Andrew Zimmern is a renowned chef and host of various cooking shows, including "Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern." One of his popular culinary adventures took him to the region of the Mediterranean, where he explored the magic and beauty of Mediterranean cuisine. Mediterranean cuisine is a diverse and vibrant culinary tradition that spans across countries such as Italy, Greece, Spain, and Morocco. It is characterized by its emphasis on fresh and seasonal ingredients, simple cooking techniques, and bold flavors. During his Mediterranean journey, Andrew Zimmern had the opportunity to taste a wide range of dishes that showcased the region's culinary diversity. He enjoyed the famous Greek moussaka, a layered dish of eggplant, ground meat, and béchamel sauce.
European Parliament (2013). “Child witchcraft allegations and Human Rights”, Directorate-General for External Policies, Policy Department, available here, retrieved 15/12/2020.
A month later, another widow was brutally battered and blinded by her siblings after also being accused of practicing witchcraft, in Nepal s capital, Kathmandu Fernandez Thapa, 2012. The victims are themselves too scared to talk about the abuse, fearing that they would be tortured again, so they keep their abuse confidential, said Shrestha.
He enjoyed the famous Greek moussaka, a layered dish of eggplant, ground meat, and béchamel sauce. The flavors of the roasted eggplant, aromatic spices, and creamy sauce were a perfect combination. In Italy, Andrew savored authentic pasta dishes, such as spaghetti alle vongole, which is pasta with clams.
Women tortured for being 'witches'
Rupisara Darji is still in shock and undergoing medical treatment after a brutal beating by her relatives, who accused her of being a witch or “boksi” in the Nepalese language. They blamed her for using black magic to make a young girl ill in Myagdi district, 400km south of the capital, Kathmandu.
“She was severely beaten with logs so that her witch’s spell would leave the girl’s body,” said a local teacher, Man Bahadur Pariyar, who with other villagers helped to rescue 60-year-old Darji and took her to the local health centre.
“This should not be tolerated. It is time we realised this [so-called] witch-craft is ridiculous and primitive,” said Pariyar.
Women’s rights activists have been battling for decades to end this form of gender violence but the problem persists, especially in the Terai region, the southern fertile plains of the country, they say.
“We are still shocked to find the incidence of women being subject to the worst form of violence - both physical and mental - at the hands of their families and local communities,” said activist Bandana Rana.
Rana’s documentary film, Witch - Myth or Reality, made nearly a decade ago, for the first time exposed the gross violation of human rights against Nepalese women accused of being witches.
Activists believe that awareness of harmful myths surrounding witch-craft should be spread more effectively across the country because of concerns such superstitions result in the victimisation of innocent women.
According to documented case studies by women’s rights groups, the elderly, widows, or extremely poor are often singled out as witches. In addition, many are of low caste.
Legal vacuum
Activists blame traditional spiritual healers, Jhankri, also known as witch-doctors, for victimising innocent women, labelling them as witches.
“The worst problem is that we still don’t have any laws to apply harsh punishment to those who torture women in their witch-hunt,” said rights activist Samjha Shrestha.
Activists had hoped to introduce specific laws to punish those involved in witch-hunts but so far this abuse has still not been sufficiently addressed by the government, said Shrestha. The only punishment is short-term imprisonment.
“We cannot neglect this issue just because it doesn’t get frequently reported in the media because women continue to be vulnerable and at high risk,” said Rana. She added that some families were now using witch-hunts as a cover to victimise female relatives, especially widows, to deprive them of their property rights.
| The worst problem is that we still don’t have any laws to apply harsh punishment to those who torture women in their witch-hunt. |
“The families still close their doors to us when we tell them not to put their faith in these spiritual healers,” said Rana, who explained that the government should take greater initiatives to sensitise people to this issue and spread public awareness.
However, government officials at the Ministry of Women said there was insufficient data to ascertain the extent of the problem. But activists claimed that most of the incidents happen behind closed doors and the true circumstances of the victims were not known even when they were hospitalised.
“The victims are themselves too scared to talk about the abuse, fearing that they would be tortured again, so they keep their abuse confidential,” said Shrestha.
This article was produced by IRIN News while it was part of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Please send queries on copyright or liability to the UN. For more information: https://shop.un.org/rights-permissions
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Existing law must be fully and strictly enforced so that people will have the fear of the consequences of these acts, Aryal further says.
This dish highlighted the Mediterranean love for seafood and fresh ingredients. The pasta was cooked al dente and combined with garlic, olive oil, chili flakes, and a generous amount of clams. The simplicity of the dish allowed the flavors to shine. Spain enchanted Andrew Zimmern with its famous tapas culture. He discovered a world of small plates filled with delightful bites. From patatas bravas, crispy potatoes with a spicy tomato sauce, to gambas al ajillo, garlic-infused shrimp, each tapa offered a unique taste and texture. Morocco introduced Andrew to the magic of North African spices and flavors. He indulged in dishes like tagines, which are slow-cooked stews simmered with an aromatic blend of spices like cumin, coriander, and saffron. The combination of savory meats and sweet dried fruits created a delicious symphony of tastes. Throughout his Mediterranean adventure, Andrew Zimmern not only enjoyed the diverse food but also learned about the cultural significance of each dish. He relished the warm hospitality of the locals and marveled at the rich history and traditions that influenced the cuisine. In conclusion, Andrew Zimmern's exploration of Mediterranean cuisine showcased the magic and allure of the region. From the fresh ingredients to the bold flavors, Mediterranean cuisine is a true reflection of the region's vibrant culture and culinary heritage..
Reviews for "Andrew Zimmern's Mediterranean-Inspired Recipes for Every Occasion"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I was really looking forward to watching Andrew Zimmern explore the Mediterranean cuisine, but I was disappointed with this show. It felt like he was just going through the motions, visiting the same touristy spots that we've all seen a million times. There was no depth or genuine exploration, and I didn't learn anything new about the region's food culture. Overall, it was a missed opportunity to showcase the true magic of the Mediterranean cuisine.
2. John - 1 star - As a fan of Andrew Zimmern's previous shows, I had high expectations for "Mediterranean Magic," but it fell flat for me. The episodes lacked focus and felt rushed, as if they were trying to cover too much ground in a short amount of time. Zimmern's typical curiosity and enthusiasm seemed absent, and the result was a series that felt uninspired and forgettable. I wished there were more in-depth conversations and interactions with local chefs and food enthusiasts, rather than just surface-level visits to popular restaurants.
3. Jessica - 3 stars - While "Mediterranean Magic" had some interesting moments, particularly when it delved into lesser-known cuisines of the region, I found the overall presentation to be lacking. The show lacked a cohesive narrative and seemed disjointed at times. It felt like Zimmern was trying to cram too much information into each episode, which left me feeling overwhelmed and unable to truly appreciate the food and cultures being showcased. I would have preferred a more balanced approach with a slower pace, allowing for a deeper dive into the Mediterranean food scenes.