Roasted cauliflower bulgur pilaf with tahini sauce

We tried this recipe, which originally called for a grain called freekeh: https://cookieandkate.com/2014/roasted-cauliflower-freekeh-tahini-sauce/ Our modifications: first, we used 1 cup coarse bulgur, following proportions here: https://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/08/health/nutrition/08recipehealth.html Second, oven-roasted the cauliflower pieces and a few sliced shallots for 30 mins, following these directions: http://piglettedc.tumblr.com/post/144070024406/armenian-style-roasted-cauliflower-with-tahini Third, in the mean time, we sautéed the ¼ cup slivered almonds… Continue reading Roasted cauliflower bulgur pilaf with tahini sauce

Fragrant chicken soup with chickpeas and vegetables

We tried this NYT recipe, which features Middle Eastern-style flavors: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1017914-fragrant-chicken-soup-with-chickpeas-and-vegetables Our modifications: First, we omitted the turnip based on our pantry; instead, we increased the celery from 2 to 5 stalks and doubled the amount of chickpeas. Second, we increased the chicken broth by 1 cup (to avoid it being a too-thick stew) and… Continue reading Fragrant chicken soup with chickpeas and vegetables

Middle Eastern-style turmeric chile saffron chicken

We tried this NYT recipe: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1014920-chicken-thigh-kebabs-with-turmeric-chile-and-saffron Our modifications: First, we used 4 chicken breast cutlets instead of thighs, and we kept the cutlets intact. We marinated the chicken overnight. Second, we used Korean red pepper powder for the chile. Third, we oven-broiled the chicken. We lined a baking sheet with foil, then placed a baking… Continue reading Middle Eastern-style turmeric chile saffron chicken

Lebanese eggplant casserole with ground meat, tomato, and pine nuts

We tried this recipe: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1017426-eggplant-with-lamb-tomato-and-pine-nuts Our modifications: First, we used ½ lb each minced pork and minced bison in lieu of 1lb minced lamb. To reduce sodium, we used no-salt tomato sauce. Second, because we find cinnamon cloying, we used a combo of ¼ tsp cinnamon and ¼ tsp nutmeg. Third, instead of broiling the… Continue reading Lebanese eggplant casserole with ground meat, tomato, and pine nuts

Lebanese chick pea stew

We tried this recipe: http://www.arabamerica.com/lebanese-chickpea-stew/ Our modifications: first, based on our pantry, we used a homemade roasted green bell pepper, following these instructions: https://www.daringgourmet.com/how-to-roast-red-peppers/ (see Note below). Second, we used 2 ½ tsp za’atar, 1 tsp crushed red pepper for red pepper flakes, and 1 Tbsp cumin powder (not cumin seeds). Third, we increased the… Continue reading Lebanese chick pea stew

Persian beef and split yellow pea stew (khoresht ghymeh)

We tried this recipe: http://theunmanlychef.com/2015/01/11/khoresht-gheimeh/ Our modifications: first, we found that more than 3 cups of broth were required. Over time, as this stew simmered, we gradually added about 2-3 more cups of low sodium chicken broth to keep the stew from reducing too much (it needs enough liquid to braise the beef and lentils,… Continue reading Persian beef and split yellow pea stew (khoresht ghymeh)

Middle Eastern style lentil soup with lemon

After a night of heavy meals, we opted for a light brunch. Recipe here: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1016062-red-lentil-soup-with-lemon We used 1 lemon and ½ lime for acidity and balance, and we garnished with fried onions (from an Indian grocery store) instead of fresh cilantro. This recipe can be vegetarian if you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.… Continue reading Middle Eastern style lentil soup with lemon

Israeli salad

We tried this recipe: http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2012/09/israeli-salad-recipe.html Our minor modifications: first, we used hothouse tomatoes instead of Roma (based on personal preference), but we did seed them as directed. Second, we omitted the red onion (we are not fans of raw onion). Finally, we used the juice of 2 lemons (rather than just 2 Tbsp). We served… Continue reading Israeli salad