Syrian Holiday Feast

Join Chef Fatima for a unique hands-on cooking experience and discover the rich flavors and cherished traditions of Syrian holiday cuisine. In this engaging class, you'll learn how to prepare authentic dishes that have been shared around family tables for generations. Together, you'll make Kibbeh, a beloved Syrian specialty featuring seasoned meat and bulgur wheat formed into flavorful fritters and fried until golden and crisp. You'll also prepare Pumpkin Muttabaq, a warming and nourishing stew with tahini and yogurt, offering a comforting blend of savory and tangy flavors. To complete the meal, you'll learn to make rice with vermicelli noodles, a classic staple found in homes throughout the Middle East. As you cook, Chef Fatima will share stories from her life, her Syrian roots, and the important role food plays in family celebrations and holiday gatherings. Through her personal experiences, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural traditions, hospitality, and sense of connection that are central to Syrian cuisine. The class concludes with a shared meal featuring the dishes you've prepared together, celebrating culture, community, and connection through the universal language of food. About Chef Fatima: Fatema recently became an American citizen! Fatema and her family are from Homs, Syria, and they were personally welcomed to Connecticut by Governor Lamont in November 2015, after being turned away from Indiana by then Governor Pence. She began cooking when she got married and learned many recipes from her mother and mother-in-law. Fatema is one of nine children and recalls watching her older sisters and mother cook for her family. Her favorite part of cooking is learning about different cultures and sharing her culture with the other chefs. Seeing customers happy when they eat her food is her favorite part of working at Sanctuary Kitchen. Fatema has been with Sanctuary Kitchen since its inception, and has been featured at many culinary events ever since. In 2019 she completed CitySeed and Collab’s Food Business Accelerator to start her own catering business. She is thankful Sanctuary Kitchen gives her the opportunity to grow as a person and provide for her family. Working at Sanctuary Kitchen has turned her into a more confident person as she takes on more responsibilities. She is excited to continue working and see what else she will accomplish. Learn more about Sanctuary Kitchen's cooking classes at cityseed.org/cooking-classes