Enjoy the great outdoors

Barbecue in the UAE is prepared outside using the traditional style of charcoal-based slow cooking

As the hot summer makes way for a balmy autumn, everyone wants to make most of the pleasant weather. Over the next few months outings, desert safaris and camping will be a frequent sight as people rush to leave the confines of their homes and get some fresh air. Cooler days also mean a great time for family to head outside with their friends for parties and outdoor barbecue.
Outdoor BBQ fosters a sense of community in this part of the globe. It helps like-minded people; families and friends come together and share each other's joy. Barbecue has retained its appeal because it combines socialising with food. In a place like Dubai or Abu Dhabi where people don't often get to spend time together owing to work commitments, outdoor BBQ offers a great reason to plan fun. Moreover, there is something amazing about sharing common ground and common place at the table and a place in the community.
No picnic or camping in the UAE is complete without a barbecue. Nowadays there are excellent BBQ tools and grills available in the market, complete with cutlery and steel cases with clasps. These sets are readily available and easy to use. You can find everything from simple to fancy grills in the neighbourhood stores and supermarkets. 
The food cooked on a grill or barbecue in the outdoors is quite delectable. Outdoor barbecue in the UAE is prepared using the traditional style of charcoal-based slow cooking. It makes use of the indirect heat imparted by the smoke of a wood-fueled fire to cook. The taste can be further enhanced further by the use of spices and herbs.
The Middle East has its own distinct culture of outdoor BBQ with Shish Taoouq (Kebabs) being quite popular. Usually made from beef and lamb, beef steaks or chicken, many people can be seen fanning their BBQ in the open during winters. The mutton/fish/chicken/cheese prepared in BBQ can be taken with pita bread, Tehini paste, Hummus, Tabouli or one of the Arabic salads. Enthusiastic families can be seen firing up the grill in the open, sitting in a huddle, sharing stories and jokes. Sometimes the smoke and embers carry friends into the wee hours of the morning.
- sadiq@khaleejtimes.com

BBQ Tips - Always flip your meat or vegetables using tongs or a spatula, rather than a fork. - Don't flip constantly. Ideally, flip each item once during the grilling process. - Don't press down the mutton chunks. This squeezes out the tasty juices. - To infuse the mutton chunks or chicken pieces with herb essence, you can put herbs directly onto the charcoal while you are grilling. - Never cook cold food on the BBQ. Bring the meat to room temperature before cooking. - Cut it thin. The thinner your meat, the less the heat has to travel to cook the middle.

• Dubai