Let’s face it: special occasions have gotten ridiculously expensive. Everyone is broke. A “romantic dinner out” now somehow costs about the same as a small appliance, and all you really wanted was good food, a candle, and not to be rushed out after 90 minutes. Don’t get me started on the “Valentine’s Menu” where the…… Continue reading Mussakhan Wellington: Palestinian Village Food Gets A Fancy Glow Up
Tag: palestinian recipe
Ode to Gaza: Sayadieh, The Fish & Rice Dish
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
The Ancient Arab Grain: Freekeh!
While I don’t subscribe to any rigid dietary protocol, I do follow the mantra of “eat what your grandparents ate” for optimum health. Not only did my grandparents eat the ancient grain called freekeh, but their ancestors ate this grain for hundreds of years. Freekeh is wheat that is harvested when it’s young, so the…… Continue reading The Ancient Arab Grain: Freekeh!
Easter Menu: Musakhan- Palestinian Chicken Made Easy!
There is a tiny Palestinian village called An’arreeck, where a famous dish called Musakhan originated. Musakhan means “warmed” or “heated” in Arabic. It’s a gorgeous dish of roasted chicken baked on bread topped with caramelized onions and toasted pine nuts. To this day you can find older women baking the bread in a “taboun” or…… Continue reading Easter Menu: Musakhan- Palestinian Chicken Made Easy!
Arayes….”Bride and Groom” Sandwiches
The silhouette of a bride and groom locked in a tender embrace is undeniably romantic. The white feminine billowy dress against the sharper lines of a dark masculine tuxedo is celebrated universally, captured in photo albums around the world. No better reason than to commemorate this embrace with a sandwich! Ara’yes, literally means bride…… Continue reading Arayes….”Bride and Groom” Sandwiches
MANAKISH: MIDDLE EASTERN ZA’ATAR FLATBREAD!
Back in 1997, I visited the town of Ramallah in the West Back to do volunteer work. I stayed at a Catholic convent, which also happened to be an orphanage. Every morning I would smell the nutty and fragrant za’atar spice, baking on fresh homemade bread called “manakish.” To this day when manakish are baking…… Continue reading MANAKISH: MIDDLE EASTERN ZA’ATAR FLATBREAD!
Maftoul–the best couscous you’ll ever try!
If there is a Middle Eastern soup that has healing properties, Maftoul would fit the bill. From the silky protein of the meats to the aromatic garlic and onion, to the unique blend of spices and wholesome couscous, a bowl of this goodness makes winter much more bearable. Maftoul is the Arabic word…… Continue reading Maftoul–the best couscous you’ll ever try!