Pakistan is officially called the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.  Pakistan means “Land of the Pure,” in both Urdu and Pashto.  It is believed it was named by Chaudry Rahmat Ali, by using the first letters of the five provinces that make up Pakistan: P for Punjab, A for Afghania, K for Kashmir, S for Sindh and TAN for the Balochistan province.  Chaudry was the author of a famous 1933 pamphlet titled, “Now or Never; Are We to Live or Perish Forever”, which is where the acronym first appeared.

Pakistan, located in south Asia, is bordered by India to the east, Afghanistan to the west, Iran to the southwest, China to the northeast and the Arabian Sea to the south.  Pakistan is blessed with an array of different landscapes; deserts, plains, forests, hills and coastal areas.  Pakistan has the only fertile desert and the largest glacier outside of the polar regions. The northern area has five of the seventeen highest peaks and in the world.  K2 is the second tallest mountain, after Mt. Everest and rises to an imposing 28,251 feet above sea level.  Its name comes from the mountain range, Karakoram.  Its nickname is “Savage Mountain,” due to the extreme difficulty of ascent.  Pakistan has many beautiful natural sights and historic landmarks.  Lonely Planet says "Pakistan may become the next big thing in travel".

The area of Pakistan was home to the Indus Valley civilization, one of the oldest in the world.  The city of Harappa flourished along the Riva River between 3000-1500 BC.  It has a rich history of invaders including the Aryans, the Persians, Alexander the Great, the Greeks, the Parthians and the Turks.  Babar, a Muslim ruler from Afghanistan, established the Mogul Empire.  In the 1700s, the British took over control of the East India Company.  In the 1940s, the Muslim League demanded partition from the British, of a separate nation for India’s Muslims.

Pakistan gained independence from the British on August 14, 1947.  Pakistan is the only country to have been created in the name of Islam.  It was the result of the Pakistan movement, led by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who is considered the founding father of Pakistan.  He died of tuberculosis very shortly after Independence, when he was named Governor-General.  Had the man who was asked to make the partition (Cyril Radcliffe) known how sick Jinnah was, it is very likely the lines would not have been drawn at all.  Those lines resulted in 12 million people becoming refugees and between a half a million and a million people being killed in religious violence.  Unfortunately, the lines drawn to establish Pakistan, remain some of the most hotly contested land borders in the world.  India and Pakistan, to this day, are bitter enemies over them.

In 1948, war broke out with India over the disputed territory of Kashmir, which still remains in turmoil.  Bangladesh, formerly known as East Pakistan, declared Independence on March 25, 1971.  This precipitated a horrible. nine month liberation war between the two countries, which killed millions more innocent people. There has been way too much bloodshed over these borders.

There is also a dangerous border area with Afghanistan where it is believed terrorists are harbored and operate on both sides of the border.  The Taliban (one of the terrorist groups) is present in both Pakistan and Afghanistan.  Pakistan is accused of not doing enough to act against extremist groups; an issue which just caused the USA to put Pakistan back on the “gray list,” a global-terrorism, financing watchlist.  They have a year to prove they are doing the right things to prosecute extremist leaders, and shut down their financing streams.  Pakistan is also the place where Osama bin Laden, the mastermind of the 911 terror attacks in the USA, was hiding out. That is until he was killed in an undercover mission by the US special forces.

Today, Pakistan is a nuclear power, ranked ninth in the world as a super power, because of this arsenal.  They have the sixth largest army in the world and have some of the top, air force pilots. They also are known for manufacturing fighter jets, which they now are exporting and they have some of the best missile technology in the world.  Pakistan is also the world’s fifth most populous country and has a growing economy.  The official languages are Urdu and English, although, some 60 languages are spoken there.  The literacy rate has been poor in Pakistan, however they have been making great strides in recent years with a 250 percent increase in their literacy rate through education.  Education is important in Pakistan and they are listed as having the seventh largest pool of engineers and scientists.  The Lahore University of Management Sciences attracts thousands of international students. It is considered to be the best university in the country.

As we look into the cuisine of Pakistan, we see it is heavily influenced by its past, when it was part of India.  It has influences from Central Asia, as well as their rich Mughal legacy.  As with most countries, the cuisine of Pakistan is regional and largely based on the ethnicity and diversity of its people.  Generally speaking, the eastern region is known for its highly seasoned and spicy cuisine, reminiscent of the Indian subcontinent.  Cuisine from the western and northern provinces are characterized by milder dishes, with more influence coming from Central Asia.  It has Middle Eastern flavors, as well.  Pork and alcohol are forbidden, as 97% of the population is Muslim.  Mutton, beef and chicken, as well as seafood from along the coast, are the proteins of choice for the wealthy.  Lentils (or dahls) supply protein for the rest of the population. Nearly 2/3rds of the population lives on $2 a day.

The main spices used in Pakistani cuisine are: chili powder, curry, ginger, garlic, coriander, cumin, cinnamon, saffron and turmeric.  Sabzi (fresh herbs and vegetables) or kachumber salad are typically served with the main meal.  Flat breads like naan and roti, are also served with the meals and rice is ubiquitous as well.  Pakistan is the one of the largest producers and exporters of both rice and wheat in the world.  They also have one of the largest irrigation systems in the world. The spicy, main dishes are often accompanied by dishes that soothe the spicy flavors.  These come in the form of chutneys, made with coriander and mint, raita (a yogurt dish) and lassi, (a delicious drink made with yogurt) which is often flavored with mangoes, for which Pakistan is also famous, and is the national fruit.   A sugarcane drink called roh is the national drink.

So let’s enjoy a Pakistani meal:

The Menu

Starter

Shami Kababs (Chicken Kebabs)

Main Course

Chicken Karahi (Chicken Curry)

Served with

Kachumber Salad (Cucumber, Tomato and Onion Salad)

Dessert

Shahi Turka (Bread Pudding)

We sat down on the floor on our dastarkhan (a floor covering) and surrounded it with cushions.  We began with handwashing, as we would eat the meal with only our right hand, which is customary there.  We decorated with the colors of Pakistan; green and white.  We also breathed in the fragrance of jasmine, which is the national flower of Pakistan.  A soccer ball was also part of the décor, not because it is the national sport (which is cricket), but because Pakistan makes them for the rest of the world.

Our first course was shami kababs, a delicious patty style, kebab made of chicken and yellow split peas.  They were soft and flavorful and perfect when dipped into the green coriander chutney, served as an accompaniment.

The main course, chicken karahi  (chicken curry), was served with raita, a creamy yogurt mixture.  It is a cooing agent for the spicy curry.  A kachumber salad made with cucumbers, tomato, onion and fresh herbs was also part of the main meal.  It was dressed simply, with lemon juice, making it extremely healthful.  It was sprinkled with a spice mixture called chaat masala, that was tangy and spicy, at the same time.  Aside from being used on this salad, chaat masala is also loved on hard-boiled eggs and fruit.  We had fresh, naan bread, which makes just the right scoop to enjoy the salad and the spicy goodness of the chicken karahi.  You can get the naan recipe here.

For dessert we had a dish made for royalty, called shahi tukra.  It was a scrumptious, bread pudding, made from crispy pieces of bread that were fried in ghee (clarified butter) and then smothered in a rabadi or milk sauce, flavored with saffron and cardamom.  The whole dish was garnished with three different types of nuts.

After our meal, we sat back on our soft cushions and contemplated how different things would have been had the British chosen not to make a partition, leaving India whole, as it was in the past.

We then watched the documentary, He Named Me Malala.  This film is about the young Pakistani girl, Malala Yousafzai, who was shot in the head and nearly killed by the Taliban for going to school.  She is the youngest ever Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and a superstar advocate for girls education and children’s rights.  I leave you with a few of her famous quotes.

“We realize the importance of our voices only when we are silenced.”

“When the whole world is silent, even one voice becomes powerful.”

“One child, one teacher, one book, one pen, can change the world.”

Until next time,

Warmest regards,

Darlene

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How did Qatar get its name?

The origin of the name Qatar is uncertain.  However, it dates back at least 2000 years.  A term catharrei, was used by Pliny the Elder, in the 1^st century AD to describe the inhabitants of the peninsula.  The Catara peninsula was depicted on a map by Ptolemy, in the 2^nd century AD.  The Capital City of Doha may have gotten its name from the Arabic word Ad-Dawha, meaning “the big tree”; a reference to the prominent tree that stood at the site of the original fishing village.

Where is Qatar located?

The small peninsula jets out about 525 feet north into the Persian Gulf from the Arabian Peninsula, making it a sub peninsula.  Qatar has a small land border with Saudi Arabia to the southwest and they share maritime borders with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Iran.  Its northwest coast lies just thirty kilometers, or 19 miles from Bahrain.

Qatar is generally a barren land.  It has a dry, subtropical, desert climate, with low annual rainfall and blistering hot and humid summers.   Much of the country consists of sand dunes and salt flats, with only scattered vegetation.  There is a small range of hills in the northwest, the highest point reaching just 328 feet.  The coastline has a number of beautiful sandy beaches, the best of which lie in the north and west.  Due to the topography, Qatar is susceptible to intense sand storms.

A Brief History of Qatar

Qatar has been occupied by humans for at least 50,000 years.  Stone Age encampments and tools have been unearthed on the small sub peninsula.  It fell under the domain of numerous empires during its early years of settlement.  In 628 AD the population was introduced to Islam.  By the 8^th century it became a pearl trading center.

In 1783, Arab tribes conquered Bahrain and the Al Khalifa imposed their authority over both Bahrain and Qatar.  After a war broke out, the British installed the religious ruler, Muhammad ibn Thani-al-Thani, the head of a leading Qatari family.  In 1893, the Ottomans who expanded their Empire into the area, made incursions into Qatar.  They withdrew from the area after the beginning of World War I, in 1913.

In 1916, Qatar became a British Protectorate and Abdullah Al Thani was put into power.  The Al-Thani family has been in control of Qatar ever since.  The country is run as a constitutional monarchy.  It gained independence from Britain on September 3, 1971.  Oil was discovered in the 1940s, bringing great wealth to the country.  Oil and gas make up 85% of the GDP.  Today Qatar is one of the richest nations on earth, based on per capita GDP.  There are no taxes in Qatar and the people get free health care, education (including higher education) and a corporate tax rate of 10% as a flat tax.  Women were allowed to vote in 1999, at the same time as men.  It wasn’t until 2003 that it was put into the constitution.  Qatari women make up about ½ of the labor force, which is above the world average and among the highest in the Arab world.

In 2003, Qatar became the nerve center in the US-led military campaign in Iraq.  In 2010 Qatar won the bid to host the 2022 Fifa World Cup.  They are spending billions of dollars to get ready for it, with new hotels, buildings and infrastructure.

In recent times, there has been a diplomatic crisis due to its neighbors Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, as well as the UAE and Egypt, which have imposed an air, land and sea blockade.  They are hoping Qatar will cut its alleged connections with terrorism and distance itself from Iran.  Qatar which is known to have the best airline in the world, has to avoid these air spaces in its flight patterns.

Qatar Culture

Qatar has about 2.6 million inhabitants.  However, foreign workers, mainly from India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan and the Philippines make up 88% of the population.  Qatari nationals make up the other 12% of the population.  Its culture can be traced back to three main influences: the desert, the sea and Islam.  The desert, Bedouin culture is intrinsic to Qatari identity.  Arabic is the official language, although English is widely spoken as well.

The Arabian Peninsula is one of the last places in the world where falconry is still actively practiced.  In fact, this 5000 year old tradition was introduced by the Bedouin as an effective means of hunting.  Today the practice is a national heritage and passed down from generation to generation.  In the famous Souq Waquif there is a falcon hospital where falcons can be bought and sold for thousands of dollars.  Some birds are even issued their own passports to prevent them from being taken out of the country illegally.

Camel racing is known as the “sport of sheikhs” and is big business in Qatar, with races held on nearly every Friday.  Today the riders are robotic jockeys and some of their best camels can cost more than luxury cars.

Poetry and storytelling remains an integral part of the Bedouin culture.  Nabati poems, which are a source of local tribal pride, are regularly broadcast on Qatari TV and radio as part of their cultural heritage.  By the way, Qatar is home to Al Jazeera, a very popular news station, worldwide.

Qataris are very proud of their maritime traditions, which are based around pearl diving, fishing and boat making.  Their folk music lyrics are closely associated with the sea, describing pearl diving, the hoisting of sails and rowing.  These folk songs are normally sung together, as the traditional sailors would have sung them.  Each year there is a dhow festival that celebrates not only the boats but all aspects of the old sailors.

It is Islam, however, where most of the cultural traditions are found.  Traditional dress for example requires modesty by both males and females in the public realm.  The thobe, is a long white robe typically worn by men, along with a head covering, known as the gutra, which is held in place by a black rope called an agal.  Women wear a black robe called an abaya and a head covering called a shayla.

The Islamic month of Ramadan is widely revered in Qatar.  Fasting is required during daylight hours, so all the restaurants are closed during the day.  About 67% of the population of Qatar are Sunni Muslims with a few Shiites as well.  Islamic instruction is compulsory of Muslims in all state-sponsored schools.  Despite Islam being the state religion in Qatar, they do have freedom of association in their constitution.  Both Muslims and non-Muslims are tried under the unified court system which incorporates both secular law and Sharia law.  The Islamic holy days of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are national holidays.

Why Visit Qatar?

Doha, the capital city, is the highlight of this quickly growing nation.  It is home to a spectacular modern skyline, one of the best Museums of Islamic Art in the world, plus a fine traditional souq with a burgeoning arts and culinary scene.  Being one of the richest nations on earth, here you can find the finest of everything.

As Qatar prepares to host the FIFA 2022 world cup, they are building at a stunning rate, adding new parks, buildings, high speed rail and gigantic stadiums.  Watching the sunset over the sand dunes will make you feel as though your Arabian fairy tales have come true.  Whether you are sand dune bashing or sleeping out in the dessert with camels, experiencing an authentic Bedouin meal along with traditional music is a dream come true, and you can find it all in Qatar.

They also have a stunning waterfront promenade called the Corniche, which lies on the Doha Bay in an elegant crescent shape.  The Corniche is a beautiful place to walk and see their famous dhow boats.  The Qatari people pride themselves on their Arabian hospitality.

Qatari Cuisine

Qatar has very little arable land, so most all of their food must be imported.  The sea provides for locally caught fish, which is always plentiful and is prominent in their cuisine.  As the country has become world class, nearly every conceivable type of cuisine can be found there.  However, they pride themselves on keeping the local traditions and foods alive.  The cuisine is heavily influenced by the cultures of the peninsula, as well as India, Iran, the Levant and North Africa.

Machbus is considered to be the national dish, as it is for its neighbor, Bahrain.  Machbus can be made with chicken, seafood, or meat.  Mutton served with yogurt is another staple, as is ghuzi, in which a whole roasted lamb is served on a bed of rice and nuts.  Goat and sheep are also very popular meats in the cuisine.  Dates are grown locally and are often served with a cup of Kazak tea or coffee as a means of showing their hospitality.  Pork and alcohol are forbidden in Qatar, unless served in an international hotel. The best places to experience an authentic Qatari meal are in Souq Waqif or Katara.

So let’s enjoy a Qatari meal:

The Menu

Starter

Warak Enab (Stuffed Grape Leaves)

Main Course

Harees (Beaten Wheat and Chicken)

Khubz Arabi (Arabian Bread)

Dessert

Esh Asaraya (Sweet Bread with Cream)

Served with Karak Tea (Spiced Tea with Milk)

We set our table with a small carpet, placed on the floor, with cushions.  It is customary to sit on the floor in a cross legged position to eat a traditional Qatari meal and to use only the right hand.  It is believed that eating in this sitting position, aids digestion, and the movement of reaching for the food and going back to a straight posture, helps with arthritis.

We decorated with a statue of an oryx, their national animal that lives in the desert there.  A picture of a falcon  was placed to signify their national bird.  Dates were added, as they are the national fruit, along with pearls to represent their pearl diving heritage and a little can of oil, to symbolize their great wealth.

Our first course was stuffed grape leaf bundles, filled with sweet, lamb meat, herbs and spices.  With one bite we were immediately transported to the region.  Stuffed grape leaves are a loved tradition in many of the countries surrounding Qatar.

For the main course, we had harees, which is a hearty, beaten wheat and chicken dish, quite similar to the dish we had for Oman, called madrouba, (which was a beaten rice and chicken dish.)  The harees are seasoned with ghee and toasted coriander.  It is a true comfort food and each heavenly bite was scooped up with the Khubz Arabi (Arabian bread).

For dessert we enjoyed the sweet bread and cream dish called esh asaraya.  It was topped with pistachios and was a lovely, sweet end to our Qatari meal.  We enjoyed our dessert with their Karak tea; milk tea with a hint of cardamom; a true delight.  Coffee and tea are always served to guests in Qatar and when you are finished, you simply shake you cup from side to side to let the hostess know you are satisfied.

As we say goodbye to this little nation of Qatar, I leave you with a quote from their tourism board.

Qatar

“A land that understands, a traveler can never be a stranger, just a friend not yet met.  That ultimately everyone is on their own journey, seeking the warmth of a friendly embrace, unique experiences, new stories to share.  Where a meal is not a meal unless it is shared.  A land rooted in ancient cultures, authentic soul, where past learning informs contemporary vision.  Progressive spirit ignites new futures.  A land offering enlightenment, invigoration and inspiration through its warmth of soul and spirit of vision.”

Until next time,

Shukran (That’s “thank you”, in Arabic)

Darlene

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India gets her name from the Indus River, a major river that flows through China, Pakistan and India. The river’s name comes from Sanskrit (Sindhu) meaning “body of trembling water, river”. India is the largest part of the land mass that is South Asia. She is the seventh largest country in the world by size and second largest in population. India shares land borders with six countries, Pakistan to the northwest, China, Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan to the north and Bangladesh and Myanmar to the southwest. She is surrounded on the southeast and southwest by the Indian Ocean. Sri Lanka and the Maldives lie just off the coast, to the south.

India is an ancient land with a history dating back thousands of years. In 2700 BCE, the first urban civilization in the world emerged in the Indus River valley. There were numerous states and kingdoms throughout the region over its long history, which is also the birthplace of the some of the world’s largest religions: Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism and Jainism. Today an overwhelming majority of the population is Hindu, which is the religion associated with the caste system in India (a rigid, social and occupational stratification system). Twelve percent of Indians are Muslim. This fact makes India one of the largest Islamic nations in the world because of the size of the population; over 1 billion people call India home. They also have the largest number of mosques in the world, with over 300,000. Every major religion in the world is represented in India.

Today, India is home to 29 states and seven union territories, each with their own extraordinary history, culture, language and uniqueness. There are 16 official languages of India, which include: Hindi, Urdu, Bengali and English (making India the largest English speaking country in the world). However, there are numerous other languages and dialects spoken there, totaling over 1500. The capital city of India is New Delhi but the most populated city is Mumbai, also known as “The City of Dreams” and formerly known as Bombay. The term “Bollywood,” gets its “B” from the previous name of the city coupled with the fact that they are the largest producer of films in the world. Mumbai is home to the wealthiest people in India, with many millionaires and even billionaires. However, many Indians live on as little as $2 a day and 35 percent of the population lives below the poverty line.

India gained her independence on August 15, 1947, after 200 years of British rule. India is the largest democracy in the world. The Indian, Independence Bill, which made independent nations of India and Pakistan, was hailed by Indian Independence leader, Mohandas Gandhi as the “noblest act of the British nation.” Unfortunately, after the bill took effect it began a period of religious turmoil between the Hindus and Muslims. That resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands, including Gandhi, who was assassinated by a Hindu fanatic in January of 1948 during a prayer vigil. More commonly known at Mahatma Gandhi, he is hailed as the Father of India. (Mahatma is an honorary title in the ancient Sanskrit language meaning “Great Soul”.) His birthday is celebrated every October 2nd and the day is also commemorated by the United Nations as the “International Day of Non-Violence”. Gandhi used non-violent civil disobedience as a method of evoking the people of India to rally for independence. His mission was to peacefully free India from British rule, to relieve poverty and to provide equality for women. His influence on humanity cannot be underestimated as he inspired similar movements around the world. His life and principles have inspired countless people all over the world with his message of peace, simplicity and devotion. He will forever be remembered for his many inspirational quotes and life lessons.

The world has a lot to thank India for as they are the inventors of many things that affect the lives of people every day. India gave the world yoga, developed over 5000 years ago. They invented the game of chess, the shirt button, the ruler, the decimal system was invented in 100 BC and the number zero. They also get the credit for the value of pi, trigonometry, algebra and calculus, to name a few.

The sheer size and scope of India is simply astounding. They have six seasons, which include the normal four, plus winter and summer monsoons. They have incredibly diverse topography which includes some of the tallest mountains in the world, the Himalayans, to arid desserts, forests, fertile plains and tropical seaside villages. Interestingly the whole of India is in the same time zone. They grow over 1.2 million tons of mangos annually as well as many legumes, like chickpeas and kidney beans and lentils of all types, which are often dried. They are also the largest producer of milk in the world. Cows are sacred in India and you will often times see them wandering the streets. Because India is such spiritual country, there is no shortage of festivals. There are festivals that celebrate good over evil, one where camels are dressed up and paraded, celebration for the harvest, kings’ birthdays, elephants ornately decorated and ridden thru the streets, etc. They are some of the most colorful festivals in the world. Weddings are multi day celebrations as well, with food, dancing and extravagant outfits. Even in modern India, most marriages are still arranged.

As we look into the cuisine of India, it is as diverse as the country itself. They have over 37 different cuisines along with hundreds of variations of those. The differences are often times simply, what is available locally due to the soil, climate and ethnic group. It is clear that religion and culture have a major impact on the choices. Hindu’s don’t eat beef and Muslim’s don’t eat pork. India has the largest number of vegetarians in the world. India is one of the few places in the world where you will find vegetarian meals at Kentucky Fried Chicken, McDonalds and Pizza Hut. Indian cuisine is loved throughout the world and mostly known for its amazing use of spices called masala, which are used to make hundreds of curries. Some of the hallmark spices in Indian cuisine are chili pepper, black mustard seed, cardamom, cumin, turmeric, asafetida, ginger, coriander and garlic. The famous garam masala is a combination of at least five spices, ground together, which usually includes, cardamom, cinnamon and clove. Each region has a special garam masala blend to call their own. Indian food always uses spice but you can enjoy Indian food with or without the intensity of heat from peppers. Some Indian food is off the charts on the hot side but can be adjusted to suit your tastes. Rice, millet, bean pulses, potatoes and dahls, are all staple ingredients in Indian cuisine, along with delicious flat breads like naan, chapatti and roti.

To be honest, I had no idea how to tackle India from a cuisine standpoint. I decided to go with a vegetarian meal as an introduction to Indian cuisine. We enjoyed the meal with masala chai which means “spiced tea.” Chai is the national drink of India, and yes they are the largest producers of tea in the world as well.

So let’s eat Indian food:

The Menu
Starter
Bhindi Masala Dry Fry (Spicy Okra Dried Fry)

Main
Palak Paneer (Spinach Curry)

With Paneer (Cheese)

Served with
Aloo Gobi (Potatoes and Cauliflower Dry)

All served with
White Basmati Rice and Garlic Naan Bread
Dessert
Mango Lassi (Mango Smoothie)

We placed a mat on the floor, along with some cushions, as it is customary to sit on the floor to dine in India. We removed our shoes, washed our hands, feet and face and sat down cross legged. The decorations included lotus flower candle holders, as the lotus flower is a sacred symbol in India especially to Hindus and Buddhists and is their national flower. In fact, in New Delhi, there is the lotus temple, which is one of the most visited in the world. It is shaped like a lotus flower with 27 gigantic petals that are covered in marble. We also placed a peacock feather to symbolize their national bird, and a Bengal tiger, their national animal, which used to roam all over the country but today, its numbers are threatened. We, of course, used only our right hand to enjoy the meal, which is their custom. It is important to know you should never share food, as it is considered contaminated if you have touched your mouth and then your food. Only the finger tips are used and never lick your fingers. You will wash your hands at the end of the meal as well.

Our first course was the dried, okra fry and it was absolutely amazing. The complex spices in the dish and the fact that it was not at all gelatinous, was a real treat. These little morsels were very easy to eat with only the right hand and we didn’t have a one left over; a delicious way to begin our vegetarian meal.

Next, we enjoyed the very popular, palak paneer. This spicy, spinach curry was off the charts, outstanding. The grilled paneer cheese is very similar to a tofu that seems to just soak up the flavors of whatever it is cooked in. The grilled cheese melts in your mouth as the spicy, spinach curry enlivens your palate. This was enjoyed with basmati rice and naan bread.

As a side dish, we served aloo gobi, which was also cooked in the dry style, with amazing spices. The potatoes and cauliflower were a wonderful combination; tender and delicious.

For dessert, in honor of their national fruit, the mango, we savored a mango lassi. Basically, it is a creamy, mango smoothie but it also served to soothe the palate after the heat from our amazing, vegetarian meal.

We thought about how, if you wanted to be a vegetarian, Indian cuisine would be a wonderful way to indulge. We loved every single dish and were totally full and satisfied. We then decided to have a little chess match over a movie called “Slumdog Millionaire”. This movie gives an interesting perspective of India and has won numerous film awards.

India is a complex country, many have said that it can’t really be explained, it must be experienced. As my nephew Eliot described last week, India is indeed a land of many contrasts and full of intense sensory stimuli. I hope to someday breathe her in myself, but in the meantime, exploring the many diverse cuisines, is a good place to start.

As we say goodbye, I leave you with a few inspiring quotes from Gandhi:
“Be the change that you want to see in the world.”
“You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty.”
“Where there is love there is life.”
“An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind.”

Until next time,
Namaste’
Darlene

How Oman was named remains a bit of a mystery.  The area was called Mazoon, which stems from the word muzn, which means, “heavy clouds which carry abundant water.”  The name Oman is thought to originate from the Arab tribes who migrated there from the Uman region of Yemen.

Oman is the oldest, independent state in the Arab world.  The official name is, The Sultanate of Oman and it is one of the few countries in the world that is run as an absolute monarchy.  The Sultan, Qaboos bin Said al Said, has been the leader of Oman since 1970.  He is the longest serving leader in the Middle East and the fourth, longest reigning monarch in the world.

Oman is strategically located at the mouth of the Persian Gulf.  Its neighbors are: United Arab Emirates to the northwest, Saudi Arabia to the west and Yemen to the southwest.  It also has two exclaves, territories called the Madha and the Musandam, which are surrounded by the United Arab Emirates, on their land borders and with the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman, forming their coastal boundaries.  Oman shares marine borders with Iran and Pakistan.  The coastal border is the Arabian Sea on the southeast and the Gulf of Oman, on the northeast.  It is made up of towering mountain ranges, vast deserts and about 2000 miles of coastline.

Oman has a fascinating history, as the area was a key place for trade for thousands of years.  Recent discoveries in Oman have shown pre-historic, human habitation dating back over 125,000 years.  Some stone tools found, resemble those made by humans in Africa, during the same time period.  Oman is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites.  A couple of these sites date back some 5000 years.  They are called tombs but possibly could have been silos, as no human remains have been found.  They are made of stone and shaped like a bee hive.  There is a sense that there is much more yet to be discovered in the mountains of Oman.

Ancient civilizations traversed through the deserts of the Middle East to Mesopotamia (Iran and Iraq).  The camel caravans would carry incense, an extremely important product of antiquity.  Oman is one of the few places in the world where frankincense trees grow.  The Land of Frankincense is one of the world heritage sites.  Additionally, ships carried copper and other various minerals by sea.  Omanis often get credit for being some of the best shipbuilders in the world.

Due to its strategic location, the region was impacted by several invaders.  These included, other Arab tribes, Portugal and Britain.  Oman at one time even had its own colony, which included the island of Zanzibar, off the east coast of Africa and was the place where Oman became wealthy from the slave trade.  Oman also has oil wealth and reserves which it began exporting in 1967.  It has tried to have a diverse economy that is not solely based on oil and gas.  The economy has focused on tourism, fishing, mining and agriculture.  The main crops grown in Oman are dates, limes, tomatoes, eggplant, bananas and carrots.  Its most fertile land is found along the coast in the northeast.

Oman is a Muslim country and governed by Shari’a law.  Most of the Muslims adhere to the Ibadi sect of Islam, while the remaining are either Sunni or Shia.  The Sultan is a member of the Ibadi community, however, the government does not give official preference to any particular religious group.  Despite being a Muslim country, they allow freedom of religion and prohibit discrimination of individuals on the basis of religion.  About five percent of the population is Christian, Hindu or Buddhists; mostly non citizen immigrant workers.  Arabic is the official language in Oman, although English is also spoken.  In the capital city of Muscat, the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque was completed in 2001, built from 300,000 tons of Indian sandstone.  It has a capacity of 20,000 worshipers.  It is a popular tourist destination because of its beautiful architecture.

In the mid 20th century and up until the 1970s, Oman was basically shut off from the outside world, until the current Sultan overthrew his father in a bloodless coup.  Since that time, the country has opened up in all sorts of new ways.  Prior to 1970 Oman basically had no national infrastructure.  There were no hotels in Oman, yet today there are hundreds.  Back then, Oman had only six miles of paved roads whereas today there are over 3800 miles of paved roads.  In 1970, only three primary schools existed for just 1000 boys. Today, there are well over 500,000 kids (boys and girls) in over 1000 schools.  Education is free up until the higher education level.  Today the country has been totally transformed.

The Sultan is often called a Renaissance man, for his transformation of a nation in so little time.  Despite being run as an absolute monarchy, he is not considered a dictator.  He has developed a constitution, as well as two houses of Parliament.  A recent change in the constitution gives the lower house even more power.  The Parliament consists of both males and females from all over the country.  The Sultan is loved in his country and highly respected.  The biggest concern in Oman is who will succeed the Sultan, as he has no children of his own.  He recently spent eight months in Germany for an undisclosed medical condition.  When he returned, the country erupted in celebration.

As we look into the cuisine of this most interesting country, it is clear that they have many wonderful influences.  Located along the spice trade route, their cuisine is loaded with the best and most expensive spices like: saffron, cardamom, cloves and cinnamon, to name a few.  Oman was responsible for bringing clove to the island of Zanzibar.  The main influences come from Persia, India, Asia, and East Africa along with her neighbors.

In Oman, the cuisine is regional, however, most dishes have some element of curry, cooked meat, and vegetables.  Seafood, is of course, very popular along its long, fertile coastline.  Rice is a staple. Omani cuisine is full of different biryanis and machboos, (Middle Eastern rice with meat and spices) but it also has its own unique element of beaten or mashed rice.  This is rice that is cooked a very long time along with other ingredients, like chicken, to the point where it becomes like a porridge.  Soups are also common and typically made with chicken, or lamb and vegetables.  One element in the cuisine that is quintessential Omani, is the dried lime or black lime.  The lime, which originally came from Malaysia, is dried in the sun until the shell becomes rock hard and the interior is a gummy black.  This dried lime adds an intensive, citrusy, earthy, almost fermented flavor, to many of their dishes.  It is a beloved ingredient in Persian cuisine and other Middle Eastern cuisines.  In Oman it is called loomi.

Shuwa is considered to be the national dish and requires a distinctive, underground pit.  It is a time intensive dish that usually takes a few days and is reserved for special occasions.  It is typically made with beef, lamb, goat or camel, with a mixture of spices and oil and then wrapped in banana leaves and placed in the pit.  It is served over a massive platter of rice.  It is a big production, in both the preparation and in the enjoyment of the feast.  Alcohol is available in Oman but requires a special license, proving that you are spending less than ten percent of your income on it.  Pork is strictly forbidden.

So let’s eat an Omani meal:

The Menu

Starter

Balah, Juz and Kahwa (Dates, Nuts and Coffee)

Salad

Omani  Salata (Omani Salad)

Main course

Paplou Hasa’ (Fish Soup)

Madrouba (Beaten Rice & Chicken)

served with

Khubz (Omani Thin Bread)

Dessert

Halwa (Sweet)

We set the scene with a special coffee pot called a dallah.  For this meal, we were honored to have my sister and her husband as our guests.  We began by saying, “As-salem alaykum”, which means “Peace be with you,” in Arabic.  Coffee and dates are the ultimate form of hospitality in Oman.  The hot Omani coffee is served in little cups without handles called fenjans.  The coffee is lightly roasted and ground with cardamom and often times rose water is added to the mix.  Dates are served as a sweetner for the coffee.  Your coffee will be constantly refilled until you shake your cup vigorously, signalling that you have had enough.  You will be offered coffee and dates just about everywhere you go in Oman.  We began our meal with coffee and dates, both fresh and dried, along with some nuts.  It was the first time we had ever had a fresh date and we loved the crunchy texture and sweetness.

For the dinner setting we included a rug, as sitting on the floor and eating with your right hand is how food is enjoyed by the locals in Oman.  An Arabian horse figurine was placed, since they are believed to have originated in Oman and Omanis are known to be some of the best, Arabian horse breeders in the world.  Dried limes and spices were also positioned, along with a incense burner filled with frankincense.  I don’t think I ever had the privilege of smelling frankincense before and it turned out to be a lovely, earthy scent that we all enjoyed.  Pictures of elaborate carved doors were also added, as they were one of the things I loved so much about our trip to Stonetown in Zanzibar.  (I really wanted to bring back a set of carved doors,)  I loved them, and it turns out Oman is full of them.  Even the smallest, most unassuming abode, will be graced with a spectacular entry door.

Our next course was a spicy cirtusy seafood soup called paplou.  It was made with those dried limes and fresh lime juice, which was a perfect balance to the spiciness of the broth.  There are many variations to this dish but generally speaking it will contain, black lime, onions, tomatoes, turmeric, chili and fresh tuna.  It is served over a scoop of basmati rice.  We loved it!

Next were three dishes served communally, all at the same time.  It was a simple Omani salad that  had cucumbers, tomatoes, onion, parsley and mint but what made it unique was the addition of preserved lemons.  These are like a pickled lemon and added a unique element to the salad.  This was another keeper, everybody loved the salad; simple and delicious.

The main course was called madrouba, which literally translated means, “beaten rice.”  Despite the long cooking time, this dish is pretty easy to make and will infuse your kitchen with wonderful scents.  It has many spices but is not a hot spicy dish at all, it is simply a flavorful one.  It was enjoyed alongside Omani bread called khubz which is simply made with flour, water and salt.  It is cooked on a stainless flat surface above a hot flame where the dough is just lightly touched to the surface resulting in a very thin almost lace-like piece of bread.  The bread is not flipped but removed from the pan with what resembles a paint scraper.  It was very delicious hot off the grill.

For dessert, we served a small bowl of Halwa.  This is a gelatinous, sweet dessert made mostly of sugar and water and then flavored with saffron, cardamom and nuts.  It was a lovely end to our delicious Omani meal that left us wanting more.

As we say goodbye to this peaceful Middle Eastern nation, that has essentially no terrorism or crime, I leave you with a quote from His Majesty, Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al-Said:

““The path we have followed in our foreign policy over the past decades has shown itself to be both sound and effective, with God’s guidance.  We are committed to this approach, which supports justice, peace and security, and tolerance and love; which calls for international cooperation in order to reinforce stability, promote growth and prosperity and tackle the causes of tension in international relations by producing just and permanent solutions to critical problems; which fosters peaceful co-existence between nations; and which generates well-being and prosperity for the whole of mankind.”

Until next time,

Shukran (thank you)

Darlene

Iran means, “Land of the Aryans” in Persian. Located in the Middle East, Iran is one of the oldest, continuous civilizations on earth, with historical and urban settlements dating back to 4000 BC. The people have called their country Iran for over a millennium, while Westerners referred to the country as Persia. In 1979, after “The Revolution,” the country officially became the “Islamic Republic of Iran.”

Iran is mainly a high plateau located between the Caspian Sea, the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, with nearly 30 percent of the border on the coast. Her neighbors are Azerbaijan, Armenia and Turkmenistan to the north, Pakistan and Afghanistan to the east and Turkey and Iraq to the west. The central plateau is actually a tectonic plate where earthquakes are common. Surprisingly, the climate in Iran is one of extremes, from subpolar to subtropical, with temperatures ranging from -40 degrees to 130 degrees Fahrenheit. With mountain ranges surrounding the plateau, skiing is one of Iran’s best kept secrets. The arid interior is home to two deserts that dominate the eastern part of the country.

Iran’s rich history, starting with the Persian Empire, a major superpower, has included many conquerors and influences along the way. It was the Safavid Dynasty which established Shi’a Islam as the official religion of their empire in 1501; a major turning point in the history of Islam. Iran, from that point forward, was a monarchy ruled by a shah, or emperor, nearly without interruption, until the 1979 revolution.

The “Iranian Revolution” led by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, transformed Iran from an absolute monarchy to an Islamic Republic. A new theocratic constitution was formed and Khomeini became the Supreme Leader. The ideology of the revolutionary government was populist, nationalist and Shi’a Islamic. Khomeini’s reign, until his death in 1989, had great impact around the world. The era was dominated early on by the Iran hostage crisis, when 52 American hostages were held for 444 days by Iranian students who labeled the US embassy personnel as a “Den of Spies.” The takeover was very popular in Iran and thousands regularly gathered in support of the hostage takers. It was at this time that Khomeini started referring to America as the “Great Satan.” Needless to say, this severely damaged relations with America, and Iran has suffered massive sanctions ever since. Industry was nationalized, laws and schools converted wholly to Islam, and Western influences were banned. This was also the time of the very costly and bloody war with Iraq. Hundreds of thousands lost their lives, including women and children. Saddam Hussein (Iraq’s dictator) unleashed chemical weapons on the people of Iran. This war left many scars on the people of Iran.

There have been recent developments between six world powers (including the US) and Iran in hopes of lifting sanctions, along with an agreement that limits Iran’s ability to produce a nuclear weapon. This is a major breakthrough in foreign relations and may bring good growth opportunity to the citizens of Iran. Iran has a very young population, with over 80 percent of its estimated 81 million people, under the age of 40. Recent uprisings from the youth may be slowly reforming some of the government’s very strict policies.

Most of Iran’s population is Persian, however there are also ethnic Kurds, Arabs, Azeris, Lurs, Turkmen and Turkic tribes. The official language is Persian, or Farsi, but other languages are spoken based on the people’s ethnicity. The official religion is overwhelmingly Shi’a Muslim, with a very small minority of Sunni and others, such as Zoroastrian, Jewish and Christians.

Iran is home to 19 significant UNESCO world heritage sites, both pre and post Islam, with many additional places on the “tentative” list. From the Throne of Solomon to the Wonders of Persepolis, there is much to see and explore in Iran. Iran’s main export is oil but they are known for their beautiful Persian rugs and perhaps the finest caviar in the world. They are also exporters of fruits, nuts, cotton and saffron.

Iran used to be primarily a rural society, where nature was of the utmost importance. Even today, with fast growing urban centers, and even in the very populated capital city of Tehran, many Iranians try to bring the outdoors inside with intricate flower and animal motifs. Fresh flowers and fruit designs are part of every celebration. Iran is the only nation on earth that celebrates the New Year on the Spring Equinox and the only nation in the Middle East that uses the solar calendar.

In Iranian culture there is what is known as the inside and outside. The inside, or andarun, is the most private of space. It is where family members are most relaxed and are able to behave in a free manner. The outside, or biruni, is the public space, where social niceties must be observed. Almost all the architecture is designed with the principle of biruni in mind. Families create both spaces inside their homes and often one room or space can be quickly transformed as needed. Iranians are known for their incredible hospitality where they are prepared to entertain overnight guests at a moment’s notice.

Shopping is done at The Bazaar and at the head of every Bazaar is a mosque; a gathering place at the heart of the Islamic faith. The Bazaar is set up with like merchants in the same location and the Bazaar is where one can find anything you would need for everyday living. Friday all the shops are closed.

In Iran the most visible mark of the Islamic Republic is the dress. Women are required to wear a hijab, which means cover or curtain. They must cover their head, and neck with a head scarf, called a roo-sari and a formless, knee length coat, known as a roo-poosh, plus a long dress or a pair of pants. Modesty is key and at holy sites women are required to wear the chador, a full length swathe of black cloth designed to cover everything but their face from view. (Iran has a large number of women who get nose jobs, as the face is often times all that can be seen in public). Western wear may be worn underneath a chador or while at home in the private space. Men are prohibited from wearing shorts or tight jeans. Foreigners traveling to Iran should be mindful of this protocol while visiting there, as the penalties can be severe.

As we look into the cuisine of Iran, known throughout the world as Persian cuisine, we are in for a treat. Iranians have a healthy diet, with fresh fruits, greens and vegetables always the mainstay. Meat is generally a condiment, usually lamb, or chicken. Rice and whole grain un-leavened breads are staples. Pork is prohibited, as is alcohol, although local moonshine can be found in some communities. Black tea is ubiquitous and tea houses can be found all over the country. The influences are a combination of Greek, Indian, Azeri and Turk, yet the food has a flair all its own. Iranians believe that food is either hot or cold, not in temperature but rather the affect the food has on the body. It is a belief that originated in ancient times from the Zoroastrian religion. It is thought that food is a fuel which either weakens or strengthens the body. Some foods slow the digestive process and others speed it up; it is a balance between the two that is sought. The whole idea is to create a balance of neutrality. The result is delicious combinations of flavors and great nutrition.

So Let’s Eat Persian style

The Menu
Starter
Kaskhke Bedemjan (Eggplant Walnut Dip)

Soup
Ash-e-Reshteh (Persian Noodle Soup)

Served with Sabzi Khordan (Fresh Herbs and Vegetables)

Main
Fesenjan (Pomegranate Chicken)

Served with Javaher Polow (Jeweled Rice)

Dessert

Bastani Sonnati (Saffron Ice Cream with Pistachio Nuts)

We set our Persian rug on the floor with a shorbeh, or dining cloth, along with cushions to sit on. Although dining tables are not uncommon in modern Iran, it is often customary to sit on the floor cross-legged, to enjoy the family style meal. We decorated with pomegranates and nuts as well as a candle with the symbol of Faravahar, a religious cultural symbol from the Pahlavi Dynasty. Roses and tulips also adorned the setting, as they are both considered national flowers. Forks and spoons are used but only with the right hand, as the left is considered unclean; despite a handwashing ritual before the main meal.

In Iran there is something called “Taarof.” It is a system of politeness that includes both verbal and non-verbal communication. If you are offered something, like tea or a sweet, even if you want it, you should decline it until further insistence. If you are invited into a home for a meal, you are expected to decline awaiting further prompting but you should accept multiple helpings at mealtime. Iranians will also protest compliments in an attempt to always appear humble. You should leave a little food on your plate when you are done eating or they will assume you want more, even if you decline; remember, Taarof!

We began the meal with “Befarma’id” (which means Bon appetite in Farsi). Warm, naan bread was served to dip into the eggplant walnut dip, called Kaske Bedmjan, as the starter. Eggplant is considered the potato of Iran and the preparation with the walnuts and kashk (a cultured farmers cheese), made for a creamy, delicious dip. It was topped with caramelized onions and was simply divine.

Next was the Ash-e-Reshteh, a traditional noodle soup that is often served for New Years. It is customary in Iran to serve noodles before embarking on anything new. The soup, with many different types of legumes, is hearty and wonderful. Seasoned with turmeric and saffron, it makes for a beautiful presentation as well. Reshteh, is an egg noodle, found in Middle Eastern stores, somewhat similar to linguine. The soup is also topped with a little kashk; that wonderful, creamy, farmers cheese, yum!

For the main course we savored a dish called fesenjan. Although the national dish of Iran is considered to be chelow kabab (a dish consisting of steamed saffron, seasoned basmati rice and kabab, usually lamb, served with roasted tomatoes), this dish came in as a close second. Fesenjan, an amazing chicken dish, made with pomegranate molasses and walnuts, is a worthy dish to impress guests anytime. It is simply delicious.

This main course was served with Javaher polow, or jeweled rice, an absolutely beautiful dish that is equally tasty. The rice is seasoned with typical Iranian flavors such as saffron, cinnamon, cardamom, allspice, and cumin then embellished with dried apricots, barberries, raisons, almonds, pistachios and yes, pomegranate. Sabzi Khordan, a condiment comprising fresh herbs and vegetables (found on every Iranian table), provided the perfect garnish. The herbs and vegetables change based on what is fresh and in season. Ours had radish, cucumber, dill, coriander, mint and parsley.

We loved it all!

For dessert, Iranians love sweets of all kind and ice cream, is no exception. It is usually served in-between two pieces of wafer. Ours was a delicious, saffron ice cream, served in a cone, topped with pistachios…. Divine!

Until next week,
Be salamat! (Have a nice journey)
Darlene

The Chinese people call their country Zhoung Guo, which means the “Middle Kingdom”. Way back when, the Chinese believed the earth was flat and that their country was in the middle of it and so the name stuck. The name China however, came from the early days of Chinese trade, when Persia was the country that sold and traded silks, spices and goods to the rest of the world. It was the King of Qin that united six nations to become one and “Qin” in Chinese is pronounced “Chin.” “Na”, comes from the Persian word “nation.” When asked where the goods came from, the reply was “Nation of Qin”, which created the word China to Westerners.

China is huge in size, coming in second, third or fourth in the world depending on how it is measured. Located in Asia, she has many neighbors, fourteen to be exact. They are: Afghanistan, Bhutan, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Vietnam. (Phew!) She is uncontested as number one in the world for being the most populated. The current 2014 estimate is 1,393,783,835, we will just call it 1.4 billion in round numbers and that does not include Taiwan, Hong Kong or Macau. The population has been a hot political issue in China. After rapid growth in the middle of the 20th century, the Chinese government instituted the renowned, ‘one child policy’. They rewarded couples that agreed to have just one child, with cash and better access to housing. The policy has been so successful that the birthrate is down to 1.4 children per woman. Now the experts worry about the imbalances that policy may cause, especially regarding the much larger number of males over females and whether there will be enough young people to provide needed services to the elders.

China’s fascinating history is one of four ancient civilizations dating back more than six millennia, and one of the oldest in the world. Today China is run as a communist state. The Chinese celebrate their Independence Day on October 1st, which marks the foundation of the People’s Republic of China in 1949. China is a unified, multinational country comprising 56 nationalities. The Han make up the majority, at 91 percent of the population. The national religion is officially atheist. They do not keep figures on religion, however, their constitution guarantees freedom of religion. The culture and people have been influenced by many religious movements over the past thousand years. Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism are considered the country’s “Three Religions”. Islam and Christianity are also practiced by a smaller percentage of the population.

The national language is Putonghua or Mandarin. Many other dialects are spoken and the minority groups have their own cultures and language. The writing system however has not changed for thousands of years, having over six thousand characters. It is extremely complex and difficult to learn unless taught at an early age. The language is written in symbols that represent concepts instead of sounds. There is now a simplified writing system called pinyin, which is the writing of Chinese words in Roman characters.

China has an impressive list of inventions; the compass, paper, gun-powder and printing, to name a few. There are also many symbols of China, but one cannot talk about China without talking about the Great Wall. Like a giant dragon, it wanders up and down across desserts, grasslands and mountains from east to west. At a length of 5500 miles, it is the only man-made object visible from the moon. Work began on the wall in the third century B.C.E. and was continued into the 15th century, during the Ming Dynasty. Many died while building the wall and were buried in it. The Great Wall is a reminder of the suffering the Chinese have endured contrasted by the incredible accomplishments of their civilization. The Great Wall is also one of the ancient Seven Wonders of the World. It is fascinating to think of this and two other engineering projects that were built over 2000 years ago; the Grand Canal (the longest canal in the world at 1115 miles) and the Karez irrigation system, an ingenious series of wells and channels that capture snow melt and transport the water by gravity for irrigation. Aside from these ancient projects, China has numerous other wonders like the 8000 Terra Cotta Warriors that were discovered in 1974 who are said to guard Emperor Qin’s tomb and created around 221 B.C; or the Leshan Buddha which stands over 233 feet high and 90 feet wide; and how about the Forbidden City in Beijing the largest ancient palace in the world to name a few.

China’s topography and climate are quite diverse due to her sheer size, ranging from tropical and sub-tropical valleys in the south to the frigid mountains of the north. Their chief crops are rice, wheat, potatoes, sorghum, tea, millet, barley, cotton and tobacco. She is considered to be the world’s top supplier of teas and grains.
China has huge reserves of coal, iron ore, petroleum, tin and has harnessed hydroelectric power to provide electricity. China has become a major force in the world’s economy with electronics, machinery and apparel as important exports. As China has grown in economic wealth and power, so has her appetite for imports, having many trade partners around the globe. The Peoples currency is called the Renminbi and its unit, the Yuan.

The Panda is an epic, national symbol of China. The panda bear is native to central and southwestern China but is facing extinction due to its loss of habitat. To make things worse, pandas have only a two to three day fertility window, which makes it very difficult to add panda cubs to their sub-critical population. There are several pandas in captivity and on loan to other nations to help with this issue and scientific intervention is becoming increasingly successful in boosting procreation rates. You will find these bamboo eating, adorable creatures proudly displayed on Chinese currency. Gold and silver coins sport the panda’s importance as the national animal.

As I looked into the cuisine of this massive, diverse country, I decided to take a different approach. Instead of coming up with just one meal, I made a dish from each of the eight recognized cuisines in China. Please note that all of these dishes were excellent however, some of them took a few days to make, so be sure to read the directions carefully. With each recipe you will get a little background on that particular Chinese cuisine. The main cuisines reflect the area, local ingredients and distinct method of cooking. Of course, the wok is the first thing that comes to mind when we think of Chinese cuisine. However, it was amazing to learn of all the different techniques that are used there. It was challenging and fun to experience these different cuisines. I hope you will enjoy it as much as we did!

Perhaps you might want to host a Chinese New Year party. Did you know it’s coming up on February 19, 2015? This massive celebration is also called the Spring Festival in China. Most Chinese have eight days off of work for the celebration. It is based on the Chinese lunar calendar and is associated with the Chinese zodiac which has twelve animal signs. Each animal represents a year in a 12 year cycle. This year will be the Year of the Goat. Red envelopes are the most popular gifts for children and seniors, as they always contain money. Red is a very significant color and is worn and used in decorations all over China. The Chinese New Year is a time for family and friends to be together and eat delicious food.

So here we go to the cuisines of China:

The Cuisines of China
Shandong Braised Abalone (原汁燜鮑魚)

Guangdong Black Pepper Beef (hēi hú jiāo niú liǔ) 黑胡椒牛柳

Sichuan Gong Bao Ji Ding (diced chicken, fried with peanuts/cashews) 宫保鸡丁

Zhejiang Dong Po Pork (dōng pō ròu) 東坡肉

Hunan Hot and Sour Soup 酸辣汤

Fujian Shrimp Fried Rice 福建炒飯

Shanghai Xiao Long Bao (小笼包) Soup Dumplings

Peking Duck (China's National Dish)北京烤鸭

Dessert
Orange (A symbol of good luck) jú zi 橙

We enjoyed each of these dishes using chopsticks. It is fun to eat with them, even if it takes a little practice. Round tables are common in China and with a lazy Susan; a center, round large platter that turns to easily move the food around the table. Most courses are served all at once. Sometimes you will find communal chopsticks available for serving. Make certain that you do not keep them by mistake. Use them to take a small serving and return them to the dish. Many times there will be chopstick holders next to your place setting. If not, never place your chopsticks upright in the food, this is taboo and symbolizes death. Instead, simply lay them on the plate. Also don’t pick out certain things from the dishes. This is also taboo and considered “grave digging.”

The Chinese people are very friendly. Be polite and always greet elders first and with the utmost respect. Be on time, as punctuality is considered a virtue. A handshake or nod is the most common form of greeting. For a toast, make sure to raise your glass and clink glasses and then say干杯！ Gānbēi! This is the equivalent of “Cheers!” or “Bottoms up!” The words actually mean “Dry Glass”. It's pronounced like “Gun-Bay!” For dessert, you will notice it is not a fortune cookie. It turns out that fortune cookies are an American invention, not a Chinese one. An orange was picked for our dessert, as the Chinese believe they bring good luck.

The Chinese have superstitions regarding numbers. They generally like even numbers, except for the number four. If giving a gift of fruit or flowers, never give four of either. Give six or eight, these numbers are considered very lucky.

As we leave this rich and ancient culture, we do so with a better understanding that the country has seen incredible growth and prosperity. We can only hope that they continue to make strides for the good of their enormous population and the world and will be kind to the environment as they grow.

And you know how I love proverbs. I leave you with a few from the Chinese:
Be not afraid of growing slowly, be afraid only of standing still.

A bird does not sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has a song.

To know the road ahead, ask those coming back.

Until next week,
Warmest regards, Darlene

The International Cuisine Connection

Today is a very special day that begins our culinary journey around the world. I have been planning this journey for some time. My belief is that we gain a special connectedness with people around the world by experiencing their cuisine and understanding their cultures and traditions. My hope is that, through my efforts, people all around the world will join me in gaining the knowledge and appreciation of the people of that country with the creation of a delicious meal.

As I prepared for this journey, my challenge has been to choose a meal that best represents the entire country, despite the many regional influences. To do this, I focused on the prevalent spices, flavors and raw ingredients found in the country as a whole as well as the traditions and history that have influenced its cuisine.

No journey is complete without the sharing of perspectives and experiences. I will research each cuisine, make a bountiful meal and post recipes so anyone can enjoy the same. Your insights, thoughts and impressions that you share with me along the journey, will be the wind in our sails.

Our Journey to Afghanistan

I had mixed emotions about starting in Afghanistan due to the war and terrible loss that has occurred there over the years. But I quickly realized that regardless of circumstance, religious beliefs and politics, people of any country, no matter where they are from, all have their struggles. Yet despite the struggles, they also have families, celebrations, traditions and wonderful food for all of us to share.

So the journey begins.

Afghanistan, located in Southwestern Asia, is considered a landlocked country and shares borders with numerous countries. All of these countries, such as Turkmenistan, China, Pakistan, Iran, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan, have had influence on the cuisine, Afghan cuisine is not considered to be overly spicy but rather richly flavored with herbs and spices such as mint, saffron, coriander, cilantro, cardamom and pepper.

Many crops grow in Afghanistan throughout the seasons and are staples of the Afghan cuisine. These staples include garlic, onions, tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, as well as all kinds of nuts. Different regions in Afghanistan produce different fruits that they have become well known for, such as grapes, pomegranates, apricots, berries and plums.

Lamb is the predominant meat, however chicken and beef are also consumed. Being a Muslim country, pork is not eaten.

Rice dishes are extremely important in Afghan cuisine as well as three types of bread, Naan, Lavash and Obi Non.

Fresh yogurt is also prevalent in the Afghan diet especially in the form of a drink, mixed with water and garnished with mint. It is called Shomleh or Shlombeh and is in fact the most widely consumed drink in Afghanistan.

The Dastarkhan was set, which would be typical for any family, especially when having guests, regardless of economic status. This is a floor spread, usually a table cloth set over a rug, with cushions. You will have removed your shoes upon entering the home and you will be invited to sit. Be sure to sit cross legged.

A member of the family will then offer you a “aftahbah wa lagan” a copper basin and pot filled with water along with soap and a drying towel. All the food is strategically placed on the Dastarkhan, community style. It is customary to only eat with your right hand.

The Menu

Bolani
Afghan flat bread stuffed with potatoes, scallions & cilantro
Kebab e Murgh
Chicken Kebab Marinated in a yogurt cumin sauce

Kabuli Pulao
Afghan rice dish with lamb, carrots, raisins and apricots

Borani Banjan
Eggplant baked in a tangy tomato sauce
served with a garlic yogurt sauce

Salata
Tomatoes, cucumbers and onions with lemon dressing

Dessert
Sheer Birinj
Rice pudding with almonds, and cardamom

& a plate of dried fruits and nuts

For our feast, Afghan music played gently in the background. I donned a traditional dark Afghan scarf . We left our shoes at the door and my husband Dan and I took our places on the Dastarkhan. I began by washing his hands using the “aftahbah wa lagan” an elaborate pot filled with warm water and the bar of soap. Then I dried them with the soft towel. Dan returned the favor to me and our culinary experience began. Each dish was sampled and reflected upon. We cleared our palate in between bites with the delicious mint garnished Shomleh, Each dish was perfect in its own right. For dessert we drank herb tea, savored the rice pudding then lingered over the dried fruit and nuts. We offered a few words in Afghan to pay the proper respect for this sumptuous encounter with Afghanistan's cuisine. To say “Thank you that is very delicious”(in the Persian language,) we say dastetoon dard nakone, kheili khoshmaze bood. Our first journey has been amazing. Join me on our next adventure with International Cuisine.

Warmest regards,

Darlene