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…
Tag: healthy cooking
Stuffed Roasted Aubergine
Betinjan mashwi, which translates to roasted aubergine in English, is a Middle Eastern dish that consists of aubergine halves roasted in a high heat and then stuffed with an aromatic, hearty, and meaty tomato sauce. A version of this dish made its way from the Levant to Moorish Spain centuries ago and is today considered…
Butternut Squash and Cucumber Soup
Oh so creamy, light, and utterly delicious, this recipe has both Middle Eastern and Thai influences. It may sound like an odd combination, but such combinations are often the ones that surprise us the most. I have always loved the way cucumber works in a soup and butternut squash partners with it divinely here as…
Creamy Cucumber and Herb Soup
If you have never tasted cooked cucumber before, this soup may seem a bit odd. But it works beautifully and provides for a silky, smooth, and revitalizing bowl of calm. After being cooked, the taste of cucumber itself is perceived only distantly. You do, however, get the instantly refreshing feel of fresh cucumbers and mint. And it’s…
Tahini and Honey Poached Salmon
Ahlan! Today, we travel to the Palestinian coast where fish is served oceanside with a variety of delectable mezze dishes. In this succulent dish, I poach salmon fillets in a tangy and slightly sweet tahini-honey sauce until juicy and tender. Toasted pine nuts, parsley, and pomegranate arils are then added for freshness and crunch. And…
Date and Rosewater Chia Pudding
This date and rose water chia pudding is inspired by Palestinian cuisine and my love for plant-based foods. Sweet and creamy Medjoul dates, almond milk, a subtle touch of rose water and apricot pieces characterize this nourishing treat. It will provide you with the sustenance and energy you need for your mornings, middays, or late…
Roasted Sweet Potato and Lentil Soup with Tahini
It’s still winter and what better way to cozy up than with healthy and delicious comfort food. This vegan roasted sweet potato and lentil soup with Eastern spices and a tangy tahini sauce hits all the right spots. It’s also the perfect way to make use of sweet potatoes while they’re still in season. Simple,…