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…

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…

Palestinian Okra Stew/ Bamia

While I love developing new recipes with twists and fusions of flavors, there are times when traditional recipes, those that have been barely altered throughout the ages, become a necessity. Such foods are capable of transporting us back in time and connecting us with loved ones in ways that may no longer be possible through…

Flourless Peanut Butter and Tahini Cookies

Oh my. These 4 ingredient peanut butter and tahini cookies are rich, slightly gooey from the inside, and addictive, oh so addictive. This recipe is foolproof and great for those who are not accustomed to baking. And I know that some may see such few ingredients with suspicion (myself included), but peanut butter and tahini add a…

Fried Halloumi

A world without halloumi is not a world that I am prepared to live in. I fondly remember how our Sunday family breakfasts in the States consisted of a variety of mezze dishes ranging from dips to shakshuka to zaa’tar. I found comfort knowing that halloumi would always be amongst those foods. The luscious cheese has always…

Roasted Aubergine with Pesto and Tahini

This roasted aubergine dish is another favorite in my book. It is undemanding and rather effortless, but its flavors are anything but modest. This recipe for me, is synonymous with the simplicity and freshness of Eastern Mediterranean and Levantine cuisine.  Roasted aubergine slices topped with a flavorful basil pesto and tangy tahini drizzle… A fusion of…

Butternut Squash and Carrot Soup

A creamy, satisfying, and invigorating butternut squash and carrot soup with hints of ginger and a generous dose of turmeric. The flavors here are warming, energizing, and vibrant. Top with some zaa’tar, a light drizzle of olive oil, and a dollop of labaneh or greek yogurt for a bowl of pure joy. And while this…

Roasted Butternut Squash Salad

This is one of my go to salads. It is quick and simple to make, but loaded with flavor and satisfaction. The deliciously golden butternut squash is spiced with paprika and roasted until its surface is crispy and slightly chewy. It is then combined with fresh greens, toasted almonds, pomegranate seeds, sultanas, sesame seeds, plenty of…

Chunky Chickpea Shakshuka

This is one of those meals that speaks to the soul. Growing up, I would often have shakshuka in my grandmother’s cozy Amman kitchen during my childhood vacations in Jordan. That would be the beginning of my lifelong passion for cooking. My paternal grandmother Nema’s enthusiasm was evident by the way that she poured her…