Calling all camping and kashta fanatics! Last month we explored Makani’s shelves, freezers and aisles for the things that would make our trip to the desert also a festival of food. They have definitely one-upped us by launching their Kashta Bundles to make our lives easier, our bellies happier and our day (or days if you are camping) full of fun.
Makani has always been the home of main meal ingredients and they’re definitely taking their calling seriously. They understand that food brings people together. A meal is about the wonderful flavors, but it is also about the company and the people who sit around the table with you. Kashtas are the perfect example of this and Makani’s food experts have come up with a way to make this season’s trip to the desert even more magical. They have carefully curated and selected customer favorites and kashta classics and packaged them into perfect grab and go kits, so you have everything you need for a delicious meal. Choose your favorite one from the available seven options or get a couple to please all of your adventure buddies!
It feels that everyone ends up craving hot-off-the-grill steak when they’re out in the desert so the Steak Bundle (enough for 6 people) is a no-brainer for anyone who wants to be the next grill master. It comes packed with two cuts of Certified Angus Beef Tenderloin Steak, two cuts of Certified Angus Beef Ribeye Steak, two cuts of Certified Angus Beef Striploin “NY Strip” Steak, two bags of Green Giant Corn on the Cob 4 Ears and a stick of Blue River Butter. So you will also be getting some delicious buttery corn as a side dish.
Cooking Tips: For the perfect steak, make sure to bring the steak to room temperature, season well with your favorite spices, sear on high heat and make sure not to overcook it. Then let it rest for 5 minutes, cut across the grain and serve.
For a more laid back affair, we love throwing hot dogs on the grill. The Hotdog Bundle (enough for 10 people) is perfect for kids and adults alike. The bundle includes Martin’s three packs of Top Sliced Potato Rolls and National Deli Beef Frankfurters.
Cooking Tips: Once the hotdogs are at room temperature, place them on a clean grill that has been brushed with oil. Grill them on a medium-low heat and make sure to regularly turn the hotdogs to get an even and beautiful sear. The buns are more than a vehicle for the hotdogs, so they need to be treated with the respect they deserve, brush with melted butter and toast on the grill face down, over indirect heat, for one minute for a beautiful toasty layer. Add your favorite toppings, relishes, sauces and enjoy.
Another people-pleaser at kashtas and camping trips are burgers. The Burger Bundle is perfect for a full campsite, since it is enough for 20 people. It includes a Greater Omaha Ground Beef Chuck, four packs of Martin’s Potato Rolls and five packs of Yasmin Sliced Yellow Cheddar Cheese.
Cooking Tips: Starting with a clean grill and cold ground beef, create a hot zone (with more coals) and a cooler zone (with fewer coals) for more indirect heat. Season the meat right before placing it on the grill and start your burger in the hot zone to achieve a perfect crust and then move it to the cooler zone. Keep an eye on the grill to avoid flare-ups. The burger is ready when it is no longer sticking to the grill. For a juicy burger don’t press on the meat or overwork it. Add cheese at the last minute so that it melts on the burger, then place in the buns, add toppings to your preference and enjoy immediately.
For some serious Kashta Kudos, go the traditional route with a lamb kabsa! The Lamb Bundle (enough for 8 people) has everything you need for the delicious classic dish. You will be getting a Classic Lamb Leg Bone-in, Chump Off , one bag of Al Taiyeb Basmati XL Rice, a bag of Al Raie Saudi Salt, Chef’s Choice Cinnamon Sticks, Chef’s Choice Golden Raisins, Chef’s Choice Black Pepper Powder, Chef’s Choice Roasted Cardamom, Chef’s Choice Meat Spices, Rosanna Tomato Paste, a bottle of Chef’s Choice Sunflower Oil and two sticks of Blue River Butter.
Cooking Tips: This dish is slightly more involved but so worth it. In a pressure cooker add some oil, your favorite spices, diced onion, minced garlic, tomato paste and diced fresh tomatoes. Add the meat and sear then add in your favorite meat spices. Cover the meat with water and bring to a boil. Cover the pressure cooker and allow the meat to cook, but not fully, on a medium heat. Add the washed and soaked rice to the pressure cooker, stir and add water. Reduce the heat and leave for 10 mins. Bon appetit, or “Sahtain”!
The Makani Kashta Bundles are going to make your trip a wonderful experience, but you should also remember to pack wireless speakers so you can blast your favorite tunes, lots of water, and don’t forget dessert! Be respectful of the desert, clean up after yourself so you can enjoy it the next time you visit.
Makani is located in Shuwaikh, Jahra and Fahaheel and is open from 07.00 AM to 10 PM every day. The Makani Kashta Bundles are available at the Shuwaikh and Fahaheel locations. You can call or whatsapp the Hotline number 180 9090 to order or make inquiries. Follow Makani for updates on Instagram @makanikw or head to makanifoods.com to order online.
