In 1998, I visited Riyadh to run a project for a bank. The funniest part of the trip was taking our Ethiopian housekeeper to the supermarket to buy supplies. We lost track of her as she wore a burka, and we could not remember what her shoes looked like. We had to hang around the checkout until she found us. Lesson learned: we always noted her shoes on subsequent shopping trips.The most memorable meal was one that she cooked for us, as it included Injera.While I was there, Operation Desert Fox started. It was a major four-day bombing campaign on […]
Tag Archives: nutrition
Whelks are a type of sea snail commonly consumed in various parts of the world, including the United Kingdom, France, and South Korea. They are known for their firm texture and have a slightly sweet, briny flavour. In the UK, whelks are often enjoyed as a popular seafood delicacy.While they might not be as popular as some other types of seafood, whelks are appreciated by many for their unique taste and texture. If you enjoy trying different kinds of seafood, it might be worth giving whelks a try to see if you like their flavour and texture. Exports of […]
I was introduced to this ‘Norwegian’ Oyster Stew by an American friend from Wisconsin as a traditional Christmas Eve dish. The stew is a delicious seafood dish that combines the rich flavours of oysters with a creamy, savoury broth.However, while Norway is known for its rich seafood culture, including various preparations of fish, shellfish, and other marine delicacies, oyster stew is not a traditional or commonly known dish in Norwegian cuisine. Norwegian culinary traditions are more closely associated with dishes like various types of cured and smoked fish, as well as preparations of salmon, herring, and other seafood sourced […]
Goan fish curry is a popular and flavorful dish from the coastal state of Goa in India. It is known for its rich and aromatic blend of spices that create a tantalising curry. My first experience of Goan fish curry was in Oman. I had been working in a location where we usually ate in a fine-dining restaurant located on the compound. At first, I went for rich dishes like Lobster Thermidor, but after a few weeks, I hankered for something else. Then I saw one of the Goan waiters tucking into a curry, which was not on the […]
Reindeer Stroganoff is a dish that puts a unique twist on the classic Beef Stroganoff by using reindeer meat as the primary protein. Reindeer meat is lean and has a slightly gamey flavor, making it an interesting and unconventional choice for this Russian-inspired dish. I first ate Reindeer stroganoff in a hut on the East coast of Svalbard. Outside, the temperature was a bracing -30C℃, but inside, it was a toasty 22℃. Our Italian guide prepared the meal, which he served with rice. It was delicious.It’s essential to cook the reindeer meat thoroughly, but be careful not to overcook […]
The first time I cooked this, I was feeding some West Indian friends. They were very polite and did not comment on my use of ‘peas’ instead of ‘kidney beans’. I live and learn. This aromatic and flavorful rice and peas dish is a staple in Caribbean cuisine and pairs exceptionally well with many West Indian dishes.In many Caribbean recipes, “peas” refers to legumes such as kidney beans rather than actual peas. The classic Caribbean dish “rice and peas” traditionally uses kidney beans.
Somaliland, a self-declared independent state, is known for its rich culinary traditions, often incorporating locally available ingredients such as camel meat, which is a staple in many dishes. One of the popular dishes featuring camel meat is “Hilib Ari,” a traditional Somali grilled camel meat recipe. My visit in December 2019 also taught me not to try camel milk before a long journey. My hosts suggested it would have had a laxative effect. When we got back from the long drive from Hargeisa to Berbera (and back), I tried camel milk tea and noticed no particular ‘side effects’.
My good friend Nitza introduced me to Mexican food in San Diego in 1988. Compared with Mexican food I had tried in Europe, it was delicious. This is my take on the ‘San Diego fish taco’.
Waterzooi is a traditional Belgian stew that is typically made with fish or chicken and vegetables. It is known for its creamy texture and rich flavour. Brings back memories of living in the village of Vossem, not far from Brussels.