Home-grown and delicious

The ‘fresh and friendly supermarket’ Alosra has teamed up with Executive Chef Susy Massetti to create nine delicious recipes, using locally-grown produce.
 
The move is the company’s newest endeavour in its Think Local initiative which was launched back in 2011 aimed at showcasing the best of Bahrain.

The special recipes, which include pan-roasted hammour, veal ossobuco and sun-dried cherry tomatoes, can be found in Alosra branches throughout the kingdom - Saar, Amwaj, Riffa Views, Juffair, Nakheel Centre and Durrat Al Bahrain.
 
The recipes are fresh and innovative, using the finest ingredients Bahrain has to offer, Alosra promises, with the talented Susy delivering ‘nothing short of deliciousness’, whether it be a simple recipe for a freshly home-baked ciabatta or a full-out slow-stewed veal shank meal.

“The idea behind the programme was to support local farmers and build up confidence in local produce,” explained Yasmin Hussain, BMMI brand, communications and CSR manager.  “After all, buying local ensures that quality is not compromised.

“Nothing beats having fruits and vegetables that have just been handpicked from a farm delivered straight to your plate! Imported produce, on the other hand, tends to travel thousands of miles by air, risking losing its freshness in the process. 
“Local produce is also known to be more nutritious, as produce in general tends to lose its nutrients once harvested.
 
“By purchasing local produce, transportation and storage costs are drastically reduced, resulting in cheaper prices. In addition, the carbon footprint is minimised, as the transportation process requires significant energy resources that usually result in detrimental pollution.

“The true essence of the programme, however, is to support local farmers. By buying local, you are investing in the community and ensuring the continuity of local farmers’ businesses.

“We are really looking forward to the many more delightful recipes Susy will be creating for our customers. Personally, I am excited to try making the veal ossobuco and the lazy ciabatta bread!”

Italian Chef Susy has been an executive chef at leading hotels and restaurants in the Middle East and Europe, has also travelled throughout the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Mexico and African coasts maintaining a 5-star level of worldwide cuisine as the private chef for a tycoon on his yacht, as well as publishing a collection of simple no nonsense Italian recipes.

She is now firmly anchored at the celebrated Masso Restaurant at The Palace Boutique Hotel in Manama which regards itself as the first ‘green’, ethical and sustainable Southern European restaurant in Bahrain.

Describing herself as a ‘cook by birth, a chef by choice’, she added: “I’m proud and honoured to be part of this wonderful initiative aimed at showcasing all that this wonderful little island has to offer!

“There are many others like us at Masso that grow delicious herbs and vegetables right here and it’s great that finally someone has taken the opportunity to let everyone know of it!

“My recipes are simple and easy to execute, people these days don’t have much time to spare in the kitchens anymore but still want to offer the most delicious and healthy meals for their family and I sure hope I just give a little help in doing that!”

BMMI says it is ‘honoured’ that Chef Susy was so passionate and willing to support the Think Local initiative at Alosra.

“Buying local has a positive impact from all aspects, whether it is from a company, supplier or customer-orientated perception,” said Pavlos Babiolakis, Alosra Marketing & Product Development Manager. “The demand for local produce is increasing more every day. This is evident with the success Bahrain has seen with its eminent Farmers’ Market, in which hundreds of Bahrainis flock to buy the ripest and finest local produce,” he said.

“Alosra wants to ensure that such local support is available on a wider range and at all times through the Think Local initiative. We are hoping that with the support of the community, local farms will reach a point where they can provide customers with even greater options, reinforcing the need to source locally grown fruits and vegetables.”

Readers can head on down to an Alosra branch today and show their support by trying out the culinary masterpieces.