Ep 12. Episode 12

Food Safari season 2 episode 12 is a mouth-watering exploration into the world of Syrian cuisine. Host Maeve O'Meara takes viewers on a culinary journey to discover the flavors and ingredients that make up this ancient cooking tradition.

The episode begins with a visit to Sydney's inner west, where Maeve meets Syrian chef Joseph Abboud. Together, they explore the spice markets and ingredients that are essential to Syrian cooking, including sour pomegranate, black pepper, and sumac.

After stocking up on supplies, Maeve and Joseph head to the kitchen to prepare a traditional Syrian breakfast called fatteh. This hearty dish includes layers of toasted bread, chickpeas, yogurt, and tahini sauce, all topped with pine nuts and parsley. Maeve watches and learns as Joseph demonstrates how to layer the ingredients and create the perfect balance of flavors.

Next, Maeve travels to western Sydney to visit the home of a Syrian family who have been living in Australia for over 20 years. They welcome Maeve into their kitchen and demonstrate how to make a classic Syrian dish called kibbeh. This fragrant meat dish is made from bulgur wheat, minced meat, and a variety of spices, including cumin and allspice. The family tells stories of how they have adapted their cooking to suit their new home in Australia, while still keeping their Syrian heritage front and center.

In another segment, Maeve heads to a Syrian bakery in western Sydney to discover some of the baked delights of the cuisine. She learns about the art of kneading dough and the various types of bread that are popular in Syria, including pita, markouk, and manaeesh.

As the episode draws to a close, Maeve explores the many sweet treats that are an important part of Syrian cuisine. She visits a Syrian pastry chef who shows her how to make a decadent dessert called halawet el jibn. This sweet treat is made from semolina, sugar, and cheese, and is topped with syrup and nuts.

Throughout the episode, Maeve showcases the diversity and richness of Syrian cuisine, and the many connections between food and culture. She highlights the importance of sharing food and traditions, and how food can help to build bridges between different communities.

Food Safari season 2 episode 12 is a delicious and informative journey into the heart of Syrian cuisine. Maeve O'Meara's infectious enthusiasm for food and culture shines throughout the episode, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in discovering new flavors and traditions.