Here are a few easy, crowd-pleasing recipes inspired by the cuisines of Qatar and Switzerland.
This menu balances hearty, spiced dishes with rich, comforting classics—perfect for a World Cup watch party.
Qatar: Machboos (Spiced Chicken & Rice)
This is Qatar’s national dish—a fragrant, one-pot meal with tender chicken and spiced rice, similar to a biryani but simpler to make .
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs chicken thighs
– 2 cups basmati rice
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 garlic cloves
– 1 can diced tomatoes
– 4 cups chicken broth
Spices:2 tsp baharat (or allspice), 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp turmeric, ½ tsp cinnamon
Instructions:
1.Brown:Season chicken and brown in oil. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté: In the same pot, cook onion and garlic until soft. Add spices and tomatoes.
3. Cook: Add broth and rice. Return chicken to the pot.
4. Simmer: Cover and cook for 25-30 minutes until rice is tender. Serve hot .
Vanilla Swiss Roll
Vanilla Swiss Roll recipe—light, fluffy sponge rolled with whipped cream and jam. Despite the name, this rolled cake actually originated in Central Europe, not Switzerland .
Ingredients
For the Sponge
4 large eggs
100g caster sugar (plus extra for dusting)
100g plain flour (all-purpose), sifted
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
For the Filling
200ml double cream (or heavy whipping cream)
2 tbsp icing sugar (powdered sugar)
½ tsp vanilla extract
4 tbsp raspberry or strawberry jam (optional, for extra flavor)
Step 1: Prepare
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a 23x33cm (9×13 inch) Swiss roll tin with baking parchment .
Step 2: Make the Sponge
1. In a large bowl, whisk eggs and caster sugar together for 5-7 minutes until pale, thick, and tripled in volume .
2. Gently fold in the sifted flour and salt using a metal spoon—be careful not to deflate the mixture.
3. Fold in vanilla extract.
Step 3: Bake
1. Pour batter into the prepared tin and spread evenly.
2. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden and springy to the touch .
Step 4: Roll While Warm (Crucial Step!)
1. Lay a clean tea towel on a work surface and dust generously with caster sugar .
2. Turn the hot sponge out onto the sugared towel.
3. Peel off the parchment paper from the bottom.
4. Roll the sponge up tightly with the towel inside (like a scroll). Leave to cool completely .
Step 5: Make the Filling
1. Whip double cream with icing sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form .
2. If using jam, warm it slightly in the microwave (20 seconds) for easier spreading .
Step 6: Fill and Re-roll
1. Gently unroll the cooled sponge.
2. Spread jam evenly (if using), then spread whipped cream over the top.
3. Roll the cake back up tightly without the towel.
4. Dust with icing sugar and refrigerate for 1 hour before slicing .
Pro Tips
Don’t overbake. A dry sponge will crack when rolled.
Roll while warm. This “trains” the sponge to hold its shape.
Cover with a damp towel while cooling to prevent drying out .
Enjoy your homemade Swiss roll
