Indulge in a sumptuous feast with this Sausage and Ricotta Cheese Pasta, a recipe that harmoniously blends the richness of sausage with the fresh, vibrant flavours of summer herbs and vegetables. This pasta dish is not just a treat to your palate but a nourishing meal brimming with a blend of delightful textures and flavours. This recipe takes a delightful twist on traditional pasta dishes by allowing the sausage to simmer with an aromatic tomato sauce, enriched with a blend of fresh herbs, for an extended period. This slow simmer allows the robust flavours of the sausage to meld beautifully w ..read more

Craving a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a refreshing salad or transformed into a flavorful wrap? This Sesame Chicken Cabbage Salad is packed with crisp shredded cabbage, colourful julienned vegetables, and succulent sesame-marinated chicken, and it is a delightful explosion of taste and texture. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. Serve it piled high on a platter for a satisfying salad, or stuff it into rice paper wrappers and create delicious, healthy rolls perfect for lunch or a light dinner. DIABETIC-FRIENDLY ASPECTS Lean protein sources like chicken breast help maint ..read more

Discover the rich flavours of the Middle East with this tasty Falafel Wrap recipe featuring easy-to-prepare Zahra’s Kitchen Falafel. This recipe lets you enjoy a restaurant-style meal at home. The falafel, with its crispy outside and flavourful inside, is the highlight of the wrap. It’s paired with a smooth tahini sauce, adding a creamy touch, and colourful parsley and sumac-marinated onion salad for extra zest. All wrapped up in a soft tortilla or flatbread and topped with fresh mint, lettuce, tomatoes, and radishes; this wrap is a harmony of flavours and textures. Perfect for a quick meal or ..read more

Ijeh, the Arabic term for an omelette, epitomises simplicity and flavour in Middle Eastern cuisine. Traditionally, it’s a vibrant melange of finely chopped vegetables, often sautéed to perfection before being enveloped in a tender, fluffy egg mixture. This particular recipe for Mushroom and Spinach Ijeh brings a delightful twist to the classic, incorporating the earthy umami of mushrooms with the fresh, slightly sweet taste of spinach. It’s a testament to the dish’s adaptability and a favourite weekend creation by my husband, celebrated for its wonderful combination of flavours and its wholeso ..read more

Makaanik, a delightful favourite for brunch or any meal of the day, epitomises the rich and diverse culinary traditions of the Middle East. While the term ‘makaanik’ often finds itself used interchangeably with ‘sujuk’ to describe Middle Eastern-style spiced sausages, Lebanese makaanik distinguishes itself with a unique blend of spices such as cloves, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and white pepper and is typically enriched with pine nuts for added flavour and texture. I grew up savouring the robust flavours of homemade Sudanese sujuk, packed with cumin and coriander. I’ve always enjoyed these saus ..read more

Enjoy the flavours of the Middle East with this Cauliflower and Eggplant Mediterranean Bowl, a dish that’s as nourishing for the soul as it is for the body. In today’s fast-paced world, taking a moment to nourish ourselves with whole, nutrient-rich foods is a form of self-care that often goes overlooked. This recipe is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create a symphony of flavours and textures, each component thoughtfully chosen for its health benefits as well as its taste. The cauliflower and eggplant, roasted to perfection, serve as the heart of this dish, offering a we ..read more

Ful Medames, a staple breakfast dish across the Middle East, is a savoury blend of slow-cooked broad beans, often customised with regional ingredients like chickpeas, chopped tomatoes, or tahini. Each variant reflects the unique culinary traditions of its origin. During a memorable visit to Nevada, we experienced a delightful twist on this classic dish at my husband’s Uncle Maher’s home. He served the traditional beans with a side of zesty salsa verde, introducing a refreshing and spicy kick that perfectly complemented the rich, earthy flavour of the beans. Inspired by this encounter, I’ve sin ..read more

Kibbeh Arnabieh is a traditional Lebanese dish that beautifully showcases Lebanon’s culinary richness. This dish is a testament to the diverse flavours and ingredients prevalent in Lebanese cuisine, characterised by its use of tahini, citrus, and a variety of spices. The pumpkin kibbeh variation adds a contemporary and seasonal twist to the classic, introducing the sweetness of pumpkin to the savoury and tangy flavours of the traditional Arnabieh sauce. The essence of Kibbeh Arnabieh lies in its sauce, a unique blend of tahini, lemon juice, and bitter orange juice, which provides a tangy and r ..read more

Manakeesh, also known as manaeesh, is a beloved Levantine delicacy, akin to a flatbread pizza, topped with a variety of flavourful ingredients. The most traditional toppings include zaatar—a savoury mix of dried thyme, oregano, marjoram, sesame seeds, and sumac—along with options like cheese or spiced ground meat. The dough is rolled out flat and baked until perfect, creating a versatile base for these delicious toppings. This recipe takes a delightful twist on the classic and shaping them into mini-sized manakeesh, perfect for social gatherings or personal indulgence. Starting with a basic ye ..read more

Tahini sauce, a creamy and versatile condiment, holds a special place in culinary traditions across the globe. Made from ground sesame seeds, this luscious sauce adds a delightful nutty flavour and velvety texture to a wide array of dishes. From Middle Eastern classics to modern fusion cuisine, tahini sauce serves as a culinary canvas, ready to elevate any dish it accompanies. While the classic tahini sauce recipe calls for simple ingredients like tahini paste, lemon juice, and water, there are endless possibilities for customization and experimentation. By incorporating alternative ingredient ..read more