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!

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

M’Nazaleh, A Rich Tasting Yet Healthy Eggplant Casserole

Did you know that the Greek word Moussaka comes from the Arabic word “musaqqa‘ah” which means chilled?  The reason this dish is called “chilled” is because you can eat it cold and it tastes just as delicious. Greek Mousakka is what I call indulgence food, rich meat and eggplant tucked under a bed of creamy, buttery,…… Continue reading M’Nazaleh, A Rich Tasting Yet Healthy Eggplant Casserole

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!

The Veggie Burger Re-invented – Kibbeh style!

Have you checked the ingredient list of store-bought veggie burgers lately? Many of them are teeming with GMO soy, GMO canola oil, funky fillers, and chemicals I cannot pronounce ((gasp)) The human body would recognize an organic, grass fed beef burger more than the frozen veggie monstrosities you see in the supermarket frozen section. It…… Continue reading The Veggie Burger Re-invented – Kibbeh style!