He has a “poker face”, the almost desperate look of those who helplessly observe life and time being deconstructed, spotting every absurdity and every flaw. A funny comedian, almost funny in spite of himself, Chaker Bou Abdalla plays his own role in stand-up comedies where the sexuality of his parents, the unchanged situation of the country, the indifference, even the permanent optimism of the Lebanese are close to surrealism. Better to laugh about it, or at least smile, he seems to think, and do it with a serious look, with a touch of irony buried in an unruly beard. And it works, because the “sauce takes”. A graphic designer (in spite of himself too), the actor joined the Awk.word platform in 2018 where his sketches, false improvisations, bring together a larger number of fans in search of (black) humor. As proof, the success of his last show Codeine who continues his journey, an opportunity for him to continue “testing new texts”. In October, Chaker Bou Abdalla (finally) begins a European tour, which takes him from Berlin to Luxembourg, Brussels, Amsterdam, Paris and Toulouse.
The actor, concentrated, in full preparation. Photo Mohammad Yassine
Even behind the stove, Chaker Bou Abdalla seems to be performing, in the same offbeat attitude that gives him his charm. Whether he forgets an ingredient, whether he talks to the vegetables apologizing for sacrificing them, everything is subject to a funny moment to be enjoyed without moderation. His kafta bi batata, a traditional Lebanese dish that Lebanese mamas love to serve to their families, he chose it because “it’s easy and it’s one of the rare dishes that I know how to prepare,” admits. he said without blinking…
8 GOURMET QUESTIONS
1 – When did you start cooking?
I have to admit that I cook a lot, but I learned to make a few dishes maybe 7 years ago.
2 – What is your relationship with cooking?
I love cooking, but I don’t have the patience for it. It’s on the list of things I wish I knew how to do.
3 – Sweet or salty?
Both, but if I have to choose, definitely the sweet one.
4 – Gourmand or gourmet?
More gourmet than gourmand, it depends on my hunger.
5 – Breakfast, lunch or dinner?
Dinner. I’m more of a night person and this meal, which belongs to this particular time of the day that I love, made it my favorite.
6 – The chef you admire?
I don’t follow chefs, but having seen him work a few times, I find Gordon Ramsey excellent.
7 – Your favorite cuisine?
Lebanese cuisine.
8 – Carnivore or vegetarian?
Omnivorous.
Kafta bi batata, the only dish that Chaker bou Abdalla knows how to cook. Photo Mohammad Yassine
The kafta bi batata by Chaker Bou Abdalla
Gender : main course
Preparation time : 15 minutes
Cooking time : 45 minutes
Total time : 60 minutes
Serving size: for 4 people
Difficulty : easy
Tips: keep the skin of the potatoes for a crispier texture and a stronger taste.
Ingredients
1 green pepper, sliced widthwise
3 medium potatoes, well washed, unpeeled and diced
2 tomatoes cut into slices
1 kg of kafta in the shape of balls
2 tbsp. to s. tomato paste
1 Maggi cube
Cooking oil as needed.
Enjoy your food ! Photo Mohammad Yassine
Preparation
Step 1 : heat the oil in a saucepan over medium/high heat, fry the diced potatoes halfway through cooking and set aside.
2nd step : in a pan, heat 2 tbsp. to s. of oil and fry the kafta balls until browned. To book.
Step 3: coat the bottom of a baking dish with a thin layer of oil and place the pepper slices on it.
Step 4: Pile the kafta balls on top of the peppers, followed by the tomato slices and diced potatoes.
Step 5: In the pan used to fry the kafta balls, brown the Maggi cube and the tomato paste. Add 1 tbsp. to c. oil if necessary. Pour 1 large glass of hot water and mix everything.
Step 6: pour the sauce obtained in the oven dish over the rest of the preparation.
Step 7: Bake at 180 degrees for 45 minutes.
Step 8: serve hot and enjoy your meal!
He has a “poker face”, the almost desperate look of those who helplessly observe life and time being deconstructed, spotting every absurdity and every flaw. A funny comedian, almost funny in spite of himself, Chaker Bou Abdalla plays his own role in stand-up comedies where the sexuality of his parents, the unchanged situation of the country,…
