PomegranatesandZaatar

04/12/2013 01:32 PM

6 views

Lamb Kebabs (Kofta)

Yield: 4 Servings Ingredients: 1 lb. ground lamb 1 1/2 c bread crumbs a handful of fresh cilantro (coriander), finely chopped 4 garlic cloves, minced 1/2 large yellow onion, finely chopped juice of 1/2 lemon 1 tsp. ground cumin 1 tsp. paprika 1 Tbsp. curry powder 1/8 tsp. cinnamon 1/8 tsp. ground cardamom salt & pepper canola oil, for frying flat bread and fresh vegetables ,

PomegranatesandZaatar

01/31/2013 12:24 AM

7 views

Chicken Tagine with Preserved Lemon & Olives( Dajaj Tagine bi loomi wa zeitun)

Servings: 4 Servings Ingredients: 2 Tbsp. olive oil 1/2 large yellow onion, finely chopped 4-5 chicken pieces (legs, thighs, breast) 3 garlic cloves, peeled, minced 1/2 tsp. ground ginger 1 tsp.ground cinnamon pinch of saffron threads salt & pepper 3 c chicken stock 4 Tbsp. fresh cilantro chopped 1 preserved Moroccan lemon 2/3 c Kalamata olives 1. Heat the olive oil

PomegranatesandZaatar

01/16/2013 03:09 PM

12 views

Preserved Lemons (L'Hamd Markhad)

Wandering along the souqs of Marrakesh, you'll likely come across piles or jars of glistening lemons.These beautifully displayed preserves are the cornerstone of Moroccan cuisine.Preserved lemons or l'hamd markhad as they are commonly known are an indispensable ingredient in all manner of dishes from salads to tagines, imparting a sweet yet subtly sour taste.Lemon preservation is usually done in t

PomegranatesandZaatar

12/22/2012 02:55 PM

21 views

Pickled Garlic (Torshi Toum)

Pickling vegetables is an easy and affordable way of preserving excess produce and enjoying it year round. Pickled dishes usually make up part of the mezze meal or can be enjoyed as an accompaniment to a corresponding dish as is popular in Iraq.All manner of vegetables and fruits can be pickled.I decided start simple by pickling garlic.These can be added to meats or stews as a flavor enhancer.

PomegranatesandZaatar

12/21/2012 03:30 PM

13 views

Moroccan Saffron Chicken Tagine

Chicken cooked with lots of onions, saffron and other Moroccan spices is easy to make and the savory foundation to a number of delicious Moroccan dishes such as Chicken Bastilla and Chicken Briouats. You'll be tempted to eat this tender, flavorful chicken right from the pot, but it's best served on a bed of Moroccan Rice Pilaf or in Seffa Medfouna. Yield :4 Servings Ingredients: 1 whole ch

PomegranatesandZaatar

12/14/2012 01:34 PM

9 views

Tunisian Vegetable Salad (Salatat Khodra al Tunis)

Yield: 4 Servings Ingredients: 3-4 Tbsp. olive oil 2 garlic cloves, peeled, chopped into thin slices 1/2 large yellow onion,peeled, sliced and separated into "petals" 2 large tomatoes, cut into chunks 1 medium red bell pepper, ends trimmed, sliced into strips, seeded 1medium yellow bell pepper, ends trimmed, sliced into strips, seeded 1 tsp. coriander seeds pinch of saffron dash of s

PomegranatesandZaatar

12/07/2012 02:48 PM

5 views

Bulger Salad with Mushrooms (Burghul bi Futr)

Mushrooms aren't a very common ingredient in Middle Easter cuisine.A better substitute for this recipe would have been to use kamaa, saudi truffles but since they're not widely available,mushrooms will have to do.Baharat rounds out the flavor of this simple grain dish. Yield:4 Servings Ingredients: 4 Tbsp. olive oil plus more 1 small white onion, peeled, finely chopped 1/2 tsp. salt 1

PomegranatesandZaatar

03/10/2012 03:28 PM

3 views

Persian Pomegranate Chicken Stew (Khoresh-e Fesenjan)

One of the most well-known of the most well-known of the Persian fesenjans,Khoresh-e Fesenjanprovides the perfect marriage of taste with the slightly mellow taste of walnuts perfectly balancing the sweet and sour taste of the pomegranate syrup,robb-e anar. Khoresh-e fesenjan is usually made with duck but chicken is a perfect substitute.This dish is delicious eaten right after it has been prepared

PomegranatesandZaatar

02/29/2012 02:42 PM

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Bulgur with Tomatoes (Burghul bi Tomatim)

Yield:4Ingredients:1/2 large onion, finely chopped4 Tbsp. olive oil1 1/2 c bulgur1/2 lbs. tomatoes, roughly chopped1 tsp. tomato paste (opt.)1 tsp. sugarsalt & pepper1/2 tsp. baharat1 c water1. Heat the olive oil over medium heat.Add the onion and keep stirring till they turn opaque.2. Add the remaining ingredients slowly one by one and keep stirring till they are evenly combined throughout th

PomegranatesandZaatar

02/03/2012 05:53 PM

2 views

Stovetop Chicken Kebab

Don't have a grill? Looking for an easy, quick way to prepare chicken kebab.This recipe can beput together and be on the table in less than 30 minutes.Yield:4 ServingsIngredients:4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts , cut into chunks4-5 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oiljuice of 1 lemon1 Tbsp. turmeric powdersalt & pepper1. Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.2. Add the chicken breast

PomegranatesandZaatar

01/10/2012 08:39 PM

4 views

Middle Eastern Cucumber & Mint Salad (Salata Khiar bi Na'na)

Yield:4 ServingsIngredients:2 large cucumbers, cut into small cubes1 handful fresh mint leaves, thinly choppedFor the dressing:4 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oiljuice of 1 lemon1 tsp. orange-blossom waterdash of salt & pepper1. To make the salad, place both the cucumber and the mint in a serving bowl..Toss till evenlycombined.2. To make the dressing, place all dressing ingredients a blender and bl

PomegranatesandZaatar

01/10/2012 07:58 PM

4 views

Fattoush (Middle Eastern Bread Salad)

Photo courtesy of Islamic IftarYield:6 ServingsIngredients:1 1/2 Arab (pita ) bread , cut into small pieces1 medium head of lettuce, shredded3 medium tomatoes, cut into small cubes3 cucumbers, cut into small cubes1 1/2 green onions, thinly slicedhandful of fresh flat-leaf parsley, choppedDressing:5 Tbsp.extra-virgin olive oiljuice of 1 lemon2 cloves garlic, crushed1 Tbsp. ground sumacsalt & pe

PomegranatesandZaatar

12/22/2011 07:26 PM

4 views

Moroccan Grilled Salmon ( Samak al Maghreb)

Yield: 4 ServingsIngredients:1/2 c plain Greek-style plain yogurtjuice of 1 lemon1 Tbsp. olive oil2 1/2 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced1 1/2 tsp. ground coriander1 1/2 tsp. ground cumindash of salt & pepper4 (6oz.) skinless salmon fillets1. In a food processor, place the yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic cloves, coriander, cumin andsalt and pepper and process until evenly combined.Pour

PomegranatesandZaatar

12/07/2011 02:13 PM

3 views

Arab Salad (Salata Arabi)

Yield: 6 IngredientsIngredients:1/2 head romaine lettuce, shredded into bite-size pieces1/2 red onion, peeled, finely diced1 large cucumber, cubed into bite-size pieces1 large tomato, cubed into bite-size pieces6 radishes, thinly sliced, then cubed5 Tbsp. fresh cilantro, finely choppedFor the Dressing:5 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oiljuice of 1/2 a lemonsalt & pepper to taste1 large garlic clove,

PomegranatesandZaatar

12/02/2011 07:44 PM

4 views

quince preserve (murabba safarjal)

Photo courtesy of Najmieh's KitchenNative to the Caucasus, the quince is much beloved for providing tartness and a delicate fragrance to dishes.It is commonly used in dishes from Iran, Turkey, Armenia and the Levant.Quince resembles a large pear and its taste is a cross between an apple and a pear.It cannot be consumed raw.It must first be cooked to remove its astringent taste.Once it has been pre

PomegranatesandZaatar

11/30/2011 02:50 PM

4 views

Libyan Spicy Fish (Haraimi)

Yield:6 ServingsIngredients:6 cloves, peeled, crushed1/2 Tbsp. ground cuminsalt, to tastejuice of 1 lemon2 lbs. fillet of red snapper, grouper or cod2 Tbsp. olive oil1 medium onion, finely chopped2 Tbsp. tomato puree2 tomatoes , roughly chopped1 tsp. chili powder1/2 tsp. ground turmeric1 tsp. caraway seeds1. Mix together the crushed garlic, cumin, salt and lemon in a small mixing bowl.Pour into ar

PomegranatesandZaatar

07/18/2011 09:00 PM

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Moroccan Fish Bastilla (Bastila maal Samak)

Yield:4 ServingsIngredients:1 c cilantro, finely chopped1 c parsley, finely chopped2 garlic cloves, peeled, finely chopped1 lemon, juiced1/2 tsp. paprikasalt, to taste1/2 tsp. ground cumin3 Tbsp. red wine vinegar1/3 c extra-virgin olive oil1 lb. any firm white fish fillets(pollock, halibut, sole)3 1/2 oz. soy vermicelli6 Tbsp. butter6 sheets filo pastry1. Add the cilantro, parsley, garlic cloves,

PomegranatesandZaatar

07/12/2011 12:59 PM

5 views

Shanklish (Syrian Mezze Salad)

Photo courtesy of SyrianFoodieShanklish is an aromatic, zaatar-coated cheese from Tartous, a port Northwest of Damascus.It is traditionally made at home from either cow, sheep or goat's milk. Shanklish is usually eaten as part of a mezze dish where it is usually served crumbled in a salad of finely chopped tomatoes, onions and olive oil.Yield:4 ServingsIngredients:1/2 lb. shanklish, crumbled1 med

PomegranatesandZaatar

06/30/2011 04:55 PM

6 views

Hamour Ceviche

I've had the idea for this recipe for a while because it requires no cooking, is quick to prepare and makes use of the local fish available in the waters off the Persian Gulf.Plus, it's well suited for the hot weather of the Middle East.Yield:6 ServingsIngredients:1 1/2 lbs. skinless hamour or other white fish fillets, cut into small pieces1/2 c fresh lime or lemon juice2 large tomatoes,cut into s

PomegranatesandZaatar

06/28/2011 11:40 PM

5 views

Zaatar Pita Bites

This recipe is so easy and quick to put together that it takes just under 20 minutes to put together and be ready.Perfect for when unexpected guests arrive.Yield:24 zaatar bitesIngredients:6 pita breads, cut into fourths7 Tbsp. zaatar spice6 Tbsp. olive oil1. Preheat broiler.2. Place spice and olive oil in separate bowls.Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.3. Lightly brush olive oil on both sid

PomegranatesandZaatar

06/23/2011 06:39 PM

4 views

Moroccan Chicken Pie (Bastilla Dajaj)

Don't let the simple title fool you. Moroccan bastilla's are a time consuming affair. They are not difficult to put together but their preparation can take upwards of up to 2 hours to prepare and put together because of their numerous steps. This recipe took a total of 2 hours from start to finish, so if you have the time and are up to the task it is well worth the time and effort because the resu

PomegranatesandZaatar

06/22/2011 03:57 PM

3 views

Persian Herb Rice (Sabzi Polo)

Yield:4 ServingsIngredients:1 1/2 c basmati rice1/2 c plain yogurt2 2/3 c water2 tsp. sea salt6 Tbsp. butter, cut into pieces1 1/2 c mixture of fresh herbs ( cilantro, mint, chives, and/or flat-leaf parsley),finely minced1. Place rice in a bowl and cover with water.Swish around and discard water.Repeat.2. Place yogurt in a medium bowl and thin with a little water then add the 2 2/3 c water and mix

PomegranatesandZaatar

06/21/2011 05:54 PM

4 views

Tunisian Tomato,Bell Pepper & Cucumber Salad (Salata Jida)

Here's a delightful Tunisian salad that is quick to put together and is perfect with any dish. Just keep in mind that it needs to rest a minimum of 1 hour to let the flavors blend together.Yield: 4 ServingsIngredients:2 tomatoes, thinly diced1/2 cucumber, thinly diced1/2 red bell pepper, seeded, thinly diced1/2 green bell pepper, seeded, thinly diced4 green onions,thinly slicedhandful of cilantro,

PomegranatesandZaatar

05/27/2011 01:52 AM

2 views

Fatut (Yemeni Fried Eggs with Bread)

It doesn't get much more simpler than this.Start the day of right with this rustic Yemeni breakfast dish that takes few minutes to put together.Yield:2 ServingsIngredients:1 Arabic bread, cut into small pieces2 Tbsp. butter or samneh (clarified butter)3 large eggs, beatensalt, to taste1. Heat butter or samneh in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the bread and stir until it becomes slightly

PomegranatesandZaatar

05/24/2011 09:25 PM

3 views

Michoteta (Egyptian Cucumber and Feta Salad)

Here's a perfect little salad for when the weather's warm and you don't have much time on your hands.It can be put together in under 15 minutes.Feel free to substitute low-fat feta for the regular, it tastes just as good.Yield:6 ServingsIngredients:1/2 lb. feta cheese, crumbledjuice of 1 lemon2 Tbsp. olive oil1 red onion, peeled, finely chopped1 large cucumber, finely diced1 Tbsp. fresh mint finel

PomegranatesandZaatar

05/24/2011 01:53 AM

5 views

Qishr (Yemeni Ginger Tea)

Picture courtesy of Just Food NowI came across this unusual Yemeni drink recipe while doing research on something else. Qishr is the name given to a Yemeni tea/coffee that is made from ground up coffee husks. Apparently, it originated in al-makha , a port located on the Northwestern coast of Yemen where the original coffee trade route was located and as you may have guessed , it's where we get the

PomegranatesandZaatar

04/28/2011 07:08 PM

2 views

Muhammara (Walnut & Pomegranate Dip)

This Syrian specialty relish can be served spread on bread or served as a garnish over fish andchicken dishes.Yield:1 1/2 cIngredients:1 1/2 c walnuts, shelled1 1/2 Tbsp. tomato paste1 slice whole wheat bread, cut into pieces1/2 c extra-virgin olive oil2 Tbsp. pomegranate syrup1/2 tsp. ground red pepper flakes1 tsp ground cuminpinch of salt1. Place all ingredients in a food processor and process t

PomegranatesandZaatar

04/27/2011 05:49 PM

4 views

Moroccan Chicken Couscous (Couscous Dajaj)

Re-create the authentic flavors of Morocco in your kitchen. Requiring no exotic ingredients just an extra amount of time, this classic Moroccan chicken dish is sure to please your family and is perfect for when your looking for that something special to add to your culinary repertoire.Yield:4 ServingsIngredients:3 skinless, boneless chicken breasts cut into small pieces1 tsp. ground gingerpinch o

PomegranatesandZaatar

04/26/2011 01:17 PM

4 views

Herb and Onion Omelet (Eggah bi Basal)

Yield : 2 ServingsIngredients:3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil1/2 large onion, thinly chopped4 large eggs, beaten2 Tbsp. parsley, finely chopped2 Tbsp. cilantro, finely chopped2 Tbsp. mint, finely choppedsalt and pepper , to taste1. Heat a medium pan and add the olive oil.Add the onions and saute for about 2 minutes.2. Add the beaten eggs to the pan.Add the parsley, cilantro and mint on top.Once the

PomegranatesandZaatar

04/15/2011 07:14 PM

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Yemeni Fish (Samak al-Yamani)

Craving a bit of Yemeni home cooking but there isn't a Yemeni restaurant within a 5 mile radius??.This fish recipe is easy and quick to put together and is ready in under 30 minutes.Hamour fish is the best for this recipe but any firm fish like cod, halibut, or tuna will do. Yield:4 Servings Ingredients: 2 lbs. cod, halibut, sole, or tuna fillets 1 1/2 Tbsp. Hawayij1 Tbsp. salt 1 Tbsp. cumin 1 Tbs

PomegranatesandZaatar

04/09/2011 01:53 PM

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Iraqi Cucumber and Garlic Salad (Salata Kyhiar wa Toum)

I came across this salad in an Iraqi-Jewish cookbook and was intrigued by it because I've never seen a salad which included raw garlic cloves as an ingredient.I was skeptical at first because of the amount of garlic used but after marinating it for the allotted time, which mellows the garlicky taste and tweaking some of the ingredients, the salad has a very cooling and refreshing taste and simila

PomegranatesandZaatar

04/07/2011 04:39 PM

4 views

Zuchinni & Olive Couscous (Koussa wa Zeitun Couscous)

Yield:4 Servings Ingredients:1 box packaged plain couscous2 small zucchinis,ends trimmed, julienned 16 black kalmata olives, pitted and halved 1/4 c almonds, slivered 4 Tbsp. olive oil1 Tbsp. lemon juice 1 Tbsp. fresh cilantro, chopped 1 Tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped pinch of cuminpinch of cayenne pepper1.Prepare couscous according to package directions.Set aside.2. Add the zucchinis, olives, and s

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