Rkak – Lentil and Noodle Stew

Irkak ‘addas or ‘rushtayeh’ is a vegan Palestinian and Levantine dish as old as time. It’s a stew made of tender lentils, noodles, plenty of caramelized onion, lots of warm spices, fried garlic, cilantro, lemon, and pomegranate molasses. Wholesome, tangy, and deeply satisfying, it hits all the right spots. The noodles are traditionally homemade, but…

Roasted Eggplants with Green Chili Sauce and Vegetables

These roasted eggplants with a green chili sauce and summer vegetables were nominated by the James Beard Foundation for their summer contest, and I am so excited to finally share the recipe with you all.  This dish is perfect for bringing some freshness into the last days of summer. Satisfying, vibrant, and loaded with character,…

Date, Chocolate, and Rose Water Truffles

Sublime chocolate and rose water truffles. These are made to be consumed slowly and with no regrets. Sweetened with the deep caramel flavor of dates, they melt in your mouth at once. Here is an instant recipe for instant pleasure. INGREDIENTS/ MAKES 8 TRUFFLES 6 medjoul dates, pitted 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, plus more for…

Smoky Eggplant and Vegetable Salad

  A taste of bliss. Smoky eggplant salad with pomegranate molasses, spices, plenty of lemon, slowly cooked pine nuts, tahini, and really good olive oil. It tastes so indulgent despite being such a light dish. With smoky, sweet, fresh, and hearty flavors, each bite is terribly comforting. This salad is great spread on hot bread,…

Chickpea, Bulgur, Mint, and Vegetable Salad

A bulgur, chickpea, mint, and spring vegetable salad inspired by North African and Levantine flavors. Tossed in a delicious orange juice and lemon dressing, it is a most refreshing meal or starter for a heated summer day. And if you’re looking for an accompaniment, this salad pairs well with seared salmon or chicken. INGREDIENTS/ SERVES…

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…

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…

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…