Cookbook author, TV chef and restaurateur Zahra Abdalla is taking back control of her life, slowing down and realising the importance of saying ‘no’. Here, she shares an easy yet flavourful recipe that requires minimal effort
Cookbook author, TV chef and restaurateur Zahra Abdalla is taking back control of her life, slowing down and realising the importance of saying ‘no’. Here, she shares an easy yet flavourful recipe that requires minimal effort
Over the past few months, I have had many interesting conversations with friends about how overwhelmed they have all felt. There always is too much to do, never enough time and everyone is tired.
This obviously has everything to do with the pandemic. When it hit, we were all suddenly expected to stay in and work from home. Instead of slowing down and spending extra time with our families, many of us worked more than ever – coming close to, or actually experiencing, burnout! Any sign of a work-life balance vanished, and sadly, this chaotic state seems to be a pressing reality.
Last summer, I thought the worst was over and that life was going back to normal. For the first time in two years, we flew to Canada to see my parents.
I figured that if we were comfortable enough to catch a long-haul flight to Vancouver, it could only be good. But my sense of normalcy felt short-lived upon landing in Dubai. It felt like the pressure and daily expectations of life, work and family compounded. I had to somehow return to a pre-Covid life but do so with Covid still very much present.
Being the person that I am, I thought I could handle the pressure, but at some point, I couldn’t. And I only realised this after taking a sincere and honest moment to self-reflect that if I didn’t slow down, I’d break down. I needed to simplify everything in my life – to do better for myself, my sanity and my family.
Simplifying is no easy task, but in the process of learning how to master this, I am learning so much about myself – and the journey is enlightening. Perhaps one of the most important lessons is that I am learning to be more comfortable with saying ‘no’.
In keeping with my “less is more” mantra for 2022, I’ve chosen to share this delightful roasted cabbage served with tahini sauce. Made from just a few ingredients, it’s one of my favourite recipes that really is simple yet so flavourful. It can be served as a side, or as a main on its own. Just make sure you choose top-quality ingredients!
I’d like to wish you all a Happy New Year – remember to keep it simple!
