Recipes

Meat and Rice Stuffed Grape Leaves

categories: Lamb, Posts, Recipes

Grape Leaves

Grape leaves. There are so many different types. Grape leaves can be served cold or hot; stuffed with meat, rice, and/or vegetables and are native in countries Greece to Iraq and every other country in between. Each of which has their own version of stuffed grape leaves. Some call them Dolma, and others Waraq Enab ورق عنب

My Tayta always made meat and rice stuffed grape leaves with tomato sauce served warm. It’s my favorite way. My mom, makes them the same. And today, I’m still using the handwritten transcribed recipe from my Tayta. I won’t deny, however, that if there are any leftovers, I eat them cold straight out of the fridge. I can’t be the only one who loves cold leftover grape leaves. (more…)

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Seafood Freekeh Paella

categories: Posts, Recipes, Rice & Grains, Seafood
Seafood Freekeh Paella

One of my favorite foods (even before I visited Barcelona in 2017 and experienced the authentic version) is Seafood Paella. What is Paella (pie-yay-ya; the L’s are silent)? Paella is a Spanish rice dish made in one frying pan, originating from Valencia, on the eastern coast of Spain. It began as a peasant/laborer’s dish that is now popular all over Spain. It is rumored that paella actually comes from the Arabic root word “baqiya” meaning leftovers. However, linguists actually credit the name paella to the frying pan in which the dish is made, known in Spanish as la paella.

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Goes on Almost Every Salad Sumac Dressing

categories: Posts, Recipes, Salads
Goes on Almost Every Salad Sumac Dressing

When it comes to salad dressing, I like to keep it super simple. I’m not a fan of those complicated dressings with 101 ingredients that you have to go out and buy every time you want to try a new salad. Sure, I like to try new salad dressing combinations. But that’s not very often.

I have a go-to salad dressing that I use for basically all of my salads. The best part? It’s only 4 ingredients! Four ingredients that I always have in my pantry. I call it “Goes on Almost Every Salad Sumac Dressing.” Or “Salad dressing” for short.

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Savory Fresh Herb Za’atar Muffins

categories: Breads, Posts, Recipes
Savory Fresh Herb Za’atar Muffins

One of my favorite things about living in Jordan, is that I have access to herbs that aren’t available in DC. Za’atar leaves, for example, are pretty much everywhere here in Jordan. When I lived in DC, I craved these za’atar leaves. I wanted them so badly, so I could use them in recipes like Fresh Zaatar Focaccia. Now, I’ve got the goods, and I intend to use them for nothing other than deliciousness. First item of business, Savory Fresh Herb Za’atar Muffins.

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Arugula Cashew Pesto

categories: Appetizers, Posts, Recipes

Arugula Cashew Pesto

I have this thing where I buy a ton of salad veggies with the intention of loading up on fresh salads all week. You know what really happens? I buy said salad veggies, put them in the fridge and then decide I’m not actually in the mood to eat salad.

Similar to using up those old bananas for Banana Bread, I use up my long-forgotten greens to make pesto. Arugula Cashew Pesto pasta just sounds so much better than a boring salad. We’re pretty much all familiar with the traditional basil pesto. What you probably didn’t know is that you can make just about any kind of pesto imaginable. The beauty of Pesto is that there are so many different ways to make pesto. By the end of this post, you’ll be able to make pesto out of just about any green leafy vegetable. I’ve already experimented with Parsley Pesto. (more…)

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Turmeric Carrot Fries

categories: Posts, Recipes, Vegetables & Sides

Turmeric Carrot Fries

Fruits and veggies here in Jordan actually have flavor. I’m talking every single fruit and vegetable. Gosh even cucumbers tastes like more than just water. It’s the most fabulous thing. I guess they haven’t gotten into genetically modified food yet. I really hope it never gets to that point because back in DC, unless you’re buying organic or from the farmer’s market, your produce is pretty bland. Honestly, all this freshness makes me want to eat all the produce and get creative with different ways to use them all. Case-in-point, Turmeric Carrot Fries. (more…)

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