Roasted Beetroot and Garlic Dip

This vibrant starter is, like many of the best of things, quite simple. It lets you focus on the intensity of the beetroot without masking any flavors. Try not to be alarmed by the large amount of garlic in the dish, it will caramelize beautifully in the oven and turn into sweet, chewy, and utterly…

Tomato, Chickpea, and Vermicelli Noodle Soup

This slightly spicy chickpea and vermicelli noodle soup has all the things I love; lots of warm Middle Eastern spices, hearty greens, plenty of herbs, and chili. It also happens to be the soup that I make most often. I especially love the combination of turmeric, cumin, and the lemon juice added at the end….

Baklava

  Baklava, or baklawa as it is known as in the Levant, is a staple Mediterranean dessert that can be found throughout eastern Mediterranean countries such as Greece, Turkey, Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine. Growing up, we often had it on our table for holidays, birthdays, and special occasions. It was not, however, until my friend,…

Leek, Potato, and Pea Soup

  Soups have always been one of my specialties. I started making them as a child impressed by the little effort they required and the delicious reward they provided. There is something so comforting about knowing that by simmering a couple of fresh and simple ingredients, you will have a pot to provide warmth on a…

Roasted Cauliflower and Aubergine with Dukkah and Chili – Cilantro Sauce

Cauliflower cooked the right way can be a revelation. When roasted, they caramelize in way that enhance their flavor, making them succulent and tasty with both soft and crispy spots. Combine them with aubergine chunks, dukkah, chili, cilantro, and a tangy tahini sauce for the ultimate burst of flavors. Dukkah is an ancient nut and…

Tahini, Lemon, and Cardamom Energy Bars

These bars are perfect to snack on while on the go or simply to enjoy on a quiet afternoon with a cup of tea. They are chewy, crunchy, and wholesome – the ultimate snack trifecta, in my opinion. Flavored with lemon, cinnamon, cardamom, and deliciously nutty tahini, you will get a burst of flavors with every…

Helba – Fenugreek Cake

Helba, which literally translates to ‘fenugreek,’ is a sweet, rich, and sticky Palestinian cake made with fenugreek seeds, semolina, and olive oil. The nutty seeds are simmered away until tender and then kneaded into the dough along with the water infused with their flavor. After baking, the cake is drizzled with a lemon sugar syrup…

Winter Pomegranate, Mint, and Tomato Salad

Happiness is this juicy cherry tomato salad with mint, pomegranate jewels, herbs, nuts, and seeds tossed in a sweet and sour vinaigrette. The balsamic vinegar really brings out the sweetness of the fruits and makes for pleasant bursts of sweet and tangy flavors. Like many of my favorite recipes, this salad was born out of the…

Pomelo and Avocado Salad with Sumac

This is the perfect salad for those craving some freshness after the holidays. At this time of the year, the Palestinian market stalls are laden with all kinds of fresh citrus. Amongst the variety, you will find what appears to be a giant green grapefruit. It has a very thick outer layer that protects its…