Français
Olives are an essential ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine. They bring taste, color, and nutritional benefits to numerous dishes. In this article, I invite you to discover the different varieties of olives, their preparation and preservation methods, as well as some recipe ideas to use them in your daily cooking. Olives are the fruits of the olive tree, a tree that thrives in warm and sunny regions. There are more than 2000 olive varieties worldwide, distinguished by their shape, size, color, and flavor. Olives can be green, black, or purple, depending on their level of ripeness and post-harvest treatment. Green olives are harvested before they fully ripen and preserved in brine (saltwater) to reduce bitterness. Black olives, on the other hand, are harvested when fully ripe and can be sun-dried, smoked, or marinated in oil or vinegar. Purple olives are a specific variety named after their natural color. Olives are rich in unsaturated fatty acids, particularly oleic acid, which helps reduce bad cholesterol and protects the cardiovascular system. They also contain antioxidants, vitamins (A, C, E), and minerals (iron, calcium, potassium). Thus, olives are a healthy and flavorful food, although they should be consumed in moderation as they are also relatively calorie-dense (approximately 150 kcal per 100g). Olives lend themselves to various culinary preparations. They can be enjoyed as they are for appetizers, infused with herbs, garlic, or chili. Olives can also be incorporated into salads, pizzas, quiches, tarts, or savory cakes. They complement well with cheese, fish, meat, or vegetables. They are also the base for tapenade, a paste made from crushed olives, capers, anchovies, and olive oil. Tapenade can be served on toast or used as a condiment to accompany grilled dishes or pasta. Here are some examples of olive-based recipes: The Olives of the Mediterranean: A Flavorful and Healthy Ingredient Mediterranean olives are grown in countries such as Spain, Italy, Greece, or Morocco. They come in several varieties, such as black, green, purple, or Kalamata olives. Each has its unique taste and texture, but they all share a richness in unsaturated fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. These nutrients contribute to protecting the cardiovascular system, reducing bad cholesterol, strengthening the immune system, and preventing cellular aging. Mediterranean olives are also highly versatile in cooking. They can be enjoyed as they are, as appetizers or in salads, or used to prepare sauces, tapenades, marinades, or slow-cooked dishes. They add a touch of flavor and color to all recipes. At the Quantum Isoraka restaurant, for instance, we use them to make our famous olive and goat cheese pizza, Greek salad with Kalamata olives and feta, or lamb tagine with olives and prunes. If you also love Mediterranean olives, don’t hesitate to come and taste them at the Quantum Isoraka restaurant or order them online. You can also follow our culinary blog to discover more recipes with olives and other flavorful and healthy ingredients.
Author Archives: Quantum Isoraka
Indian cuisine, Culinary journeys
Chicken biryani, a traditional dish that traveled from Persia to India
Jul
If you love Indian cuisine, you’ll adore chicken biryani! It’s a delicious and hearty dish that combines flavorful spiced rice with tender and spicy chicken. Chicken biryani: a traditional Indian dish Chicken biryani is a traditional Indian dish made with rice and chicken, highly cherished and easily prepared at home. Recipes vary by region and family, but they all share the use of spices and herbs to infuse the rice and chicken with aromatic flavors. The dish is often served with raita, salan, or korma, which are spicy and creamy sauces. Chicken biryani is a popular and festive dish, frequently prepared for special occasions or family gatherings. Origin and history of chicken biryani Chicken biryani is believed to have been introduced by Persian Muslim invaders. It is an adaptation of pilaf, a dish of rice cooked with meat and vegetables, which is common in many Middle Eastern and Central Asian cuisines. What sets chicken biryani apart is the use of aromatic spices like turmeric, cumin, cardamom, cinnamon, or saffron, imparting the rice a golden-yellow hue and delicate fragrance. The chicken is marinated in yogurt and spices beforehand, rendering it tender and succulent. The rice and chicken are then cooked together in a large pot or ovenproof dish, layering the two ingredients alternately. Chicken biryani is often served with accompaniments like raita (a yogurt and herb sauce), fried onions, slivered almonds, or raisins. It’s a comforting and convivial dish that can be prepared in advance and reheated easily. Variations of chicken biryani There are numerous regional versions of chicken biryani, such as Hyderabadi biryani, Lucknowi biryani, or Sindhi biryani, which differ in terms of spices, meats, and vegetables used. Variants not only diverge in ingredients but also in cooking methods and accompaniments. Chicken biryani is usually served with raita (a yogurt and vegetable sauce), salan (a spicy sauce made from chili and tamarind), or korma (a creamy sauce made from cashews and cream). It is a popular and celebratory dish, often prepared for special occasions or family meals. Ingredients for chicken biryani To prepare chicken biryani, gather the following ingredients: The secret to this dish lies in marinating the chicken in yogurt, which imparts flavor and tenderness. You can adapt the recipe to your preferences and the ingredients available in your region. Here’s how to prepare a succulent chicken biryani at home. The steps for preparing chicken biryani: Here’s a simple and quick chicken biryani recipe that will take you on a culinary journey to India without leaving your kitchen. Chicken biryani is a delicious and aromatic dish that’s perfect for special occasions or family meals. Feel free to add your personal touch by varying the ingredients and accompaniments according to your tastes and desires.
Jul
The Fish Tandoori is an Indian recipe of marinated fish with spices, cooked in a tandoor, a traditional clay oven. However, most modern recipes use a traditional oven or grill for cooking. Here’s a basic recipe to prepare Fish Tandoori: Ingredients: Instructions:
Jul
Aloo Tikki is a classic Indian dish that can be easily prepared at home. With this simple recipe, you can delight your guests or family with these tasty and spicy potato patties. Hello, all you food lovers! Today, I’m taking you on a culinary journey to discover Quantum Isoraka, an Indian restaurant located in Antananarivo. This warm and friendly place offers authentic and diverse cuisine that will please your taste buds. Among the specialties of Quantum Isoraka are the Aloo Tikki, delicious fried and spicy potato patties. In this article, I will tell you more about this dish and give you the recipe to recreate it at home. Origin of Aloo Tikki Aloo Tikki is a popular dish in Indian cuisine, consisting of spiced and fried potato patties. The name comes from the Hindi words “aloo,” which means potato, and “tikki,” which means small ball or patty. The origin of Aloo Tikki dates back to the Mughal era when royal chefs created this dish to satisfy Emperor Jahangir, who enjoyed vegetarian food. Aloo Tikki then spread throughout the Indian subcontinent, with regional variations in ingredients and accompaniments. For example, in Pakistan, Aloo Tikki is often served with tamarind chutney and yogurt, while in North India, it is topped with spicy chickpeas and sweet and tangy sauces. Aloo Tikki is also an essential element of chaat, an assortment of savory and crispy snacks typical of Indian street food. Aloo Tikki Recipe Aloo Tikki is typically served with tamarind chutney or mint sauce, which add a sweet and tangy touch. To prepare them, you simply need to cook and mash potatoes, add spices and flour, and shape them into patties that are fried in oil. Aloo Tikki is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and pairs perfectly with tamarind chutney or mint sauce, which give them a sweet and tangy flavor. Give Aloo Tikki a try, you won’t regret it! At Quantum Isoraka, Aloo Tikki is carefully and skillfully prepared by the chef, using fresh and high-quality ingredients. The patties are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and the spices are well-balanced to provide flavor without being too spicy. Aloo Tikki is a treat for both the eyes and the palate! If you feel like trying this Indian specialty at home, here is the recipe that the chef at Quantum Isoraka has kindly shared with us: Ingredients (serves 4): Preparation: Tips and variations: You can add additional spices to the dough, such as cumin, garam masala, or chaat masala, to vary the flavors. Why not incorporate other grated or chopped vegetables into the dough, such as carrots, peas, or cauliflower, to increase the nutritional content? Our primary suggestion is to serve them with stuffed flatbreads filled with fresh cheese (paneer), raisins, or nuts for added indulgence. These potato and spinach patties are easy to prepare and delicious to enjoy. They are perfect for a vegetarian meal or as a side dish to a main course. Here’s how to make them: And there you have it! You have successfully made homemade Aloo Tikki just like at Quantum Isoraka! Feel free to share your feedback in the comments or on social media. And if you want to discover more delicious Indian dishes, visit Quantum Isoraka, the restaurant that takes you on a culinary journey!
Jul
Hello and welcome to Quantum Isoraka’s culinary blog! Today, I’m going to talk to you about the Chicken Lollipop dish that I discovered. Quantum Isoraka is a restaurant that combines tradition and modernity. Whether you’re a fan of kebab, couscous, shawarma, tajine, or if you prefer Indian cuisine with its curries, naans, and samosas, you’ll find something to delight you at Quantum Isoraka. But the dish that impressed me the most is the chicken lollipop, an Indian specialty that lives up to its name! So, what is chicken lollipop? It’s an original and playful way to prepare chicken wings. The wings are cut into three pieces, the tips are removed, and the flesh is detached from the bone to form a sort of lollipop shape. The chicken pieces are then marinated in a mixture of spices, soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic. They are coated in a batter made from flour, cornstarch, egg, and water. Finally, they are deep-fried in hot oil until crispy and golden. The result is delicious! The meat is tender and juicy, the coating is crispy and spicy, and the contrast between the chicken and the bone is amusing. Chicken lollipops can be enjoyed by picking them up with your fingers and dipping them in a sauce of your choice: tomato sauce, yogurt sauce, mint sauce… It’s an ideal dish for appetizers or a friendly meal. The chicken lollipop has a story behind it. It originated in southern India, where it is called ‘chicken 65.’ According to legend, the name comes from the number of spices used to prepare it: 65! Another version tells that the dish was invented in 1965 by an Indian chef who wanted to please his Chinese customers. Regardless of its origin, chicken lollipop is now a popular dish throughout India and the world. Recipe If you want to try making chicken lollipops at home, here’s the recipe and the ingredients you’ll need: The preparation is simple: Do you feel like tasting these delicious honey and chili chicken lollipops? Visit Quantum Isoraka, the restaurant that offers tasty and diverse cuisine in a friendly and unique setting. You will be greeted by attentive staff who will introduce you to the chef’s specialties. At Quantum Isoraka, you will find: Don’t wait any longer, book your table now! Phone: 038 03 888 03 or 038 03 888 04
Jul
The Rogan Josh Lamb is a popular dish in winter. This Kashmiri specialty, slow-cooked for hours in a blend of spices, is even better when served with sheermala (sweet bread), naan (leavened bread), roti (Indian flatbread), rice, biryani (layered rice dish), and raita (spiced yogurt). Hello, let me tell you about a delicious and spicy dish from Kashmir: Rogan Josh Lamb. It is a traditional recipe made with lamb meat, yogurt, spices, and aromatic herbs. The name Rogan Josh means “red and oily” in Persian, which accurately describes the creamy and colorful sauce that accompanies the lamb. This dish is typically served with basmati rice or naan bread and is perfect for warming up winter evenings. Origin of Rogan Josh Lamb The origin of Rogan Josh Lamb dates back to the Mughal period when Muslim emperors conquered northern India and brought with them their refined and diverse cuisine. Rogan Josh Lamb is part of the wazwan, a feast of 36 dishes served on special occasions such as weddings or religious festivals. The lamb used in this dish is usually domestic lamb, which has no wild ancestors in Europe. It was introduced to these continents during the Neolithic period, approximately 8,700 to 7,000 years ago. Lamb is highly valued in halal cuisine and is often referred to as lamb, which is meat from a sheep less than one year old. Lamb originated in Central and Western Asia, where it was domesticated from several wild species such as urial or mouflon. It was later introduced to Europe and North Africa during the Neolithic period, around 8,000 years ago. Lamb also holds religious significance as it is sacrificed during Eid al-Adha, the Feast of Sacrifice, which commemorates Abraham’s submission to God. Rogan Josh Lamb is a typical dish from Kashmir, a region in northern India that has experienced numerous cultural influences over the centuries. This lamb stew is flavored with spices such as turmeric, ginger, cumin, cardamom, and red chili. Its name is derived from the Persian word “rogan,” meaning “oil,” and the Hindi word “josh,” meaning “fire” or “passion.” Rogan Josh Lamb is a dish that combines tradition and history, delighting the taste buds of spice lovers. If you want to explore this recipe and other Kashmiri specialties, feel free to visit our website or contact us to arrange your culinary journey in India. To prepare Rogan Josh Lamb, you will need: Preparation of Rogan Josh Lamb The preparation is done in several steps: There you have it, you now know all about Rogan Josh Lamb! It’s a flavorful and comforting dish that will transport you to the heart of India. Feel free to leave your comments if you’ve tried this recipe or if you have any questions. Enjoy your meal!
Jul
Hello to all the food enthusiasts who follow us on Quantum Isoraka, the culinary blog that takes you on a journey through the flavors of the world! Today, we are going to talk to you about the benefits of Indian cuisine, a cuisine rich in spices, colors, and flavors. Indian cuisine is one of the most varied and diverse in the world. Indian cuisine reflects the cultural, religious, and regional diversity of India, a country with many facets. Indian cuisine is also renowned for its medicinal and nutritional virtues. Indeed, the spices used in Indian dishes have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, digestive, and stimulating properties. They help prevent and combat certain diseases such as diabetes, cholesterol, hypertension, or cancer. Moreover, Indian cuisine is often vegetarian or vegan, which respects the environment and animals. It provides high-quality plant proteins through legumes (lentils, chickpeas, beans…), grains (rice, wheat, millet…), and dairy products (yogurt, cheese…). Indian cuisine is a cuisine rich in flavors and colors that tantalize the taste buds and comfort the soul. It offers a diversity of delicious and original dishes that cater to all palates and situations. Here are some examples of Indian dishes that you can savor or rediscover: Vegetarian Indian dishes If you enjoy vegetarian dishes, you can also try Indian lentil dahl, vegetarian Indian samosas, Bombay aloo (potato curry), or eggplant pakoras. Meat-based Indian dishes Indian cuisine offers a wide variety of meat-based dishes, prepared with spices and aromatic herbs. Among the most popular options, you will find tandoori chicken, marinated in yogurt and spices, then cooked in a traditional clay oven called a tandoor; chicken tikka masala, an Anglo-Indian specialty consisting of grilled chicken pieces topped with a creamy sauce made with coconut milk and curry; and lamb curry, a spicy stew made with lamb and potatoes. These dishes are usually served with basmati rice, naan bread, or roti. If you enjoy meat, you won’t regret trying these Indian delights! We hope this article has sparked your desire to taste Indian cuisine or try cooking it yourself. Feel free to leave us your comments, questions, or suggestions. And most importantly, enjoy your meal! In conclusion, we invite you to discover Quantum Isoraka, the only Mediterranean and Indian restaurant in Antananarivo. There, you will find a delicious and varied cuisine that blends the spices, herbs, and fresh ingredients from these two regions of the world. You can also enjoy a warm and friendly atmosphere with carefully decorated surroundings and pleasant music. Whether you’re with family, friends, or a loved one, Quantum Isoraka welcomes you every day of the week, for lunch and dinner, to take you on a journey and delight your taste buds. Don’t wait any longer, book your table now at Quantum Isoraka, the Mediterranean and Indian restaurant that is making waves in Antananarivo!
Jul
Hello everyone, I am the chef from the Quantum Isoraka restaurant, and today I am here on the culinary blog to talk to you about tahini, a delicious and versatile sesame paste. What is Tahini? Tahini is a paste made from roasted and ground sesame seeds. It is widely used in Middle Eastern cuisine, particularly in dishes like hummus, baba ganoush, or tahini sauce. It has a creamy texture and a slightly bitter and nutty flavor. What are the Benefits of Tahini? Tahini is a healthy and nutritious ingredient. It is rich in plant-based proteins, unsaturated fatty acids, calcium, iron, magnesium, and vitamins B and E. It helps strengthen the immune system, regulate cholesterol levels, and prevent osteoporosis. It is also gluten-free and vegan. Tahini is used as a condiment, as a base for sauces, or as an ingredient in various recipes. Tahini offers numerous health benefits due to its exceptional nutritional composition. Here are a few of its advantages: Tahini is a complete and balanced food that can be consumed daily. It pairs well with bread, raw vegetables, salads, soups, hummus, or falafels. It can also be used to prepare desserts like halva or sesame cake. Tahini can be stored in the refrigerator for several months. Just make sure to mix it well before using, as the oil may separate from the paste. How to Use Tahini? Tahini is very easy to use in cooking. Simply mix it with a little water, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and parsley to create a creamy and flavorful sauce. You can use it as a dip for raw or cooked vegetables, falafels, kebabs, or grilled meats. It can also be incorporated into soups, salads, dressings, or marinades. And why not in desserts? Tahini pairs very well with honey, chocolate, or dried fruits. Here are some ideas to enjoy its benefits and flavor:
Jul
If you love Mediterranean cuisine, you will adore ‘brick à l’œuf,’ a typical dish from Tunisia, Morocco, and Algeria. It consists of a crispy pastry filled with a runny egg and other delicious ingredients such as tuna, capers, parsley, or cheese. It is a simple yet delightful dish that is enjoyed hot with a salad or soup. At Quantum Isoraka, a restaurant that combines tradition and modernity, you can savor this authentic dish in a friendly and unusual ambiance. Whether you’re a fan of kebabs, couscous, shawarma, or tagine, or if you prefer Indian cuisine with its curries, naans, and samosas, you will find something to delight your taste buds among the chef’s specialties. But don’t miss out on trying the ‘brick à l’œuf,’ one of our flagship recipes! Origin of ‘Brick à l’œuf’ The ‘brick à l’œuf’ is a dish that dates back to the Ottoman era when the Turks conquered parts of the Maghreb. They brought with them filo pastry, a very thin and light dough used to make savory or sweet pastries called ‘börek.’ The inhabitants of the Maghreb adapted this dough to their cuisine and named it ‘malsouka’ or ‘warka.’ They used it to make ‘bricks,’ crispy shells filled with various fillings. The ‘brick à l’œuf’ is one of the most popular variations of the brick. It is often consumed during Ramadan as it is nourishing and easy to prepare. It also adheres to Muslim dietary rules since the meats used are always halal. The ‘brick à l’œuf’ thus symbolizes the richness and diversity of Mediterranean cuisine, combining Turkish, Arab, and Berber influences. Recipe and ingredients for ‘Brick à l’œuf’ To make a ‘brick à l’œuf,’ you will need: The recipe is very simple: You can vary the fillings according to your preferences: add fresh cheese, olives, paprika, or harissa for more flavor. You can also bake the bricks in the oven for a lighter version. Preparation Tips for ‘Brick à l’œuf’ Here are some tips to help you succeed in making your ‘brick à l’œuf’: ‘Brick à l’œuf’ is a flavorful and comforting dish that will transport you to the countries of the Maghreb. It is also an economical and easy dish to prepare at home. However, if you want to experience the full finesse and crispiness of an authentic ‘brick à l’œuf,’ come and savor it at Quantum Isoraka, one of the best restaurants for Mediterranean cuisine in Antananarivo, Madagascar. At Quantum Isoraka, you will enjoy a warm and unique atmosphere, with attentive staff and talented chefs. You can also enjoy great music at the lounge bar or organize events such as weddings, baptisms, or birthdays in the basement’s Room 007, equipped with a high-definition connected TV and internet. Feel free to contact us at 038 03 888 03 or 038 03 888 04 to reserve your table or room. We look forward to welcoming you and introducing you to the ‘brick à l’œuf’ and many other specialties!
Jul
Hello everyone! Today, I would like to share with you a very easy and delicious Indian recipe: parathas. These are Indian flatbreads stuffed with fresh cheese and spices, which can be enjoyed with a yogurt or tamarind sauce. They are flaky flatbreads that can be filled with vegetables, cheese, or meat, or simply enjoyed plain with yogurt or chutney. Parathas are very popular in India, especially for breakfast or as a snack. They are also very economical and require only a few basic ingredients. But what exactly is paneer paratha? Paneer paratha is a type of Indian pancake filled with Indian cheese called paneer. Paneer is a fresh, unripened cheese that resembles ricotta or cottage cheese. It is widely used in Indian cuisine, especially in vegetarian dishes. On the other hand, paratha is a flatbread made from whole wheat flour, water, and salt. It is cooked on a griddle with a little ghee (clarified butter) or vegetable oil. There are several varieties of paratha, depending on the shape, size, and filling. In these paragraphs, we will explain how to easily prepare this Indian specialty at home, using simple and flavorful ingredients. Follow the guide and enjoy! What are the necessary ingredients? Ingredients (for 6 parathas): How to prepare the paratha dough? To make paneer paratha, you first need to prepare the paratha dough by combining the flour, water, and salt. Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic, then let it rest for half an hour. Preparation: How to prepare the cheese filling? The cheese filling is made with paneer, a fresh and mild Indian cheese that you can find in specialty stores or make yourself. Paneer pairs well with spices and herbs that add flavor to the filling. To make the naan dough, you need flour, yeast, yogurt, sugar, salt, and water. You can also add butter or ghee to make the dough softer. Simply mix all the ingredients in a bowl and knead the dough for about ten minutes. Then, cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise for an hour in a warm place. Next, prepare the paneer filling by crumbling the cheese into a bowl. Add salt, pepper, cumin, garam masala, chopped coriander, and green chili to the bowl. Mix everything well. Divide the dough into equal-sized balls and roll them out into thin discs. Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each disc, then fold the edges to form a ball. Gently flatten the ball and roll it out again into a thicker disc. Cook the parathas on a hot and oiled pan for a few minutes on each side until they turn golden and puff up. You can brush them with butter or ghee before serving. How to cook paneer parathas? Heat a pan over medium heat and cook the parathas on both sides, brushing them with ghee or oil. Serve them hot or warm, accompanied by plain yogurt or chutney. Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat and lightly oil it. Cook each paratha for about 2 minutes on each side, pressing lightly with a spatula to make the bread puff up. The parathas should be golden and crispy. Transfer them to a plate and keep them warm. How to serve paneer parathas? Here are some tips for serving parathas in a delicious and unique way. Choose a filling for your parathas. You can stuff them with cheese, vegetables, minced meat, dried fruits, or sugar. You can also leave them plain and brush them with butter or ghee after cooking. Prepare a sauce to accompany your parathas. You can opt for a spicy sauce like chutney, raita, curry, or dal. You can also choose a sweet sauce like honey, jam, maple syrup, or condensed milk. Arrange your parathas on a serving platter and keep them warm. You can stack them or fold them into quarters. You can also cut them into pieces and skewer them with toothpicks to serve them as appetizers. What are the benefits of paneer paratha? Paneer paratha offers several health benefits, including: