Turkish Cooking & A German Movie in S’pore

We’re proud to say we had a VERY multicultural day!! I started by joining my friends, Birgit (German) & Hayley (New Zealander), at a Turkish cooking class in Singapore taught by Samia (Pakistani). Later that night, Birgit and I then headed over to The Screening Room to end the night with Paul over a couple of bottles of Italian Sparkling Wine and a German Film: Rabbit without Ears.

I don’t have any pictures of the film experience but here are the pictures and entry for the Turkish Class!

Samia’s most recent “obsession” is Middle Eastern cooking. We’re reaping the benefits. These classes are increasingly becoming a meeting place for friends. There were ten in the class and I knew, or had met before, four. Samia outdid herself again with a fantastic spread and generous use of Olive Oil – Classic and EVOO!

I’m beginning to understand the rich history of the Middle Eastern & Mediterranean cooking and seeing out much the Persian influence has affected the cuisines. The menu yesterday was another great feast and learning experience. Mezze (Small Bites: meant to be served at room temperature, with drinks; not meant to replace the main meal. The Spanish have the similar in “Tapas.”)

The Mezze was Ajvar (Warm Roasted Red Peppers & Aubergine Salad), Sigara Boregi (Cheese Cigars) & Green Bean Salad.

Manti (Spinach & Ricotta Ravioli with a Yogurt & Butter Sauce) - I got to help with this! See Below...

Seabass en Papillote with Lemon Segments

Imam Biyaldi (Eggplants Stuffed or Placed with Onions & Tomatoes)

Herbed Rice

Keshkul (Almond Cream)

Samia related an interesting anecdote about the Imam Biyaldi dish: the name actually means “the Imam Fainted” – there are a few of theories on why…either it was so good it made him faint or because the cost of olive oil was so expensive that he fainted because of the cost. Who knows the truth, but what we do know, there is a lot of Olive Oil in this dish!

The Herbed Rice has quite a bit, too, but Samia said she has cut it down from 1 cup (at least) to only a ½ cup. Oh boy!

I got help Samia make the spinach and ricotta ravioli - she used Gyoza wrappers. Here's a video of the exchange between Samia, myself and a classmate.

These classes are always a pleasure and I look forward to three more this week!