Richmond Halal Market

I grew up blocks away from Indian markets and halal butcher shops in Berkeley and I was thrilled to find something similar close by in Richmond. I may not need halal meat specifically, but I do shop for lamb and goat regularly. If you are local, here is the link to the address and some pictures of the store. The picture above shows a sampling of things I bought recently. You can buy spices, meats, Turkish coffee, and Middle Eastern desserts at much better prices than you'd find elsewhere.  This is where I bought the spices, rice, and lamb for maqloubeh. Whether you check out this market or a similar one in your neighborhood, here are some things you shouldn't miss. 

• Labne (a delicious cross between yogurt and cheese)
• Enormous bags of basmati rice
• Spice mixes 
• Olive oil in huge jugs
• Goat, lamb, beef and chicken
• Baklava 
• Halva
• Beans and spices
• Pita, lavash, and other breads

Turkish Coffee

Here is how you make Turkish coffee, right off of the package of Edna's Mediterranean style coffee. Thank you, Edna.

1. Measure one teaspoon of Edna's coffee per cup into a coffee pot. 
2. Add one teaspoon of sugar per cup.
3. Pour one "demitasse" cup of water for each cup into the pot.
4. Stir and allow coffee to rise.
5. Remove coffee pot before boiling and serve. 

Oddly enough, the instructions never mention heating the coffee pot at all, but clearly you must or you will be waiting a long time for that coffee! 

Alternatively, my sister brings it to a froth three times. She knows what she's talking about; her Turkish coffee is always thick and sweet.