DIY Syrian Iftar with Rahaf Alakbani

Name: DIY Syrian Iftar with Rahaf Alakbani
Start: 2025-03-16T18:00:00-04:00
Location: The Depanneur

Schedule

Sun, 16 Mar, 2025 at 06:00 pm

UTC-04:00

Location

The Depanneur | Toronto, ON

Our DIY Dinner Parties are a combination cooking class and dinner. Working in small groups and following detailed recipes, you and your fellow guests will prepare and then indulge in a spectacular meal inspired by Syrian culinary traditions. All ingredients, equipment and recipes are supplied and expert facilitators are on hand to guide you through the whole process. It’s a fun way to meet new people, learn recipes and enjoy a delicious meal in a convivial & collaborative setting.
Ramadan is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting to commemorate the first revelation of the Quran to Muhammad; an annual event regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam. During Ramadan, fasting begins immediately after the pre-dawn meal of Suhur and continues during the daylight hours, ending with the evening meal of Iftar (‘break fast’) at sunset. The spiritual rewards of fasting are also believed to be enhanced during Ramadan, so this time often includes more prayers, and an increase of good deeds and charity. But beyond its religious and spiritual significance, the Ifthar meal is a joyous celebration of family, friends and — of course — fabulous food!
The Depanneur invites you to join us in the making and sharing of a traditional Syrian Iftar dinner, prepared with love by Rahaf Alaakbani, the talented cook and musician who helped The Dep establish Newcomer Kitchen in 2016.
Note: Please keep in mind that no food or drink will be served until sunset (7:30pm)
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Water & Dates
This is the traditional way to break the fast, in emulation of the Prophet Muhammad
Shorabit Adas شوربة عدس
This red lentil soup flavoured with cumin, onion, Aleppo pepper, black pepper and garnished with fresh coriander, is probably the most popular soup in Syria. It is an essential and traditional dish during Ramadan, when it is served hot with a slice of lemon.
Maqluba مقلوبة [chicken & beef]
Maqluba is a traditional dish from the Levant that includes meat, rice, and fried vegetables layered in a pot, which is then tipped over before serving, hence the name which translates literally as “upside-down”. This Syrian version of the recipe includes tomatoes, eggplant, poached halal chicken and spiced ground beef, with a garnish of butter-fried nuts.
Khyar Belaban خيار بلبن
Yogurt and cucumbers with a touch of garlic is popular combination throughout the Mediterranean, but the addition of mint makes for an especially delightful, cool and refreshing salad.
S’fouf صفوف
A light, delicate semolina cake, made golden with turmeric and fragrant with anise, vanilla, and coconut, studded with black sesame seeds and topped with pistachio, served with coffee or tea.
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$89 +HST
BOOK NOW! - https://thedepanneur.ca/event/diy-iftar-with-rahaf-alakbani/
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Rahaf Alakabani hails from Sweida in southwestern Syria. She arrived in Canada in 2016 with her husband Esmaeel Aboufakher, and together they were instrumental in helping co-found Newcomer Kitchen, Nai Syrian Children’s Choir and Haneen Women’s Choir as part of their ongoing work to support their community. Rahaf continues to nurture her twin loves of Syrian cooking and culture in workshops, choirs and concerts across the GTA, sharing songs and recipes passed down from her mother and grandmother. Rahaf and Esmaeel have recently completed their Masters in Arts and Humanities at York while raising their two young children.
@the_rahaf_kitchen | @haneen_choir_ca