Lebanese minced beef fingers (kefta mishwi)  

Mix 1 lb minced beef, ½ minced onion (squeezed dry), ½ cup minced parsley, 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, ½ tsp allspice, ¼ tsp cinnamon, 1/8 tsp ground cloves, and 1/16 tsp ground nutmeg.  Shape into 6 inch thin fingers, then broil for about 5 mins on each side.  Remove… Continue reading Lebanese minced beef fingers (kefta mishwi)  

Middle Eastern eggs poached in cumin-infused tomato sauce (shakshuka)

Heat 3 Tbsp olive oil in a large skillet, then add 1 sliced onion and 2 sliced, seeded jalapenos.  Cook gently until soft, then add 3 cloves minced garlic.  In a minute, add 1 tsp each cumin and sweet paprika as well as a dash of cayenne.  Stir, then add a 28 oz can of… Continue reading Middle Eastern eggs poached in cumin-infused tomato sauce (shakshuka)

Lebanese lemon-garlic chicken (djeaj bil furrin)

This recipe requires advance planning, as the chicken needs to marinate for 2 days before it can be cooked.  Place a 4 lb chicken (cut into 10 pieces) in a large bowl containing 6 cups water and 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar.  Drain and set aside.  Then place the chicken pieces into the following marinade:… Continue reading Lebanese lemon-garlic chicken (djeaj bil furrin)

Jordanian chicken with rice, cauliflower, and eggplant (makloubeh)

I tried my first glorious bite of makloubeh sometime around 2007, when a Palestinian-American friend and colleague brought me some from her family's weekend cooking. I was blown away by its flavors and textures, and I soon started searching for recipes. I learned that makloubeh is popular in many Middle Eastern countries. This recipe is… Continue reading Jordanian chicken with rice, cauliflower, and eggplant (makloubeh)

Lebanese farmer’s salad with tahini dressing (salata felaheen)

Toss together 2 cups chopped cucumber, 1 cup red radish (cut into half-moons), ½ cup diced bell pepper,  and 1 cup chopped parsley.  Mash together 2 cloves garlic and 1 tsp salt, then whisk in ¼ cup tahini and 5 Tbsp lemon juice.  Pour dressing over salad and serve.  This recipe is from Classic Lebanese… Continue reading Lebanese farmer’s salad with tahini dressing (salata felaheen)