One of the few things missing from life in the UAE is breakfast diners. Sometimes all you are in the mood for is some runny eggs with crispy hashbrowns, and a stack pancakes from a 24-hour breakfast place. Despite the large number of expats in the UAE, there are little to no such places to find a traditional American breakfast spot. Of course, these things can easily be made at home (and much healthier), but there is something about the “ambiance” of IHOP that I miss – ha!
But seriously, making breakfast is a really fun way to get the entire family involved and excited about the day. During the week, I am usually making pancakes or agga (eggs with tomato sauce and dill) for the boys, packing lunches while simultaneously inhaling a cup of Nescafe on our way to school by 8 am. On the weekends, we have a bit more time to put together a nice breakfast and all sit down in a relaxed environment.
A few weeks ago, despite reading at least 10 different recipes. we tried to make hashbrowns. No matter what we tried we couldn’t get that layer of crispiness that you get at a diner (which makes me wonder just how much grease they use to achieve that crunch!). So, this past weekend, we decided to make breakfast potatoes with Middle Eastern flavors. I used the traditional Egyptian spice combination of cumin and coriander. The taste reminded me of the fresh french fries my aunt used to make for me in Egypt as a kid, as they were perfectly crispy with a dash of cumin powder for taste. These breakfast potatoes are very simple to make, and a great way to use leftover vegetables from the fridge. I always use bits of yellow and red peppers, and always have random lil pieces leftover in my fridge. You could use whatever peppers you have around, even my favorite cubanelle or poblano peppers. Not quite IHOP hash browns, but way more delicious and flavorful!
yeah me!!! I ask for potatoes wherever I have an omelette and more often than not I don’t get them! Will be trying this on some leisurely friday morning soon!:)