NPR predicts that freekeh is one of the new foods to watch in 2014. Freekeh is a very nutritious and filling ancient grain. It has a low glycemic index, according to Eatright.org , and is higher in protein and fiber than other grains. Freekeh is a really rustic food that has been around in the Middle East forever. It is roasted green … [Read more…]
Creamy Chicken Curry
This is a curry made with madras curry powder, garam masala, coconut milk, and made oh-so-creamy with heavy cream. I consider this a pantry recipe because most of these items can be kept on standby in the pantry and freezer, for those times when you don’t have time to get to the store. It reheats very well, so you could double this recipe for … [Read more…]
Minted Cucumber Yogurt Salad- Khiar biLaban
This is a refreshing summer salad, made with fresh cucumbers and mint. The traditional Levantine recipe is nice and garlicky, but I also like to add some finely minced or grated onion. It goes very well with kabobs/grilled meats as well as with rice dishes. It is also good to eat alongside very spicy foods and curries, as the yogurt and mint help … [Read more…]
Lamb in Yogurt Sauce (or Wannabe Mansaf)
Not too long ago, I posted a picture on my Facebook page of a mansaf. A friend asked me if it was hard to make, and if I could share the recipe. While it is not hard at all to make, it is hard to make unless you have the right ingredients. The key ingredient is laban jameed, or a dried yogurt. I know that there is powdered jameed here in the … [Read more…]
Lemony Dandelion Greens
It is common in the Levant region to forage for wild greens like Chicory, Dandelion, Watercress, and Purslane. So, when I saw that I had a couple of pretty lush dandelions outside, I thought to myself….”hmmm, I should pick those and cook them”. Then, cooler heads prevailed (my husband’s cooler head, to be exact) and reminded me that we don’t know … [Read more…]
Liver with Onions, Garlic, and Parsley – Kibdeh
This recipe, Liver with Onions, Garlic, Parsley, and lots of spices (Kibdeh), is for those who appreciate the rich goodness that is liver when it is prepared right. Now, I know there are some who say that liver must be cooked rare to retain its health benefits, but those nutrients do not benefit me if I will not swallow it unless it is fully … [Read more…]
Bolognese Sauce
This is my version of a Bolognese Sauce. My husband is not a fan of super tangy marinara sauce, so this is a better pasta sauce for him. The addition of carrots sweetens and mellows out the flavor of the tomato sauce. Bolognese sauce usually includes celery with the carrots, but I don’t like celery, so I substitute parsley. Regarding the … [Read more…]
Avocado Garlic Dip – Avocado Muthawama
Do you need another dip for your mezzeh spread? Well, here you go. This dip goes VERY well with grilled meats and fish. We had this with our BBQ’ed chicken over Easter break, and it is a twist on muthawama (garlic potato dip). This is an avocado version which is slightly mellower, yet still has lots of garlic flavor. Avocado Garlic … [Read more…]
Saturday Brunch – Bakdounsiya – Parsley Dip
Bakdounsiya is a common sight in a Levantine mezzeh spread. It is typically eaten with pita bread, just like hummus or any of the other mezzeh dips. It goes very well with grilled meats. If you thin this out a bit more, it would be a good sauce or dressing to drizzle on top of grilled kofta, kabobs, fish, or falafel. Bakdounsiya – Parsley … [Read more…]
Cauliflower Fritters – Emshaat
Cauliflower Fritters – Emshaat I love cauliflower. It is very versatile, and can stand in for chicken to make many recipes vegetarian. In fact, when my son was 3, and I made the following recipe, he thought he was eating chicken. As long as he was eating his vegetables, I really didn’t care what he called it 😉 Several types fritters are … [Read more…]