Today I wanted to dedicate my blog and recipe to the people of Gaza, for this classic rice dish used to be ubiquitous in this coastal strip that is experiencing absolute horrors as we speak. This is my earnest desire to preserve their cultural heritage, and keep the spirit of their people alive. Sayadieh, a…… Continue reading Ode to Gaza: Sayadieh, The Fish & Rice Dish
Tag: Main Courses
Summertime Supper Ideas!
Hello Fitme Fam, This summer I have been actively setting aside time for prayer, speaking at fundrasiers for Gaza, and of course, family time. Sundays are my favorite, when my sister, mother, the kids and I get together for Sunday dinners. We seperate tasks, whether grocery shopping, cooking up side dishes, a main entree, and…… Continue reading Summertime Supper Ideas!
My Favorite Childhood Treat: Spinach Pies! (Fatayer Sabanekh)
With Arab American Heritage Month, Eid al Fitr, and Greek Orthodox lent upon us at the same time, there is one dish that fits the bill for all 3 occasions, Fatayer Sabanekh, or Arab style spinach pies! The word “fatayer” itself means pastry in Arabic. These vegetarian hand pies, which are popular in Palestine, Lebanon,…… Continue reading My Favorite Childhood Treat: Spinach Pies! (Fatayer Sabanekh)
Apricot Lamb Kebabs: Honoring South Africa!
While this website is dedicated to middle eastern food, today I wanted to honor the country of South Africa by featuring their cuisine. I haven’t posted in a while, as I have been seeing horrific images coming out of Gaza. Continuous photos of skeletal children being deprived of food and aid are just too much…… Continue reading Apricot Lamb Kebabs: Honoring South Africa!
BBQ Shrimp: A Taste of New Orleans in Your Kitchen!
Living in the San Francisco Bay Area my whole life, I never understood the celebratory nature of Mardi Gras in New Orleans. The whole city comes alive with massive get togethers with friends and family, and of course, decadent food. It is not uncommon for people cooking outdoors to invite strangers passing by to join…… Continue reading BBQ Shrimp: A Taste of New Orleans in Your Kitchen!
A PotLuck Pal: Maftoul with Roasted Veggies
Hello Dear Friends, Today’s video came in response to multiple viewers that requested I share a dish they could take to their next potluck, and I immediately thought of my roasted vegetable and maftoul salad! Maftoul is like couscous, only larger so that it is more chewy to eat and absorbs that much more flavor.…… Continue reading A PotLuck Pal: Maftoul with Roasted Veggies
4 Ingredient Harvest Pumpkin Bisque
One thing I love about my job as a correspondent on NBC’s California Live is getting to interview so many phenomenal chefs! I learn something new from every one of them, and I love to play it forward and pass their tips on to you. Probably my favorite fall harvest food to cook with is…… Continue reading 4 Ingredient Harvest Pumpkin Bisque
What’s it Like to Cook Italian Food on a Yacht?
I have always had a bucket list of things I wanted to do in my lifetime…and hanging out on a yacht in Italy was one of them (even if I realistically get ultra seasick, we can all have fantasies right?) Fortunately for my recent assignment for NBC, I got to experience the yacht without having…… Continue reading What’s it Like to Cook Italian Food on a Yacht?
The Ultimate Grilled Pita Sandwich- Arayes!
Let me give you a visual of one of my camping trips from childhood in Blue Lake, California. Imagine a large campground next to the lake. The sky is a deep blue, pink, and crimson red at sunset. My father fires up the grill, then retreats to a lawn chair, tabla in hand playing some…… Continue reading The Ultimate Grilled Pita Sandwich- Arayes!
The Grill Master’s Secret to Perfect Kebabs!
Ever wonder how kebabs in restaurants taste so darn good? There’s a unique smoky flavor and juicy texture that restaurant kebabs have–and I have always wanted to know their secret! Fortunately, I have a friend named Saif who is a true grill master, who was willing to share his expert tips. His restaurant in San Bruno…… Continue reading The Grill Master’s Secret to Perfect Kebabs!