Lowcarb Za’atar Rolls and Adas (Lentil Soup) – A comforting Vegetarian Feast!

The weather is still freezing (even by California standards), but as we get closer to spring, I tend to crave warm yet light meals that will energize me throughout the busy days. Shorbat addas, otherwise known as lentil soup in Arabic, is perfect because the soup is hearty and comforting, yet doesn’t make your feel…… Continue reading Lowcarb Za’atar Rolls and Adas (Lentil Soup) – A comforting Vegetarian Feast!

Baba Ghanoush- A Story of Love

Hummus gets so much attention and glory. Restaurants feature hummus mixed with every vegetable under the sun, ranging from sun dried tomatoes to red peppers. School children now eat this dip with pitas as a lunch addition without a thought. Nutritionists recommend hummus as a healthy snack. But there is one cousin to hummus that…… Continue reading Baba Ghanoush- A Story of Love

“Baba Ghanoush” Tart

Thanksgiving is just brimming with so many sweet pies and tarts. Pumpkin, apple, pecan,  and rhubarb pies have all dominated our Thanksgiving dessert table for many years. However, as more and more family members have been diagnosed  with diabetes or weight issues, I thought why not make a rich, satisfying tart without all of that…… Continue reading “Baba Ghanoush” Tart

Middle Eastern Lentil Lettuce Cups with Butternut Squash & Tahini Dipping Sauce

There is a fun element in vegan cooking that you just don’t get with meat based dishes. You get to tap into the fruits and vegetables of the season, and think of using them in creative and fanciful ways to appeal to the whole family. You can even get children engaged in vegan cooking by…… Continue reading Middle Eastern Lentil Lettuce Cups with Butternut Squash & Tahini Dipping Sauce

Pomegranate Series Part II: Molasses Glazed Chicken

In PART I  of my pomegranate molasses series, I shared with you my recipe for a quick and easy vegan bulgur pilaf with pomegranate molasses dressing. While that can be a main dish for most vegans, I know the carnivores be asking me: “Where the protein at?”  Thankfully the protein is just as quick and…… Continue reading Pomegranate Series Part II: Molasses Glazed Chicken

Kibbeh: The Shepards Pie of the Middle East!

“Kibbeh kibbeh kibbeh chameleon…..you come and goooo you come and goooo…” Ok so I know the Boy George song doesn’t really go like that, but I can’t help but get so giddy and excited that I  break into song at the thought of my favorite food,  Kibbeh. And Kibbeh really is a chameleon, in that…… Continue reading Kibbeh: The Shepards Pie of the Middle East!

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

Healthy Holiday Baking Hacks-Chocolate Zucchini Bread in 10 minutes!

Tis the time of year where the days don’t just run by, they literally sprint –with an ever expanding to-do list. The frenzy starts with decorating the home inside and out and planning out the Christmas cards to send to people all over the planet. I always get lazy with this one and just take a…… Continue reading Healthy Holiday Baking Hacks-Chocolate Zucchini Bread in 10 minutes!

Middle Eastern Maple Glazed Sweet Potatoes with Tahini Sauce…

I think this is the first time people really aren’t into the holiday spirit. I know some people dread Christmas because of the added stress of gift shopping, but Thanksgiving is when people really relax, indulge, and enjoy each other’s company. This year no one is even talking about Thanksgiving. Whatever side of the election…… Continue reading Middle Eastern Maple Glazed Sweet Potatoes with Tahini Sauce…

“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