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Knafeh Na’ameh
The ultimate Middle Eastern dessert is knafeh. There is no debate about it. Almost every region in the Middle East has its own variation of it. Knafeh has become so much more universal now where you can find it in frozen aisles of supermarkets but nothing is better than homemade. The quality is unmatched. How can I describe this dessert to you? Knafeh Na’ameh is delicately crunchy yet smooth with a layer of gooey sweet cheese and a drizzle of simple syrup. Nablus, Palestine is most known for its Knafeh Na’meh. Some of the best in the world can be found in the streets of Nablus. I am not even…
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Turkish Chicken & Flatbread
Hi everyone! Hope you are all well. I am so excited because I have my parents in town visiting me from New Jersey, my home state. Whenever my parents and I get together; it is always a great time. I missed them so much so you can only imagine how happy I am! Much of my cooking has been influenced by my mother who is a phenomenal cook. Anything she touches becomes gold. One of the dishes she has been making as of the last few years is this Turkish chicken and flatbread which my entire family enjoys. The flavors are inspired by Turkey where they use so many fresh…
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Traditional Graybeh (Middle Eastern Shortbread Cookie)
Let’s start off by saying that I absolutely love this cookie! Not just because its SO easy, but because it is SO delicious too. Who knew a 4 ingredient cookie can taste this good in no time? Ghraybeh is crisp on the outside and just melts in your mouth once you bite into it. The nuts on top give that little extra decoration and crunch. You can even make some with sprinkles for your kiddos. You can really have fun with these butter cookies. I even have a variation of Ghraybeh where I made them into thumbprint cookies; you need to check that out. It was my modern take on…
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30 + Ramadan Recipes
Ramadan Mubarak to all my fellow brothers and sisters. I wish you a blessed Holy month. I hope to make this time easier on you by offering what I do best; sharing easy and delicious recipes to make iftar easier on you through this time. This list has many recipes that will surely help you this Ramadan; it is some of my most popular meals all in one post for you to access whenever desired. I hope this will inspire you in the kitchen! I have compiled the list to 30+ Ramadan recipes that I believe to be perfect for this time of year and are personally some of my…
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Shish Barak
These Middle Eastern homemade meat-stuffed dumplings are to die for! They are the ultimate comfort food and every minute that goes into making these are well worth it. Shish Barak can be considered the ravioli of Arabic cuisine; they look just like them except the stuffing must be minced meat and the sauce it is cooked in is yogurt-based to be considered traditional. Often, ground beef or lamb or even a mixture is used to make this hearty meal. Making the filling and the dough is the easiest part. It is the tedious repetition of making the dumplings by hand. First, you have to lay the dough flat and then…
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Creamy Chicken & Veggie Soup
With Ramadan on its way, a bowl of comforting and nutritious soup is in order. I personally don’t make soups often; it isn’t something I usually crave. That is why you don’t see too many on my blog but I knew I had to venture out of just drinking lentil soup all Ramadan. I present to you this creamy chicken & veggie soup that is so simple, hearty, and full of flavor. A recipe for this soup in particular has been requested by many of you several times and I know why! It is GOOD and filling. The vegetables I chose have loads of vitamins which will be extremely beneficial…
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Malfoof (Stuffed Cabbage Leaves)
I grew up eating Malfoof, which are stuffed cabbage leaves. There are so many different preparations for this dish dependent on the region. Almost every country in the Middle East has their own twist on it with various seasonings. European countries also make stuffed cabbage too! Today, I’m sharing with you my mother’s way. In the Middle East, stuffing vegetables is very common as not only is it delicious but also inexpensive. The two most common are stuffed grape leaves (dawali) & stuffed cabbage leaves (malfoof). These are both a favorite of mine but in the colder months, I always find myself craving malfoof more. Cabbage leaves are also easier…
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Mujadara (A Middle Eastern Rice & Lentil dish topped with caramelized onions)
Mujadara is a Middle Eastern staple made often during the cooler seasons as a comforting dinner. This cumin flavored rice and lentil meal is a hearty vegan dish as it is topped with a bountiful of crispy caramelized onions and often served with refreshing salads such as fattoush. My mom always paired it with a fresh tomato salsa along with cucumber yogurt salad which I share both recipes for below. Clearly, this isn’t a fancy meal but that is what makes it a comforting dish. Honestly, the onions are what make mujadara, and of course the choice of rice and lentils. Since this meal is primarily comprised of 3 simple…
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Hareeseh Mahshi Bil Tamer (Semolina Cake stuffed with dates)
A traditional Middle Eastern Hareeseh is a semolina cake oftentimes drenched in a simple syrup and topped with almonds. This dessert has multiple names all dependent on the region its made in the Middle East. You may know it as Namoura, or even basbousa. They all refer to this delicious semolina cake. It is an extremely popular sweet treat; you can find it always everywhere and anywhere overseas. Semolina is used predominantly in the Arabic culture especially in desserts. In this baked good, coarse semolina is used as opposed to fine semolina. The two cannot be switched for this recipe. The semolina adds great flavor and texture to this cake;…
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Patlican Soslu (Turkish Eggplant Tomato Dip)
As many of you may know, I was born and raised in northern New Jersey and moved to Chicago after I got married. One of the things I miss about NJ is this one Turkish restaurant called Toros. They have the most delicious food. One of my favorite appetizers from there is this Turkish Eggplant Tomato dip which I looked upon their menu and is called Patlican Soslu. Honestly, one of the best dips I have ever had! I could never get enough of it. I have been craving it and decided even though I haven’t made much Turkish food; to give it a go based on all the flavors…
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