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…
Pistachio, Sesame, and Black Seed Cookies
These cookies/biscuits have become my favorite treat to dip in my tea. Filled with the romantic flavors of the Levant, you will find it difficult to stop yourself after taking the first bite. My recipe is a cross of Levantine pistachio and sesame cookies (barazek) and Australian Anzac biscuits. And while this is not a traditional…
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…
Freekeh Salad
Freekeh. If you’ve been following my posts, you’ve probably noticed that I use this ancient grain quite often, a few times a week in fact. I grew up eating it in my grandmother’s soothing chicken and freekeh soup, the Middle Eastern version of chicken noodle soup. It wasn’t, however, until I began experimenting in my…
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…
Rose and Clementine Cake
Desert rose. A luscious and moist clementine cake with a rose water and vanilla bean cream cheese frosting. This sponge is charming, enticing, and fragrant. A splendid way to brighten up a pale and gloomy day. Top with silvered pistachios and pomegranate seeds for a romantic finishing touch. INGREDIENTS For the Cake 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted 1/2 teaspoon…
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…
Spelt Flatbreads with Zaa’tar
When I was a child, my grandfather would often tell me that zaa’tar made people smart. “Eat, eat, you are getting smarter,” he would say. I would giggle away thinking that he was just saying that to get me to eat the tangy greenish powder. These days I need no excuse to devour the delicious spice blend…
hanadykitchen.com 