WATCH: How Emirati families cook meat in pits for up to 24 hours to prepare feasts for Eid and special occasions – News

Tannour is an annual tradition cherished by Emirati families across the country on special occasions

As Eid al-Adha approaches, the people of the UAE are eagerly preparing for the holiday, embracing their rich culinary traditions. A highlight of the festivities is Tannour, a traditional cooking method.

With its unique flavors and captivating rituals, Tannour is an annual tradition cherished by Emirati families across the country for special occasions.

It holds a special place in the hearts and taste buds of residents across the UAE mountains and neighboring Oman. During Eid al-Adha, families come together to embark on culinary adventures and create unforgettable culinary experiences.

Tannour preparations start early, with each family crafting their own unique blend of aromatic spices.

The highlight of the meal is the meat, which is wrapped in mountain shrubs such as ‘Shakhshu’, ‘Shaw’a’ or ‘Za’am’ in the UAE, or in Oman in banana leaves, mona leaves, lemon or almonds . These natural coverings give the meat its distinctive flavor, and their use is an integral part of the cooking process.

To achieve perfect cooking results, the meat is slowly cooked in the Tannour for extended periods of time, sometimes up to 24 hours.

The meat is placed in a special bag made from palm leaves known as ‘Khousaf’ and topped with plenty of freshly ground local spices.

This tasty pack is then placed in a Tannour pit filled with carefully selected firewood, usually from the resilient Samr tree.

Tannur pits are about two meters deep and vary in diameter from one and a half to two meters. The size of the pit is determined by the number of families participating in the festivities. Traditionally, the pit is lined with “stone and clay” to create an insulating layer, ensure the juiciness of the meat and prevent any outside air from “entering”.

Tannour offers more than just good food, it’s delicious food. It is also a celebration of customs and heritage. Families gather around the pit, eagerly awaiting the moment when the perfectly cooked meat is dug out. There is a sense of excitement and happiness in the air as loved ones share in the experience, making the holiday even more memorable.

Tannur traditions have been passed down from generation to generation in various regions of the UAE, such as the villages of Hatta and Shawka. Families take pride in using pits that have stood the test of time for six or seven decades. The pits have witnessed the joy of many Eid al-Adha celebrations and continue to bring the community together, emphasizing the importance of preserving cultural heritage.

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