As many of my Muslim friends and family would know, weeks prior to Ramadan, Muslim Homes are abuzz with a hype of activities, centred around the Kitchen. The Need to ensure that our Freezers are stocked with enough savouries, ensuring the family has their favourite hot treat after a long day of Fasting, is almost on all Muslim womens’ minds. Thankfully I had never had this urge to prepare tons and freeze away, except for making sure I got a batch of my Aunts’ samoosas (’cause NO-ONE makes better Samoosas than my Aunts’ in Durban?) .
This Ramadan had been so sad and emotional. What with the Loss of my Mum, My 4year old nephew (Ahmad) suddenly falling desperately ill with unknown reasons for Bleeding in the Brain (after over a month of bravely fighting his condition and a Handful of Operations, little Ahmad has only just been Discharged from Hospital as I type out this Blog, Thank You Allah), and my Relocation to Bahrain with my Betterhalf, has all taken a toll on me emotionally. But it’s with the kind Prayers and Support from family and friends, that is helping us as a Family, get back to what may be considered Normality.
So back to my Blog post for today, having had spent 2 weeks of Ramadan, between Dubai and Bahrain, I got to experience what Ramadan was like in the Arab World. To say the least, IT WAS AWESOME! . The calmness and love experienced during those 2 weeks in these Arab Countries, bearing in mind it was My 1st ever Ramadan away from my Home Country South Africa, was a most pleasant experience I’m glad to add to my Life’s Journey. It was during these weeks in Dubai and Bahrain, that I was introduced to some very Authentically Arabian foods , More Blogging ideas;), and though lots of the food here are very aromatic, in terms of Spices used, the one fact about Arabian cuisine is the lack of using lots of spice that adds a Bite(Chillie). I’m very glad though to be tantalising my tastebuds with these dishes. The one little savoury, or Hot Mezze, that has on the very 1st bite, stolen my heart, is the simple Cheese Spring-Roll. It is usually made with Cheese varieties found in the Arab Countries, but I’ve made these using Feta Cheese and Mozzarella, I also flavoured it with a little Mint and a tiny bit of crushed chilli (for a slight “bite”).
This is a very simple savoury (Mezze) to make, and is fantastic served with your usual dips/chutney or along with Soup. This filling would work well if filled into Samoosa strips as well?. I do hope you give my recipe a try, and looking forward to your feedback in comments.
Happy Mezze Making
?Foodeva Marsay?
Arabian Styled Cheese Spring-Rolls
Author Credit: Foodeva Marsay
Makes 10-12 Spring-rolls
Ingredients
?1/2 Cup Feta Cheese (crumble with back of a fork)
?1 Cup Shredded Mozzarella cheese
?2 Tablespoons of chopped Mint (OR 1/2 teaspoon dried mint)
?1/4 Teaspoon Crushed Chillies ( either the fresh Green variety or like I used a red Dry Chillie)
?1/4 Teaspoon Lemon/Pepper seasoning.
?SpringRoll Sheets (to fill up using above ingredients)
Method
? gently mix together all the ingredients in a bowl.
? NOTE no salt is needed, as the Feta Cheese tends to be salty
? Fill the Sping-Roll sheets with a teaspoon or 2 of the filling mix above, roll up as directed on packaging.
? Keep in fridge Until needed, or Freeze at this stage.
? Fry in a oil and serve with dips/chutneys/sauces.
Looks delicious! Excellent blog 🙂 xxSerena
?Thank You Serena??