Moreish meatballs – Come Dine With Me Dubai (part 2)
Eagerly setting out for round two of Come Dine With Me Dubai, with tummy rumbling and a tiny vestige of the previous night’s over-indulgence remaining, the first challenge was to negotiate Jumeirah Lakes Towers. Another fairly new area of Dubai is distinguished by one of the strangest road systems i.e. all one way. If you miss your turning you have to go all the way round in a circle.
Anyway, expectations were high as I stepped into immaculate blogger S‘s immaculate apartment with a fantastic view out over Jumeirah Islands. She thrust an elegant champagne flute of chilled mint lemonade into my hand and immediately apologised for not having the greatest set of cutlery. Her family mainly eat with their hands so a canteen of posh knives and forks is a bit superfluous. I couldn’t have cared less. As she is the creative force behind the hugely popular Sips and Spoonfuls I came prepared for another lovely lunch.
S‘s roots are Tanzanian so she was bombarded with questions from us about each dish from the start. S‘s menu:
- Smoked Meatballs on a Salad Bed With Tamarind Dressing
- Coconut Chicken Curry With Coconut Scented Rice
- Tiramisu
Poor S was not feeling very well, but submitted gamely to the grilling about how the meatballs were smoked and what the spices were. A small smoker with charcoal and a lid, a bit similar to when oud is burnt, was used to permeate these morsels with a subtle flavour that overlayed an array of other tastes none of which dominated. They were salty and spicy combined with the sweet/sour taste of the tamarind and fresh, lemon on the crunchy salad. Shame that S just picked at hers while we all wolfed ours down.
The chicken was rich and thickened with coconut cream. I adore chicken on the bone because it tastes better, but my family are very squeamish, so I liked that we helped ourselves to this dish (with light fluffy rice) …again and again. The little chapatis were home-made. This style of cooking takes time with many stages – it’s the kind of food you eat and feel lavished with attention.
We took a break and while H took full advantage of S‘s super relaxing reclining chairs, I had a little snoop with my camera – after all I couldn’t let you all down could I? There wasn’t a shoe in sight!
Apologies are owed to J as we lapsed into a conversation about child birth – as the only man there he bore this with tolerance. He looked a lot more comfortable when we got onto writing, fast cars and kitchen knives.
We just found room for the tiramisu presented in martini glasses (but alcohol free). How did S get the top perfectly dusted with cocoa powder and none on the stems? I forgot to ask. A cup of tea, boiled ‘Indian-style’, was really welcome. With the sunlight streaming through the windows we made our exits (all planning a little snooze I’ll hazard).
Well done to S for putting on a feast while feeling distinctly below par. With the standard at sky-scraper level I feel increasingly nervous. Next week is lunch chez moi.
You want me to dish the dirt? Oh alright then:
Behind those perfect pics...
When I grow up I want to be a food blogger just like Mummy...
P.S. Are you thinking moreish or Moorish?
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My Custard Pie 
It’s just like watching ‘Come Dine with me’ reading this Sally!! x
It was a lovely afternoon. Thanks, Sally, for the write-up and to Sukaina for having us.
It was great to be on the other side this week. Yes, those were amazing chairs. Want one!
Congratulations Sukaina!
The starter, especially the tamarind and main course really appeal to my taste buds. It’s so nice to read these installments…without having to participate! You’re so right should be moreish – leave the Moorish to Granada.
Part 2 was equally as much fun and mouth watering as part 1 – I am REALLY looking forward to part 3 cause it is your turn. 😀 Can’t wait to see what you serve.
🙂 Mandy
My knees are knocking Mandy!
Looks sublime. (I just adore the toy kitchen.)
Oh Sally….lovely write up! Thanks so much for not spilling ALL the secrets 🙂 Sorry I couldn’t dine with you guys and really hoping I’m feeling up to par for Saturday….been excited about the passion fruit trifles 🙂
The pleasure was all ours.
It was a very splendid lunch indeed, and thank you for sharing your family recipes with us!
The tiramisu looks beautiful – on of my favs!! 3
Love the last couple of pics 🙂
Need the recipe of the bread!
I had a good giggle at the start of your post – Dubai has the most modern street system which flummoxed me as a passenger many a time! Lovely post 🙂
That’s a lovely lunch and setting. I’m intrigued by the ‘smoked’ meatballs.
Oh, I am so envious of this eating experience! I have to admit – I want that play kitchen! It’s incredible.
Oh wow, the menu sounds divine! Such a perfect menu I’m so jealous I can’t just nip over and eat this with you all. It sounds like you had a great time. I can’t believe you were nervous about sharing the contens of your fridge with me when you are hosting Come Dine With Me next week!! Still, I’m sure your menu will be equalliy brilliant in its composition and execution. I’d love to try those meatballs, in fact, all of it. I also agree with your other readers, the play-kitchen and tag-line is too cute!
I’d forgotten about the fridge reveal Ren! Is it too late?!
Gosh don’t worry I’m only teasing! I think a look into my fridge was quite enough.
Love Sips and Spoonfuls’ blog by the way, the UAE hosts so many talented food bloggers!
That looks like an excellent meal! How sad your friend was not up to enjoying it too.
another lovely feast!
This looks so delicious and new–thanks for sharing!
an another round over!! you guys are amazing, seriously! those meatballs looks gorgeous…oh how I’d kill to be a fly on the wall to listen in on these meals (and buzz around and flick off a few bits while I’m at it.)
so delicious looking!
what a wonderful idea, come dine with me is 🙂 Loving your blog
kind regards, Adla
The food arrangement is lovely. And the tastiness of your recipes is even better.
If you ever publish a cookbook and need shiny vegetables or glistening meat — simply use a small brush and paint it with glycerine purchased at the pharmacy. I learned this when working with a food company in the test kitchen / lab. Our photographer taught me this trick. He preferred food shots on a black shiny plexi-glass background. The colors really stand out against the black.
Disgard any food after photography so no one ingest the tasty morsels. Your veggies will shine and the meat will look succulent.