I’ve strayed from tradition here, as kebab karaz, as it’s known in Syria, is usually made with veal or lamb served on Arabic bread. The spices used are not at all typical and in the traditional manner, kebab karaz, is served over flattened Arabic bread with the sour cherry sauce drizzled over. This notorious dish, which hails from Aleppo, is a real rustic, comfort kind of food in its traditional form. It truly is an alluring demonstration...
Candied Pumpkin Jam and Labneh Cheesecake Author: Bethany Prep time: 1 hour 15 mins Cook time: 40 mins Total time: 1 hour 55 mins Serves: 6 This recipe is inspired by three different dishes: the Turkish dish kabak tatlisi, the cheesecake and, of course, Thanksgiving pumpkin pie. I do prefer this to the traditional pumpkin pie, as it’s far less sickly sweet. The pumpkin really gets to shine and it also melds well with the zesty labneh...
Happy New Year! This is my first post for the year and it's a very special one. It's been a longtime dream to write an article about Lebanon and 2010 saw me realize that dream. Accompanied by Roderick Field, we flew to Lebanon where we spent five days gorging ourselves. In fact, on one of the days, we managed to visit 6 different restaurants, and it wasn't just tastings that took place. Part of Lebanon's great charm is the abundant hospitality...
I recently called my father in search of a ma'amoul recipe. A bit perplexed he proclaimed in Arabic: "Why do you want to trouble yourself with making ma'amoul. It's so much work and anyway I don't like ma'amoul. Really it's too much effort for nothing. Shou baddeek bi ha shaghle" See my father is not a baker. A fantastic cook but definitely not a baker. Also, the majority of people in Lebanon don't make ma'amoul anymore given the...
Happy New Year! The festivities have come to an end and now we make way for a new year and a new decade. I wish that the coming year brings everyone real happiness and sets you off into this fresh decade on the right path. For many of us, the delicious celebrations that we merrily welcome are also jubilantly welcomed by our waistlines. It's no secret that many of us start the new year with mighty resolutions, swearing that we will finally put...
It seems as though all I've been talking about recently is Kebbeh and that's because I really never tire of it, especially as they're are so many variations of it. The below recipe is just one other example.I recently gifted my friend Sacha a Middle Eastern cookbook entitled "Turquoise" authored by Greg and Lucy Malouf and full of tales about their journey through Turkey. The book is exquisite; from the turquoise cover (which happens to be my...
Before I begin rambling on about bloggetitis, I would like to say that this post is dedicated to Halloween, Thanksgiving... And, a certain man in my life. This cake and post is dedicated to my brother Eli, because he's just turned the wonderful age of 19! There he is in the below picture, the youngest one, chewing grass at such a tender age. (From left; moi, Eli, Joslin, & Addie in Baskinta, Lebanon. Our parents had a weird thing for...
These baby aubergines are part of the Lebanese mouneh or preserving and pickling process for the winter months. They are vegetarian, gluten-free and so moreish. I've heard it's a good idea to eat them straight from the jar, oil dripping all over your chin and your once-worn silk ruffle shirt, not even giving it a moments notice- till the jar is empty. Then you're screwed. No, I'm not speaking from experience. But, you can also try serving them...
For a while... I could never betray my soul mate! But, Muhammara; a red-hot Syrian concoction which in Arabic means 'reddened' is a necessary addition to any worthy mezze spread. If you like Mutable or Baba Ghanouj (Lebanese Eggplant Dip) and Hummus (Lebanese Chickpea Dip) then you will absolutely love this red-dusk temptation. A combination of charred red bell peppers, walnuts and oh...oh...oh pomegranate molasses, makes Muhammara a...