Red lentil kibbeh
This is a perfect dish for hot Summer days! Served at room temperature, vegan and lighter on the stomach than heavy stews or red meat kebabs. In Lebanon, it is popular in the South, where locals use lots of fragrant wild edible herbs to spice their kibbeh (called kammouneh). I...
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Mushroom Basmati rice pilaf
This is an adaptation of a Turkish pilaf recipe in which fresh dill is added to the rice and mushrooms. I did not have any so I substituted nutmeg, and added grated parmesan, in effect, traveling from Turkey to Italy! I used Basmati rice, but of course any rice will...
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Hibiscus tea
My neighborhood Latino supermarket Fiesta sells dried hibiscus leaves in bulk, as it is popular in Mexico, where it is called Flor de Jamaica. I jumped on it and bought a big bag and have been making it as a tea (hot or iced) ever since! It is a popular...
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Kibbeh Sajiyeh
Want to make an easy and yummy kibbeh that does not require years and years of practice or a cupboard full of spices? This is the answer! Kibbeh sajiyeh is made with Knorr Halal Seasoning and a simple shaping technique. I made this kibbeh sajiyeh using a new spice...
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Dates with semolina cream
This dessert can be made with several dried fruits, such as prunes, dates or apricots. It is ideal when you are planning a get-together and want to have everything done ahead of time; it will last a few days in the fridge without any problem. The semolina cream does...
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Freekeh pilaf with bulgur
I noticed this recipe for a freekeh pilaf in a cookbook by Lebanese food writer Nadia Saleh, Splendours of the Levant. She had it listed in the Turkish section. She mentions it as a specialty of Southeastern Turkey. I started researching it a bit online and found out it is...
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Amardeen and milk pudding
This is a super easy and super yummy pudding with Arabic flavors. The amardeen is one of my favorite snacks and it takes me back to childhood when we would suck on it after school (this was before the world was inundated with chips and candy bars). It is also...
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Carrots and peas stew
This is an emblematic comfort food on the Lebanese table; the carrot and peas stew simmers gently in a tomato and meat-based broth, the vegetables are added halfway through, and finally the cilantro pesto (to give the stew a spark of flavor)is thrown in the last minute. This stew (aka...
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Damascus Lentil Soup
This is a traditional lentil soup from Damascus, made with extra refinement as befitting a dish coming from the Syrian capital, former capital of the Umayyad Caliphate. It is a delicious soup and combines some sweet/sour flavors. It can be served at room temperature or warm with garnishes such as...
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