The nation’s favourite TV chef shares scenes of Jordan, as viewers learn of the regions delightful culinary secrets.
In the latest cookery series from Ainsley Harriott, Ainsley’s Mediterranean Cookbook, the television chef will transport viewers on a journey through Jordan. Viewers will be treated to a taste of the country’s best kept culinary secrets, most loved classics and the roots of the ingredients themselves.
Scenes from the Hashemite Kingdom will appear in the ninth and tenth episode of the ten-part series airing at 10:25am on 17th and 24th May 2020 on ITV1 and will showcase Jordan as the ultimate destination for future food and adventure travel.
Ainsley Harriott begins his journey in the capital city of Amman, before heading south to the Red Sea resort of Aqaba with a requisite stop to discover the iconic, ancient city of Petra. In the two episodes filmed in Jordan, Ainsley visits the local markets, samples Jordanian delicacies and meets with local chefs and families to create four delicious Jordanian recipes, including lamb with tabbouleh and date molasses.
For those inspired to follow in Ainsley’s footsteps when travel resumes, a sample of the locations and gastronomic experiences featured in the show include:
Credit: Rob Partis / Rock Oyster Media
Beit Sitti
Established in 2010, Beit Sitti was created by sisters Maria, Dina and Tania who were looking to keep their grandmother’s recipe and cooking legacy alive. Offering a cooking and dining experience where visitors learn how to prepare a traditional Arabic meal before enjoying the delicious food that they have created.
The cooking lessons take place on the terrace at their grandmother’s house, and guests will learn about the traditional methods and ingredients whilst listening to the sounds of the call to prayer. Dishes vary day-to-day, but include Fatteh, a dish of fried pita bread with chickpeas and tahini-yogurt sauce, fresh Arabic salad and meze plates such as Baba Ghanoush and Labaneh.
Credit: Rob Partis / Rock Oyster Media
Al Quds
Al Quds is situated on Rainbow Street in Amman, one of the most lively and authentic parts of the city. In addition to the fascinating historical sites of the Roman amphitheatre and citadel, downtown is home to a plethora of shops, markets, and traditional souqs. This simple restaurant is known for its excellent flavours, generous portions and reasonable prices – and its falafel sandwiches.
A combination of ground chickpeas, mixed with a variety of spices, then deep fried into mini patty like shapes, is one of the most common street food snacks or light meals in Jordan. Al Quds serve them in sesame bread sandwiches, topped off with tahini yoghurt sauce – the perfect snack to enjoy whilst watching the world go by.
Credit: Rob Partis / Rock Oyster Media
JR Wines
JR Wines is Jordan’s first and largest vineyard in Jordan and was established in 1953. Situated in the Mafraq Plateau, where a volcano once covered a fertile forest to create the Basalt Desert of Jordan, the vineyard produces more than 20 types of wine.
On a full day tour, visitors can learn about the history of the vineyard and wine making, followed by a tour of Jordan’s oldest cellars in Zarka, before a wine tasting and food pairing experience.
For more inspiration on travelling to Jordan, visit www.visitjordan.com.
For more recipes, visit Platinum.
