The Cookery Corner at the Sharjah International Book Fair brings culinary creativity to life with global chefs and bakers
Sharjah, November 16, 2024
In an age of endless online cookery videos and countless cookbooks, the allure of live culinary demonstrations remains unmatched. This was evident at the Cookery Corner of the 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), where a packed audience gathered to witness Lebanese-American chef Edy Massih bring his signature flair to traditional recipes.
Promoting his book Keep It Zesty, Edy showcased his talent for blending traditional Middle Eastern flavours with modern convenience, captivating attendees with three standout dishes.
Edy’s reimagined Riz a Jej – a classic rice dish with chicken and beef – exemplified his approach. “My grandmother cooked this in three pots, but for today’s fast-paced generation, I’ve streamlined it into a one-pot meal,” he explained. He layered butter, olive oil, sautéed onions, ground meat, and rice with baharat (a Middle Eastern seven-spice blend), chicken stock, shredded chicken, and a bay leaf. The final dish, garnished with crunchy nuts and vibrant pomegranate seeds, showcased a balance of flavours and textures, earning nods of approval from the audience.
For dessert, Edy wowed the crowd with his inventive Middle Eastern brownies, made with tahini, sesame seeds, and Greek yoghurt for extra softness. Using a store-bought mix as his base, he elevated the dessert with a tahini swirl and a sprinkle of kosher salt, creating a sweet-and-savoury treat. “This is for people like me—chefs, not bakers,” he joked, demonstrating how even the simplest ingredients can deliver sophisticated results.
Edy also prepared Labneh mousse, a dish celebrating his dual heritage. Combining Lebanon’s beloved Labneh and the mousse he fell in love with in the United States, the dessert offered a harmonious blend of cultures, captivating taste buds and imaginations alike.
Audience members, including curious children, engaged actively, peppering Edy with questions and drawing inspiration for their own culinary adventures.
In its final weekend, sessions like these at SIBF 2024 continue to celebrate creativity and innovation, bridging cultural and generational divides through food. The fair concludes today (November 17), with many more experiences awaiting visitors.
-ENDS-