Italian chefs in Marsa Matrouh

The NEMO project Egypt hosted 3 Italian chefs, for the preparation of a thematic Iftar organized for 10 June 2018.

Iftar – the evening meal consumed by Muslims at the end of daily fasting during the Islamic month of Ramadan – was organized with the aim of stimulating the consumption of fish species caught by the local fishing community, little used by final consumers. In this way, the population was informed of the nutritional value of these products and of the economic and environmental value deriving from their use.

With the project’s referents, the Italian experts visited the valley of “Alsanab” in Marsa Matrouh, identifying the most important wild plants present in the territory, such as Salicornia, Atriplex Halimus, Minor Sanguisorba, Arthemisia Vulgaris, Thymus Spinulosus, Capparis Ovata, which are not used by the local community in gastronomy.

The Italian chefs, according to their experience, have suggested to the restaurateurs and the community of Marsa Matrouh some examples of use of these essences, for the preparation of innovative recipes that can enhance the local fish.

The event was organized as part of the NEMO project, which aims to support coastal communities in the Mediterranean and is implemented in Egypt by CIHEAM Bari and financed by the Italian Agency for Cooperation and Development (AICS ) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.