Zaa’tar Flatbreads / Manakish

Manakish. A slightly crispy, chewy, and soft olive-oil infused flatbread topped with the romantic flavors of the Levant. There are various ways to make this delectable baked good, but my favorite involves zaa’tar. And lots of it. If you have never enjoyed this dreamy blend, now is the time. “Zaa’tar,” which translates to thyme, is used…

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…

Kunafa Nabulsi

Kunafa. I could talk about this heavenly dessert for days. If you have yet to savor its goodness, it’s a wet, gooey, hot, and rich pastry made with shredded fillo dough and baked with a stretchy sweet cheese stuffing. As with most Levantine desserts, it’s topped with a generous drizzle of orange blossom syrup. Palestinians…

Roasted Chicken with Pomegranate and Sumac

Happiness is… Chicken roasted in a flavor bursting, tangy, and sweet pomegranate juice reduction with sumac, caramelized onions, and herbs. This dish is close to my heart in so many ways, and full of the flavors of love, sharing, and ultimately, home. I have incorporated various of my favorite traditional Levantine flavors with a modern, tangy, and…

Purslane, Lentil, and Chickpea Soup

After waking up to another chilly morning, I knew that it was time to stir up a soul-warming super soup. This dish is inspired by the traditional tabikh baqla (purslane stew), that is often eaten throughout Palestine. I thought that if the nourishing green worked well in a stew, then it must be amazing in…

White Chocolate Sahlab

Sahlab is a rich, dreamy, creamy, and flavorful concoction flavored with orange blossom water and cinnamon. And it is perfect for the colder months of year. I must admit, however, that I cannot help but enjoy it year round as it fills me with a nostalgia difficult to explain. It takes me back to my…

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,…

Date, Oat, and Nut Superfood Bars

Rich in fiber, protein and healthy fats, you would never think that something so delicious could also be so good for you. Sweet and chewy Medjool dates, crispy oats, crunchy almonds, flax seeds, and all those healthy mediterranean flavors in one delectable and naturally sweet vegan and gluten-free granola block. I also added a bit of…