There are many schools of thought on the origin of the Scotch egg. Of the two most notable, the first claims it was invented by the London department store Fortnum & Mason in 1738 and the other claim is that it traveled from Persia to India with the Moghuls, where it is now known as nargisi kofta. In fact, a version of a kafta-encased egg appears in several volumes of Middle Eastern cookery books, including my upcoming cookbook. Anyone have...
"Can't wait to get organized" seems to have been my favourite moan phrase over the last two years. Over the last few weeks, and with the last of The Jewelled Kitchen book edits officially out of the way, I've finally found some down time to bring organization back into my life. Besides clearing up my desktop, folders, emails, and much more, I have also begun thinking about a new design/layout/feel for the blog, and look forward to...
Cider Can Turkey with Nutty Couscous Author: Bethany Prep time: 20 mins Cook time: 2 hours 30 mins Total time: 2 hours 50 mins Serves: 6 It’s always best to bring a turkey to room temperature for at least an hour before cooking it, as this allows it to cook evenly. In addition, follow Harold McGee’s advice and apply an icepack to the breast during the last 30 minutes of this defrosting period, as this will slow down the...
The idea for this dish came to me months ago but it only came to life yesterday. I am happy to say it was a great success. It takes inspiration from the seven-layer dip although it doesn't have as many layers. It combines hummus b' lahme, hummus balila and gorgeous pomegranate arils and is in fact built upon an intricate layer of flavors. First, there is the zesty and velvety smooth hummus b' tahini, then, a layer of humus balila which hosts...
On my recent trip to Lebanon, my brother and I spent quality time together making these moreish stuffed Swiss chard fingers and I think they're just the right treat. I had never made them before and when I asked my aunt for the recipe her response went a little like this:" a handful of this, pinch of that, taste and see..." and well we had to make 3 different batches before we got it just right. Making these heavenly chard fingers was also...
Once more, I will express my undying love for chickpeas: I Am M.A.D About Chickpeas! After all, how can one not succumb to such a delectable and pulsing love affair! The chickpea, belonging to the protein food group, is such a versatile and wholesome leguminous pulse. You can make anything out of it; falafel, all kinds of hummus dips, veggie burgers, bread, and it's also a perfect addition to stews, curries, salads... I could go on and on. And,...
Couscous is probably one of the easiest, simplest and quickest dishes to put together. Done right and it can be the most satisfying. That's why I love it. It's also a great blank canvas; you can really get creative and add whatever ingredients you want, resulting in your own personal masterpiece of flavors. That's why it just seems ludicrous to include a recipe for couscous. As long as you know how to cook (I wouldn't even call it...
Family road trips or even day trips can be mind-blowing. I mean that in a good way. I really really do. As we are always up for a good laugh, a good cry or just a good mental breakdown, we decided that we would make a day trip to Baalback, all of us, together, in one car. This day trip would include my father, my step-mother Aliona, her daughter Alina, my brother Eli, and let's not forget me. Baalbeck is home to some of the biggest temples ever...
Although, this entire month is dedicated to Lebanon and all its glory, I must interrupt the regularly scheduled programming with a jamming post that doesn't have a lot to do with any particular country, as far as we are aware, that is. My dad's wife is Moldovan and has an impressive recipe box. She's inspired me many-a-times. This specific recipe comes from her; she got it from her mother; who got it from her mother; But, it's not Moldovan....
I last enjoyed this salad whilst in Lebanon, at a restaurant off the beaten track in a coastal town full of charm and history. The small, family-run restaurant, appropriately named after its owner, "Chez Maggy", is nestled along the coast of Batroun. It hosts some of the most beautiful views of the Mediterranean and the old Phoenician Wall. Batenjan El Raheb translates into English as the monk's aubergine. I'm not exactly sure why it was...
Mad About Chickpeas- Falafel Author: Bethany Prep time: 30 mins Cook time: 10 mins Total time: 40 mins Serves: 20-24 It’s commonly believed that falafel (known as taamiya in Egypt) originated millennia ago in Egypt, where they were prepared using a mixture of broad beans and chickpeas. I prefer to stick to the Lebanese version which uses chickpeas only, but don’t be tempted to the tinned variety, as they will fall apart. A versatile...