Watch: How families in UAE cook meat for up to 24 hours in pits to prepare feasts for Eid, special occasions

As Eid Al Adha approached, Emirati people eagerly prepared for the occasion by embracing their rich culinary traditions. One standout delight that marked the celebration was Tannour, a traditional cooking method.

With its unique flavours and captivating rituals, Tannour is an annual tradition cherished by Emirati families across the nation on their special occasions.

It holds a special place in the hearts and palates of residents in the mountainous areas of the UAE and various places in the neighbouring Oman. During Eid Al Adha, families gather to embark on this culinary adventure, creating an unforgettable gastronomic experience.

Preparations for the Tannour begin well in advance, with each family meticulously crafting their own distinctive blend of aromatic spices.

The highlight of the meal is the meat, which is wrapped in a mountain shrub such as "Shakhshu", "Shaw'a" or "Za'am" in the UAE, and in Oman, banana leaves, mouna leaves, lemon, or almonds. These natural coverings impart a distinct flavour to the meat, and their use is an integral part of the cooking process.

To achieve culinary perfection, the meat is slowly cooked for an extended period, sometimes up to 24 hours, inside the Tannour.

The meat is placed in a specially crafted bag made of palm fronds known as "Khousaf”, along with a generous amount of freshly ground local spices.

This flavourful package is then positioned within the Tannour pit, which is filled with carefully selected firewood, often sourced from the resilient Samr tree.

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