Tastes of The Middle East

Duration: 1 Day

The aromas and flavours of the Middle East are an intoxicating blend of spices, fresh and dried fruits, sweet honey and flora that tantalise and mesmerise visitors and locals alike. The sounds and colours of the spice markets to the distinctive and ornately decorated pottery hand thrown by artisans, all add to the wonderful experience that defines this beautiful part of the world. A net that spreads from Western Asia, to Cyprus and Egypt including Lebanon, Iran, Israel and Turkey. Come and immerse yourself on this wonderful cookery experience of the Middle East.  

Dishes to be prepared: 

• Persian Style Flat Bread (Nan-e-Barbari) – Every nation has it's bread and this is a traditional Persian variety topped with nigella seeds that develops a beautiful crispy finish when baked. 
• Israeli Style Hummus – The classic chickpea and tahini dip that's so popular all over the world gets a creamier and smoother finish, much like those served in Israel. Learn the basics and then get adventurous creating other flavours. 
• Palestinian Cauliflower with Tahini (Zahra Bi Tahineh) – move over cauliflower cheese, this amazing dish makes such flavourful use of cauliflower, baked in a tahini and yogurt sauce, with spices and not a single sign of cheese.  
• Lebanese Chicken Pie (Musakhan) -  originally of Bedouin origin, and sometimes made with pigeon, this is a  flavoursome dish of chicken thighs spiced with cinnamon, cardamom and lemony sumac encased in light filo pastry.  Perfect for entertaining and can be made ahead. 
• Turkish Lamb Stew with Aubergine Sauce (Hunkar Begendi) – This is a legendary dish meaning 'Her Majesty's delight'. Tender cubes of lamb cooked in a spiced tomato sauce and served with an Aubergine infused Bechamel creamy sauce. 
• Turkish vermicelli rice (Sehriye Pilav) – an all-time favourite rice dish, buttery and so simple, the perfect accompaniment to meat and vegetables. 
• Egyptian Butter Cookies (Ghorabeya) – These highly moreish, crumbly short cookies are an absolute delight and traditionally made for festivals, weddings and special occasions. Wonderful with a glass of Moroccan sweet mint tea. 

The day begins at 9.30am and we invite you to join us with a welcome tea or coffee in the cookery school’s dining room from 9.00am, where you will have a chance to meet your fellow delegates and chef. Your chef will talk you through the class menu and how the day will run before you are assigned a workspace in our fully equipped kitchen, overlooking the beautiful estate at Braxted Park.

The step-by-step tuition is fun and easy to follow and the cookery school team will be available to assist you throughout the day.

At the end of a full day of cooking, everyone’s efforts will be rewarded with a glass of wine and a sit-down meal that has been cooked during the day, where hints and tips can be shared with the group while enjoying the food that you have prepared.

Please note that the dishes listed may vary due to the availability of fresh produce as a result of seasonal changes.

Please note Children over the age of 8 years old are welcome to attend and participate in any of our classes at the full cost of a place but MUST be accompanied by 1 paying adult.