Al-Radhifa is a calorie-rich meal served for breakfast or dinner. It is prepared with a mixture of ghee, salt, fresh milk and flour…reports Asian Lite News
Asir region of Saudi Arabia is rich in history, culture, heritage, and food. The region’s cuisine is simple, yet rich and flavourful.
Since ancient times, the region has welcomed and honoured guests by offering highly nutritious food such as such as ghee, honey, wheat, lamb and goat, according a Arab News report.
The dishes are distinguished by their links to the region’s natural wealth, according to Culinary guide Ali Al-Assas, a young chef interested in Asiri culinary arts.
He is all praise to the Saudi Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Tourism for supporting the region and its food heritage, which motivated him to develop his culinary skills and earn a culinary guide diploma, the Arab News reported.
One of the most popular Asiri dishes is haneed, which is famous across other Saudi regions as well for its scrumptious taste. It is prepared by putting meat in a muhnath — a traditional oven made by making a hole in earth which is then layered with bundles of sticks, firewood and coal to give the dish a distinct flavor. The meat is then covered by another layer of sticks and a cloth, and the hole sealed for two hours, with salt added later for taste. It is served with rice or bread, and local honey.
Tannour bread, or mifa, is an integral part of Asiri cuisine and is paired with most dishes. It is usually made after dough is fermented for a long period of time.
Al-Radhifa is a calorie-rich meal served for breakfast or dinner. It is prepared with a mixture of ghee, salt, fresh milk and flour.
The region is also famous for Al-Arika and Al-Asseda — two porridge dishes that share similar ingredients and looks but differ in their method of preparation. The former is easier to prepare and makes an ideal breakfast, and consists of a dough that is grilled on a saj (a hot piece of metal), then put on a plate, and ghee and honey poured into its center while dates are placed on its edges. Al-Aseeda is prepared differently as, the flour is cooked by adding water and stirring it until it becomes a dough that is served with broth and meat.
Asiris serve special dishes on important occasions, such as weddings, holidays, and other family gatherings.
Asir is set to be awarded the title of World Region of Gastronomy 2024 by the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism — the first region in a non-European country to be recognised.