29/03/2024

By Dhruv Saini

Welcome to a celebration of flavours and gratitude! As we immerse ourselves in the spirit of Ramadan, a month that embodies thankfulness and reflection, our hearts and tummies alike are filled with a profound sense of appreciation. After a day of fasting, there’s a unique connection we forge with food—a connection steeped in gratitude for nourishment, for the community, and for the opportunity to savour each bite mindfully.

In this blog, we’re taking you on a cooking journey with The H Dubai on how to make easy recipes at home that blend the spirit of Ramadan with traditional Middle Eastern flavours using plant-based ingredients, perfect for Iftar.

As the sun sets and the call to prayer signals the time to break our fast, what better way to honour this sacred moment than with wholesome, delectable dishes that not only tantalize the taste buds but also nourish the body and soul?

Moving on to our next Traditional DIY recipe, Hummus with vegan Soujuk. Here, the velvety smoothness of hummus meets the robust flavours of sautéed plant-based Soujuk, creating a balance that is both visually appealing and delicious. Sprinkled with paprika, and adorned with fresh parsley and roasted pine nuts, this dish is a testament to the artistry of plant-based cooking.

Ingredients:

1. Vegetables and herbs:
2g of finely chopped fresh parsley

2. Spices:
2g of crushed paprika (Aleppo)

3. Nuts:
5 roasted pine nuts

4. Essentials:
120g of plant-based Soujuk
4 Tbsp of hummus dip
2 Tbsp of olive oil

Method:

Step 1: Sauté the Soujuk

• Heat 1 Tbsp of olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
• Add the plant-based Soujuk to the pan and cook for 7-9 minutes, stirring occasionally, until nicely browned and cooked through.

Step 2: Prepare the Hummus Plate

• Spread the hummus dip evenly on a serving plate, creating a circular gap in the Center using the back of a teaspoon. This will create a well for the Soujuk.

Step 4: Enhance the Flavours

• Sprinkle the crushed paprika (Aleppo) generously over the Soujuk, adding a smoky, colorful spice.
• To make it look more appetizing, drizzle 1 Tbsp of olive oil over the Soujuk and hummus.
• Add a refreshing herbal note and a nutty flavor by sprinkling finely chopped fresh parsley and roasted pine nuts over the dish.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

• Your Soujuk Hummus Plate is ready to be served! Enjoy it with warm pita bread or bread of your choice for a satisfying meal.

Pro Tip:

Squeeze a little lemon over the dish just before serving to add a tangy flavor.

31/05/2023

By Saurabh Syal

With Global Wellness Day around the corner, what better way to start your wellness ritual than by giving your feet the TLC they deserve?  I have teamed up with our Mandara Spa therapists to bring you this DIY foot care ritual tutorial that will not only leave your feet feeling soft and refreshed, but it’s also a great way to relax and unwind after a long day.

But the benefits of this tutorial go beyond just pampering your feet. By taking the time to care for your feet, you’re also promoting overall health and wellness. Healthy feet can improve your balance, reduce your risk of falls, and prevent foot problems such as blisters, calluses, and infections. So go ahead and indulge in this foot care ritual, your feet will thank you, I promise!

Step 1: Fill a bowl with warm water and add a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Soak your feet in the water for a few minutes to soften the skin. This step is important because it helps to relax your feet and prepare them for the rest of the ritual.

Step 2: Apply 2 pumps of lavender body wash to your feet and use your hands to lather and clean them. Rinse your feet in the bowl of warm water. The lavender body wash not only cleanses your feet but also helps to soothe and calm your senses.

Step 3: Use bath salt to remove dirt and scrub away dead skin. The bath salt helps to exfoliate your feet, leaving them feeling soft and smooth.

Step 4: Soak your feet again in the bowl of warm water to rinse off any remaining salt. This step is important to ensure that all of the salt is removed from your feet.

Step 5: Use a pumice stone to gently rub away rough or calloused areas on the feet. Rinse your feet in the bowl of warm water. The pumice stone helps to remove any rough patches on your feet, leaving them feeling soft and smooth.

Step 6: Soak your feet one last time and wash them again in the bowl of warm water. This step helps to ensure that your feet are clean and free of any remaining salt or dead skin.

Step 7: Finally, apply Mandara Spa Foot Spray to keep your feet soft and hydrated. The foot spray helps to moisturize your feet, leaving them feeling soft and refreshed.

So go ahead, give your feet the tender loving care they deserve, and enjoy the benefits of healthy, happy feet!

By Simran Tandon

Our bodies are blessed with self-healing, self-renewing and self-cleansing powers when kept under the right natural conditions. Back in the days, when we led simple lifestyle that involved clean-eating habits, breathing toxin-free air, drinking clean water and physical movement, detoxification was a natural process. However, as we increasingly drift away from the virtues of natural living and embrace the toxicity of the present world, this natural detoxification process has gotten altered. Nevertheless, it’s never too late to fix things and start fresh.

January, being the month of fresh beginnings, let’s embrace the power of detoxification. Through this vlog, explore simple ways in which we at The H Dubai, are making detoxing a part of our everyday life. From starting our day with a power smoothie to stimulating our lymphatic system at Mandara Spa, we are focused on boosting your health and well-being for 2023.

Benefits of Detoxification

Before we dive into how we can detox, let’s discuss why detoxing your body regularly is crucial for us.

– A regular detoxing ritual ensures the removal of toxins from our systems leading to smooth functioning of our organs and also helps in weight loss.

– A toxin-free body ensures that our immune system is strong and safeguards us against any illnesses.

– We experience a boost in our energy levels and feel more vibrant, alive, and joyful.

– It significantly reduces our cravings of sugar, carbs, processed or aerated food and drinks.

– Lastly, it helps to remove brain-fog which happens because of poor lifestyle choices. Detoxification promotes clear thinking and makes us more alert about our emotions. So let’s get to it!

1. Start with a Power Smoothie

Someone rightly said, “A smoothie a day keeps the grumpiness away”. Who doesn’t like a no-fuss nutrient-packed breakfast especially when it comes in a portable to-go glass and is delicious? Yes, I am talking about smoothies. Full of fruits and vegetables, rich in fiber and natural sugar, a perfect detoxifying meal and highly customizable, smoothies are game-changers. Just blend together your favourite fruits and veggies, yoghurt or milk, nuts and seeds, protein powder or spices and voila, you have for yourself a holistic meal. Still lazy to make one? The Gallery is churning fresh smoothies every morning to not only give you a fresh start but also keep you fuller and more satisfied for longer. 

2. Sweat It Out

It’s a no-brainer that a balanced diet and exercise go hand in hand to promote regular detoxification in the body. Increased movement stimulates the body to flush out toxins from our organs like liver, lungs, kidney and also the gut while regulating the sweat glands to cleanse the skin at the same time. Moreover, it improves our digestive system which keeps major health problems at bay. Be it 30-minutes of cardio or aerobic exercises or slow meditative yoga poses, the goal is to get moving. If you are struggling to get started or to find which form of exercise you like more, try enrolling yourself for a membership that offers multiple exercise avenues to choose from. From a fully-equipped gym to a Peloton Bike Studio and the newly launched InfraSlimX exercise pods, the Quantum Health Club can become your go to spot to create your own customized exercise plan that is fun yet effective.

3.Indulge in a Healthy Meal

There is no one magical food item that can detox your body, but rather a range of fresh and natural produce that aids the process. Foods rich in antioxidants, probiotics, fiber, and hydrating properties are food groups that have natural detoxifying properties for your gut. So next time you are planning your daily meals, try and question yourself whether your meals are covering these food groups. Did you incorporate leafy greens & root vegetables, dairy products, beans and lentils, nuts & seeds, probiotic drinks or yoghurt and protein? The aim is to supply your body with ample vitamins and minerals so that the gut microbes naturally detoxify your body after every meal. To get some inspiration, try lunching at the Eat & Meat restaurant to get your eating healthy journey started. Also, don’t forget to keep yourself hydrated throughout the day. 

4. Stimulate Lymphatic Drainage

Our bodies are always in the work mode even when we are asleep. This constant internal activity ensures that our immune system stays operational and the cells are regularly cleaned & nourished. However, the stresses and toxins that come in our daily life can sometimes create blockages in our organs, vessels, nodes or ducts that then require external help to regulate again. This is where stimulation of our lymphatic system through a drainage massage can be vital. By targeting the stressed parts of the body, lymphatic drainage massage aims to restore proper blood circulation, balance body fluids and achieve stronger immune functions. People with muscular injuries, swelling, digestive problems, migraine or stress, arthritis or even someone looking for weight loss can benefit from this massage, as it ensures drainage of all toxins that block our regular body functions. This massage is not a luxury but rather a necessity. So this month, make an appointment at your favourite spa like Mandara to reap the profound benefits of this cleansing massage.

5. Hydration is Key

We lose about 2.5 to 3 litres of water everyday. In order to compensate for this water loss and ensure that the detoxification process runs smoothly, we need to keep hydrated. And let’s face it, plain water can be sometimes boring and remember coffee doesn’t hydrate, so let’s add some flavours to this process. Infuse your water with ingredients like lemon, cucumber or watermelon or replace your afternoon tea and coffee with a detox juice.
At Urban on 4, you will find your hydration solution in many flavours.

Trust me, detoxing is like rebooting your entire system! So, not just for January but for the entire year, aim to customise these steps to make them a part of your routine to enhance your body’s natural detoxification system. 

03/12/2022

By Simran Tandon

Is it just us or there is something incredibly scrumptious about a good cheese board? Be it for a perfect weekend night with wine or for an impressive dinner to slay your guests, a well-paired cheese board with a bottle of wine can go a long way. Easy and fun to put together, a cheese board has everything to suit every taste. From different types of cheeses to a selection of sweet and tangy fruits, dips and crackers, you can have some great cheese and wine nights in the comfort of your own home.

With the holiday season fast approaching, take this chance to learn how to make an impressive cheese board which is highly customizable and enough to feed a few people or a houseful of gazing guests. Oh and don’t forget, good quality wines are a must with cheese boards.

Check out this appetizing step-by-step video on how to create a fancy cheese board specially curated by our Executive Chef. Fancy some tips on how you can customise it and pair it well with your wine? Well, keep reading the blog below.

Components of a Cheese Board

Cheeseboard is all about the variety of textures. From soft to hard, to nutty and crunchy, cheeseboards tend to tickle all your taste buds in a single meal.

Add a selection of cheese

A good rule of thumb to follow while selecting cheeses is to focus on flavour and texture. Hence, pick 2-3 varieties of hard cheese, soft cheese and semi-soft cheese. It is also good to remember that roughly 3 ounces of cheese per person should be kept. Some cheese varieties that you can easily find for your cheese board can be:

Soft Cheese: Goat cheese, Brie or Camembert

Semi-hard cheese: Cheddar, Gouda or Swiss

Hard Cheese: Parmesan, Manchego or Pecorino

Blue Cheese: Stilton, Roquefort or Gorgonzola

A cheeseboard for 2 people can have 3 varieties of cheese, however, for a large party of 6-7 people, definitely pick 5-6 varieties of cheese. 

Add something savoury

A good bowl of pitted green olives does the trick of adding the right amount of saltiness to the board. You can also add some roasted peppers, tapenade, salted cashews or almonds.

Add some sweetness

A little bit of sweetness helps to balance out the creaminess and saltiness of the board. Therefore, feel free to add naturally sweet items like dried fruits, candied nuts, preserves, honey or even chocolate.

Add some crunch

Crunchy texture is adored by all. Hence, add those crispy chips, bread sticks, crackers of different shapes and sizes or baguette slices.

Top it up with garnishes

Spruce up the final look of the board with some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary, edible flowers, fresh fruits like apples or pear slices, blueberries, apricots etc. 

Complement your cheese board with good wine

Depending upon the selection of cheese you choose, pick the right bottle of wine because that has the power to elevate the whole experience. Some cheese and wine combinations that can’t go wrong are:

-Cheese that is young and fresh, for instance, goat cheese, goes well with a delicate and aromatic white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling.

-Semi-soft cheese can be paired well with medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay

-Someone who enjoys hard cheese should definitely have a glass of rich and full-bodied red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Grenache.

-Varieties like Gruyere, and Emmenthaler go well with Pinot Noir or Gamay wines as they have a fresh and fruity taste.

Making a cheeseboard is an activity which is fun and pleasurable. With these tips and tricks, you are all set to customize your own cheeseboard as per your taste palate. If you want to master the art of cheese and wine pairing to be an impressible host, experience a Wine and Cheese night at Eat & Meat Restaurant at The H Dubai. With an international selection of cheese and wine, you can indulge and understand the nuances of this art well. 

27/05/2022

By Gabrielle Chaux

Ever dream of being able to create cocktails like a pro? This week’s blog is all about it.

Follow Mahesh, our Expert Mixologist, behind the bar and discover three timeless cocktail recipes: Espresso Martini, Negroni and Cosmopolitan. Try your hand at making these fancy beverages at home through three DIY videos.

If you want to learn from the expert himself, book your Mixologist Masterclass at H Bar, including a 60 minutes class, complimentary canapes and cocktail tasting.

So bring out those cocktail mixer sets because now, it is your move!

Ingredients:

• 1 ounce of gin
• 1 ounce of Campari
• 1 ounce of sweet vermouth
• Orange peel for the garnish

Instructions:

1)In a mixing glass filled with ice cubes, add the gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. Stir until it is well-chilled.
2)Strain into a rocks glass filled with large ice cubes.
3)With a small knife, peel the orange skin into a thin slice.
4)Add it on top of the drink.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 ounces of citron vodka
• 3/4 ounce of Cointreau
• 3/4 ounce of freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1/2 ounce of cranberry juice
• Lime wedge for the garnish

Instructions:

1)Add ice in a cocktail glass to chill it.
2)In a separate shaker filled with ice, add the vodka, Cointreau, lime, and cranberry juice and shake until it is well-chilled.
3)Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
4)Garnish with a lime wedge.