episode 123
"Feasts of Ramadan"
with Syrian-American
Omayah Atassi
Introduction
Around the world, Muslims have been observing Ramadan for most of the month of April. From morning prayers before dawn to sundown, they abstain from both food and drink, including water. But today, Syrian-American Omayah Atassi (who now lives in Dubai) is here to teach us about not only the fasting, but also the feasting associated with Ramadan.
I’m a close follower of Omayah’s work through Instagram, her blog, and her newsletter, where she sends weekly meal plans. As Omayah says, Syrian cooking is more than a recipe, it’s an approach, maybe even a lifestyle.
This approach is on full display during Ramadan, when women plan ahead and batch cook huge feasts for their communities to enjoy together. Recently, Omayah needed this approach as she prepared and executed an elaborate Iftar menu for a restaurant there in Dubai!
Cooking was always an important way for Omayah to embrace her Syrian heritage, but now, it means more than ever. Before the war in Syria, Omayah spent summers there with her parent’s families.
Now , it’s through cooking that Omayah can pass her Syrian heritage on to her beautiful daughter. I feel privileged and grateful that she’s here to share some of that with us today!
Highlights
- Why does Omayah look forward to Ramadan when you can’t eat or drink?
- Ramadan and community
- The very different experience of Ramadan in the US vs. Dubai
- Breakfast on a fasting day
- Iftar – breaking fast – traditional foods
- Omayah’s experience creating & serving an Iftar menu at a local restaurant
- Eid: traditions & feasts
- A primer on the war in Syria
- Learning to cook the Syrian way: more than recipes
- How cooking bonded Omayah to her mother
- Fattet Hummus
- The Aleppo Pepper (The Turkish Pepper)
Listen Now
Also listen on:
This Episode's Storied Recipe
Recipe Shared by Omayah Atassi
Fattet Hummus (Warm Hummus Casserole with Yogurt, Crispy Pita Chips, and Caramelized Garlic)
Layers of crispy baked pita chips, creamy yogurt, fluffy seasoned hummus chickpeas & caramelized garlic in this “hummus casserole”.
How To Contact Omayah
Website: www.omayahcooks.com
Her Photography Website: www.omayahatassi.com
Instagram: @omayah.atassi
Twitter: @omayahatassi
Facebook: @omayahatassiphoto
LinkedIn: Omayah Atassi
More links referenced in my conversation with Omayah:
Soaps made and sold by Syrian refugees
Omayah and her mother making ma’amoul together
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Ep. 53: "Women are the Makers" with Karishma @Food Rumblings
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