Oman- Flat's the way to do it

(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) Muscat- The traditional Omani flatbread, khubz rakhal, is a staple item at all Muscat Festival editions. But it's the special stuffing that its makers introduce every time that makes it a favourite with visitors. From cheese, eggs and mayonnaise, rakhal stuffing has come a long way. Today one even gets it with the favourite potato chips and chocolate spread.

'Consumer tastes change with the wind. The hottest item one day becomes a fad another day. Rakhal is a favourite with both Omanis and expatriates. But we must make innovations in order to maintain this liking for this traditional Omani dish. That is why along with cheese and egg, we decided to add chips and chocolate spread too,' said Fatima al Balushi, who has set up a stall at Amerat Park.

The crackly flatbread is best had hot, said another vendor at the traditional food corner at Amerat Park. 'We always advise people to have rakhal hot. We do not prepare it in advance. You come to the stall, place the order and have it instantly.' A regular visitor to the festival, Ahmad al Lawati feels this traditional bread has got a new texture this time.

'Rakhal should ideally be served straight off the pan as it becomes chewy within few minutes. But this particular one that I had this year seems to be softer even after getting cold. I do not know what is the secret behind it. The plain one is very soft and just melts in the mouth,' he said.

The humble rakhal is made with just three simple ingredients: flour, water and salt. The dough is made sticky almost like a pancake batter. But unlike a pancake rakhal is super thin. It is cooked on a round cast-iron griddle over medium high flame.

The women use their palm and simply press the dough until it just barely sticks to the hot pan. Then with the help of a paint chipper, they remove the bread from the griddle. The customers are served the flatbread with the stuffing of their choice.

The humility of this traditional bread can also be seen in the price at which it is sold. At the Muscat Festival one can have it just at 400bz. This Omani wafer-thin flatbread is also a big hit with the children.

Saida Riyami, another regular to the festival, was surprised to see how her children this time voted for the rakhal all out. 'My children just loved the idea of potato chips and chocolate spread stuffing. This is the first time that I saw them going for a second helping of rakhal at the festival.' Apart from the rakhal there are a host of other Omani breads and desserts that are drawing huge numbers. Some of these are mandazi and luqaimat.

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