohydrates. It is a whole meal by itself as it has onions, tomatoes, celery, parsley, lentil and rice. "Once you come to my Iftar, you will love it," concludes Master Chef Mama with a smile. 
Chef Mama gets candid
"Ramadan Kareem! May this sacred month bring happiness and prosperity to all. Looking forward to seeing everyone at Medley Restaurant this Ramadan." - Master Chef Mama
Three favourite ingredients: Extra virgin olive oil, Moroccan spices and thyme.
Cooking tips: Marinate, marinate, marinate. at least three hours before cooking. It is essential to choose the appropriate marinade for your fish, meat or chicken. It adds flavour to the food and makes it more tender.
 - suchitra@khaleejtimes.com

• Ramadan 2021