INVESTBANK, a leading bank in providing innovative banking solutions, teamed up with Nakahat ‘Ailiyeh parenting magazine to launch an online healthy organic recipe competition, the results of which were officially announced this month.

Manal Ameen won by a majority vote due to the variety she used in her dishes and the effort she put into giving a modern and organic twist to traditional Middle Eastern recipes.

“The techniques she uses are uncommon in traditional Arabic cuisine and the pairing of flavours combined with the use of seasonal organic products was the reason I nominated this candidate,” disclosed culinary instructor Chef Jacques Rossel from the Royal Academy for Culinary Arts.

Judge and dietician Razan Shwahat, and expert writer in Jordan’s only parenting magazines Family Flavours and Nakahat ‘Ailiyeh, said that the candidate had not compromised taste for health. “For example, Ameen’s entry had organic plant proteins, such as lentils and chickpeas along with antioxidants (organic sesame oil rich in Omega-3) this balanced the saturated fat in the chicken recipe,” explained Shwahat.

Ameen won an annual supply of Al Shams Farmers’ Market organic produce to be delivered every month at her doorstep. The market is supported by INVESTBANK and is a local organic farming initiative that develops the skills of farmers from ‘Ajloun. The bank assists them in capacity building, widening their market and marketing their produce.

The high level of judges included Italian Chef Juan Pablo Iametti from Grand Hyatt Amman and Chef Ismail Abu Hafez from Movenpick hotel and spa, Chef De Partie from Mövnepick Resort & Spa Dead Sea.

“Our focus at Al Shams Farmers’ Market is quality and we ensure this by using natural fertilizers and organic seeds. We are happy that Manal Ameen will be enjoying the rich flavors in our monthly produce basket all year round,” said Nuseibeh Momani, Market manager and President of Al Kifah coop.

This month, Shams Farmers’ Market, supported by INVESTBANK, is the main sponsor of The Flavours of Fine Dining supplements, released with the July issues of Family Flavours and Nakahat ‘Ailiyeh. The supplements in Arabic and English highlight healthy eating options using organic ingredients from Al Shams Farmers’ Market.