Remember Blanche, a spoon of Za’atar a day will keep the doctor away!” said my late Aunt Bahieh, who lived to be 95 years old. My 96 year old grandmother also eats za’atar every morning and she is still going strong. As a child my mother was told to eat za’atar for breakfast for mental…… Continue reading Za’atar-the Super Spice!
Tag: cuisine
Palestinian Maqlouba-A Savory Layer “Cake” الفلسطينية
Alright my friends, many of you have asked for it. You got it. The MOTHER of all recipes….right here right now. Palestinian Maqlouba is like no other dish, a one pot meal with drama, artistic expression, and every food group melding into one flavorgasm. Maqlouba in Arabic means literally “upside down,” because this dish is…… Continue reading Palestinian Maqlouba-A Savory Layer “Cake” الفلسطينية
“Salata Batata” Arab Style Potato Salad
Sometimes…you just want a healthy simple side dish to put on the table without much effort. Sometimes..you have to let go the fear of carbs and embrace the potato–the beautiful high fiber potato without the addition of cheese, frying, or all of that other food sabotage. Seriously why are people afraid of potatoes? They are…… Continue reading “Salata Batata” Arab Style Potato Salad
Vegeterian Koofteh (Meatball) with Chef Hoss Zare
Mainstream media paints the people of Iran with two extreme brushes: either they’re Islamic fundamentalists in beards and dark cloaks fantasizing about nukes or ….half naked, binge partying, yacht driving, drunk on Patron, flamboyant rebels on Bravo’s Shahs of Sunset. From meeting and knowing Iranian Americans thoughout my life, I have to say my impressions don’t match that of…… Continue reading Vegeterian Koofteh (Meatball) with Chef Hoss Zare
Muhammara-The Famous Dip of Syria
It’s so sad that people now associate Syria with war, death, mayhem, and destruction. Prior to the war Syria was a veritable culinary mecca, known mostly for its gorgeous desserts displayed like a Dubai skyline of confections. Another culinary delight originating from Syria is the fiery red Muhammara dip, which is unlike…… Continue reading Muhammara-The Famous Dip of Syria
Ma’Moul Cookies for Easter!
Although mainstream media seldom talks about Arab Christians, there are millions of us all over the world, from Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, Jordan and Egypt. Easter is huge for us, and there are many traditions we participate in to prepare for this big holiday. Palm Sunday masses tend to be massive processions where everyone is holding…… Continue reading Ma’Moul Cookies for Easter!
Vegan Cabbage Rolls: MALFOUF!
The word “malfouf” in Arabic means both “cabbage” and “rolled.” So in Lebanese and Palestinian culture, cooks must have felt that it was only natural to roll up the cabbage around rice, and the popular dish malfouf was born. Stuffed cabbage leaves are popular in so many countries, from Russia to Poland and Sweden. But…… Continue reading Vegan Cabbage Rolls: MALFOUF!
Popular Hot Beverage of the Arab World: Sahlab
For many, drinking coffee is a ritual that comforts all of the senses, especially on a cold, wintry day. The sound of the percolating espresso machine triggers excitement for the energizing drink to come. The warmth of the coffee cup defrosts brisk fingertips. The flavor is tailored to each person’s preference – rich cream, a…… Continue reading Popular Hot Beverage of the Arab World: Sahlab
SHAWARMA!
My most epic sandwich moment happened near Petra in Jordan, years ago. I was determined to hike around this ancient city with my tour group in 100 degree heat. One of my friends on this trip, John, was perpetually hungry, regardless of the blistering hot weather. He saw a lonely shawarma stand off the side…… Continue reading SHAWARMA!