Quinoa, pronounced keen-wah, is one of the world’s most popular health foods — although kebabs do not quite enjoy the same reputation. But the two are combined in this trio of top recipes for you to try this week.
Quinoa is a grain-like seed that is gluten-free, high in protein and one of the few plant foods that contain all nine essential amino acids. It is also high in fiber, magnesium and B-vitamins. In the recipe, below, quinoa replaces meat in this delicious kebab mixture.
Meat eaters can, however, try the below recipe for biryani, a South Asian mixed-rice dish with its origins among the Muslims of the Indian subcontinent. It is a delicacy and a popular main dish — one made with spices, rice, and meat — that is mostly enjoyed on weekends.
And to top things off, there is a sweet made from cornflakes presented in a way that kids will love.
RECIPE 1
QUINOA KEBABS
Serves 3
Preparation and cooking time: 40 minutes
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup of quinoa
A few parsley leaves
A few cilantro leaves
A teaspoon of red chili powder
A teaspoon of ginger garlic paste
A teaspoon of garam masala powder
A teaspoon of fenugreek dry leaves
1 chopped green chili
1 egg
A tablespoon of lime juice
Handful of chopped carrot
Handful of chopped capsicum
1 small boiled and mashed potato
METHOD:
1) Soak 1 cup of quinoa for half an hour.
2) Boil for half an hour in lots of water, and then strain.
3) Add chopped cilantro and parsley leaves to it.
4) Add the above mentioned ingredients.
5) Semi-boil the vegetables and add the quinoa along with mashed potato and egg.
6) Mix everything together and make round kebabs.
7) Shallow fry them on both sides.
RECIPE 2
MINCED MEAT RAINBOW BIRYANI
Serves 5
Preparation and cooking time: 1 to 2 hours
There are four layers of rice and each layer has a different flavor.
INGREDIENTS:
500 grams of minced meat
4 cups of rice (wash and soak for half an hour)
Yellow food color (a pinch)
Red food color (a pinch)
Green food color (a pinch)
Salt as required
A bunch of cilantro leaves
A bunch of mint leaves
1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
A few curry leaves
2 ripe tomatoes
1 tablespoon of tomato puree
1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
Fried onions for garnishing
1 tablespoon of kewra water.
Minced meat is prepared with usual spicy ingredients.
METHOD:
1) Divide the rice into four parts of 1 cup each.
2) First part should be plain, boiled and steamed in 1 teaspoon of salt.
3) Second part is flavored with ground cilantro and mint leaves, cumin seeds and curry leaves with a pinch of salt and a pinch of green color. Boil the rice and steam it.
4) Third part is boiled and steamed rice in 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder with salt and a pinch of yellow color.
5) Fourth part is boiled rice in tomato puree and ground tomatoes with salt and red color.
6) All parts should be boiled and steamed with each part kept separate.
7) Make minced meat with the usual ingredients, adding more spices so as to balance the taste of the biryani.
8) Grease a deep microwave bowl. Begin layering the rice.
9) Start with white rice layer, then the green layer, then a minced meat layer, and then the yellow and red layers.
10) Repeat layering.
11) Add a teaspoon of kewra water to it and microwave or bake for a few minutes.
12) Keep a plate over the dish and remove the bowl.
13) You may garnish the dish with fried onions or any way you like.
14) Enjoy with green raita.
RECIPE 3
CORNFLAKES “BURFI”
Serves 6
Preparation and cooking time: 30 minutes
INGREDIENTS:
2 cups of cornflakes
1 cup desiccated coconut
Half cup rolled oats (optional)
1 small tin of condensed milk
1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder
1 teaspoon of cardamom powder
1 small cup of ghee
Half cup of sugar and 1 cup of water
METHOD:
1) Chop rolled oats and cornflakes together and roast them in a deep vessel for 2 to 3 minutes on low heat until golden brown.
2) Add cardamom and cinnamon powder and mix well again.
3) Meanwhile cook sugar and water together in a separate vessel; add a teaspoon of cardamom powder to it.
4) Add coconut powder to cornflakes and start pouring melted ghee; keep stirring it.
5) Add condensed milk and mix it well.
6) Add boiled water and sugar syrup to the mixture and mix well.
7) Remove from the flame. Do not overcook.
8) Grease a flat dish and pour the mixture in it and spread it evenly, and garnish it with roasted nuts.
9) When set, cut into brick-shaped pieces, and enjoy!
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Keen on Quinoa? Look no further
Keen on Quinoa? Look no further
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Nakhat Alshraq’ authentic northern Indian cuisine
- Prices are reasonable, making Nakhat Alshraq an excellent option for those seeking quality Indian food without breaking the bank
Nakhat Alshraq is a haven for those craving authentic northern Indian cuisine, with branches in Riyadh, Dammam, and Alkhobar.
Known for its dedication to fresh ingredients and bold spices, this restaurant has become a favorite for families and food enthusiasts.
The menu boasts a variety of classics like butter chicken for SR59 ($16), chicken tikka masala, and chicken biryani, all expertly prepared and bursting with flavor.
The royal biryani stands out as a signature dish, with its rich blend of basmati rice, fresh vegetables, and perfectly balanced Indian spices.
The Singapore noodles is an Asian fusion option that delivers a unique twist to the dining experience. The dishes are meticulously presented, showcasing attention to detail that elevates the overall meal. The vibrant and cozy ambiance creates a welcoming environment for gatherings, whether casual or celebratory.
Prices are reasonable, making Nakhat Alshraq an excellent option for those seeking quality Indian food without breaking the bank.
Additionally, the restaurant caters to a diverse palate, offering both mild and spicy dishes, ensuring something for everyone.
However, the restaurant’s popularity is both a blessing and a curse. Nakhat Alshraq is frequently crowded, particularly during peak dining hours, which can make securing a table a challenge. For those who plan ahead, this minor inconvenience is outweighed by the consistently excellent food and service.
For more information, check their Instagram @nakhatalshraq.
Where We Are Going Today: Crosto bakery in Dammam
- The Crosto Om Ali provided a warm, creamy, comforting conclusion to the meal
If you’re in Dammam and looking for a flavorful brunch or a light meal, the recently opened bakery Crosto offers a cozy atmosphere and a versatile menu catering to different tastes.
The maple shrimp for SR46 ($12) was the highlight of our visit — perfectly cooked shrimp complemented by a sweet maple glaze. The chicken sliders (SR33) were another favorite — juicy, tasty, and served on fresh buns. The Turkish shakshuka and Crosto avocado are worth trying too.
The Crosto Om Ali provided a warm, creamy, comforting conclusion to the meal.
Crosto’s Turkish Coffee is a must-have for coffee enthusiasts. Its authentic preparation and rich taste paired perfectly with the desserts, enhancing the overall dining experience.
The atmosphere at Crosto is welcoming and casual. However, the service during our visit was a little slow, which might be a concern if you’re in a rush.
With its mix of regional and international flavors, Crosto could be a good choice for your next outing in Dammam.
For more information, check their Instagram @crosto.sa.
Italian and Saudi flavors blend in embassy dinner and cooking competition
- Highlighting similarities between Italian and Saudi cultures that can be sensed in their cuisines, Chiari said: “Both Italy and Saudi Arabia place great importance on hospitality, family, and the tradition of sharing meals
RIYADH: A group of 15 Saudi and Italian chefs created a seven-course dinner titled “Italy meets KSA,” combining both cuisines at Ritz Carlton’s Azzuro Restaurant.
Daniele Chiari, Italian chef and head of Dinner Incredible, the hosts of the event, told Arab News: “Tonight’s event in Riyadh is inspired by the shared love for storytelling and culture through cuisine. As a chef, I see food as a universal language that connects people, and Saudi Arabia’s culinary traditions are incredibly rich and diverse, just like Italy’s.”
The event featured a culinary risotto competition between top Saudi chefs, which was won by Omar AlKhaldi, who received a scholarship fund from ALMA, the School of Italian Culinary Arts.
The event also had a display of fresh mozzarella cheese for tasting, made in the Kingdom by Sana cheese company, which specializes in Italian cheeses.
“This evening, we aim to create a bridge between these two cultures, highlighting how local Saudi ingredients and techniques can harmonize beautifully with Italian culinary artistry,” Chiari said.
The evening concluded with a seven-course tasting dinner highlighting Italian and Saudi flavors. The menu included a pumpkin tart, cream of beans soup with shredded camel meat, a Red Sea grouper served with truffle, and a Saudi-coffee twist on the famous tiramisu.
Highlighting similarities between Italian and Saudi cultures that can be sensed in their cuisines, Chiari said: “Both Italy and Saudi Arabia place great importance on hospitality, family, and the tradition of sharing meals. In terms of food, there’s a deep respect for natural, high-quality ingredients in both cuisines. Just as Italians value simplicity and the authentic taste of their produce, Saudis take pride in the purity and flavor of their spices, grains, and meats.”
Chiari spoke about the ability of food to cross international borders and connect communities.
“Food is one of the most powerful ways to build connections and foster understanding between cultures. It transcends language, politics, and borders, allowing people to experience something deeply personal yet universally relatable. By crossing international borders through food, we’re not just sharing recipes — we’re sharing history, values, and creativity.”
The competition was organized by the Italian Embassy in Riyadh, the Italian Trade Agency, and ALMA, the School of Italian Culinary Arts, in collaboration with Sitaf and the Royal Protocol.
Where We Are Going Today: Soul Bowl restaurant in Riyadh
Soul Bowl, an on-the-go healthy meal station is catching the eye of Riyadh’s foodie and wellness fiends with their nutritious bowls and sandwiches.
While most tend to order for delivery, you can enjoy a comfortable and quaint indoor dining experience in their store in As Sahafah; where the neutral colors, soft warm lighting, and pop of green offer a welcoming atmosphere for both solo and social dining.
Soul Bowl’s menu offers a wide selection of salads, bowls, flatbread sandwiches, wraps, soups, and rice meals, as well as fresh juices, desserts and acai bowls.
Their wraps and bowls are a hit, with the chicken chipotle wrap and the Mexican bowl as big standouts.
The chicken used is clearly of high quality and cooked very well, and the rest of the ingredients, such as the greens, rice, sauces, feel very fresh. The flatbread sandwiches, however, are a bit of a hit or miss.
The main courses they offer range from tandoori chicken to beef stroganoff.
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Gosha’ bakery in Riyadh
Gosha, with several branches in Riyadh, has gained a loyal following for its fresh-baked flatbreads and creative flavor combinations.
This modern bakery is the go-to spot for fans of stone-baked delights, offering a unique twist on traditional recipes.
The thyme with pomegranate flatbread is the star of the menu. Its tangy, earthy flavors are perfectly balanced and complemented by the crispness of the bread. Another top pick is the honey labneh flatbread, offering a delightful sweet-and-savory profile. The falafel wrap also deserves praise for its crispy, flavorful filling that feels hearty and fresh.
Gosha’s menu caters to those seeking variety, offering several options suitable for breakfast or light snacks.
However, one thing missing from the experience is the addition of fresh beverages. It would be great to pair these delicious flatbreads with fresh juice, tea, or coffee, creating a more complete dining experience.
Overall, Gosha impresses with its innovative take on traditional flavors, vibrant presentation, and consistently high quality.
This is a great option for anyone looking for a quick, delicious bite in Riyadh.
For more information, check the bakery’s Instagram @qooshah.
