IFTAR INNOVATIONS-
(or how to get your entire familyto eat spinach)

The best and easiest creamy spinach mushroom casserole: Let’s face it, getting most people to eat greens is no easy feat. Spinach in particular can be a tough sell in Ramadan, when you have a smaller than usual eating window. If vegetables are your thing, it is rich in iron, vitamin A, and calcium, and yet most people would opt for ice cream. But you don't have to resign yourself to a lifetime of unsuccessful attempts at getting your family members to eat their veggies.

This tried and true recipe from an Enterprise editor has won over the pickiest of eaters.

Ingredients:

  • One bag of frozen spinach
  • Two plates of fresh mushrooms (sliced)
  • Two garlic cloves (minced)
  • One tablespoon of butter
  • One tablespoon of oil
  • Three tablespoons of smoked cream cheese spread
  • Half a box of cooking cream
  • 50 grams of mozzarella
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • A pinch of nutmeg

Cooking time: 15 mins

Instructions:

  • Defrost the spinach and squeeze out all the excess water.
  • In a saucepan over medium heat, add one tablespoon of butter and one tablespoon of oil.
  • Once hot, add the spinach and sauté it for 5 minutes.
  • Add sliced ​​mushrooms and minced garlic, and fry them until they turn brown.
  • Add three tablespoons of smoked cream cheese and stir well.
  • Slowly add in the cream, bit by bit, and continue to stir until the texture thickens.
  • When you reach the desired consistency, add salt, pepper and a pinch of nutmeg. Stir well, then turn off the heat.
  • Put it in an oven tray, sprinkle mozzarella on top, and put it in the oven for 10 minutes, until the mozzarella melts.

We hope you enjoy this crowd pleaser, anddon’t forget to take a photo of your dish and send it to us on editorial@enterprisemea.com.

? FROM THE BOOKSTORE-

Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someoneis an utterly original take on the detective mystery genre. Benjamin Stevenson’s 2022 novel reads as if Agatha Christie’s Detective Poirot — whose methodological deduction helped solve 33 mysteries — found himself stuck at home playing a round of Cluedo with his family during lockdown … and each of his family members were actual murderers.

It has all the ingredients of a good mystery, but throws you for a loop with the fact that all the suspects are already unashamed and unrepentant murderers, including the narrator. The author is a standup comedian who uses his comedic skills to entertain the reader every step of the way. The novel is largely metadramatic, meaning that it breaks the fourth wall immediately and constantly makes fun of classic tropes of the genre and its indulgence in them.

WHERE TO GET IT- You can find it on Amazon US.

? HOT AND FRESH OUT OF THE KITCHEN-

Treat yourself to flavourful food with a beautiful view of El Moez Street this Ramadan (and after it too) at Zeeyara. Located on the rooftop of a charming boutique hotel in Old Cairo, Zeeyara offers a range of the most mouthwatering dishes in Egyptian cuisine, but still packs a few surprises. The restaurant is far from hidden, but it is a gem, which means you have to call ahead to reserve a table.

There’s no shortage of menu options — both familiar and new. If you’re in the mood for something familiar, you could order the traditional appetizers, the tawajin, the fattah bil mouza, or the lamb shank. Feeling more adventurous? Try the kofta with cherry sauce and the camel meatballs. Our personal favorite is the duck pie, a flaky butter crust stuffed with shredded duck and caramelized onion. It takes a while to prepare, so make sure you order it ahead of the rest of your menu.

Wrap up your experience with their delicious desserts, including their eponymous Zeeyara oie, a ma’moul stuffed with cream, and ashurat al wali, which is topped with crunchy caramelized nuts and cotton candy that melts in your mouth. If you still have room, order the rozo, your average roz bi laban with not-so-average coconut milk, orange zest, cinnamon, caramelized walnuts, and ice cream. Luckily, being on Moez Street, you can take a long, long walk after to help you digest.

? Per person: EGP 500-700

? Alcohol: No

? Outdoor seating: Yes

? Accessibility friendly: Yes

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