This time I remembered to soak the beans before going to bed. I’ve been craving this breakfast for a long time and I always think of it at breakfast time! Small fava beans with an olive oil, garlic and lemon dressing or Foul Mdammas is a traditional breakfast dish. It’s usually served with fresh mint, parsley, tomatoes, olives, cucumbers or …
Freekeh Ratatouille
I feel like Remy in Ratatouille every time I make this dish. My mouth watered at the scene where Ego took his first bite. And when, during a recent visit to a Vaidya, I was told to focus on dishes that have plenty of cooked, seasonal veggies, I was excited at the variety of delightful meals I can prepare. …
Tabbouleh Salad
Anytime you look into my fridge and not find at least three bunches of cleaned and arranged parsley, there’s something wrong. This is probably the one item, well that and tomatoes and lemons, that I can’t live without. There are so many things to do with parsley – mix it with ground meat to make kafta, chop it for a …
Spiced Pompano with Green Salsa
It’s been a bit hectic since we came back from Easter break with my family. We were able to really enjoy the Spring in full swing in Virginia, colors of all shades of pink, white, yellow, purple and this green. Amazing. The kids enjoyed their playtime with cousins whom they don’t really see as often as we would all like. …
Roasted Eggplant stuffed with Kale and Buckwheat in a Spicy Tomato Sauce
The mystery is solved !! It’s a Hyacinth, a bunch of beautifully blossoming purple ones. I am so proud of myself. I had no idea I can garden (I am using that term very loosely). I’ve never been able to grow anything, even a mint bush died on me last year, but you know, this Spring, something special is in …
Roasted Beets, Watercress and Apple Salad with Pomegranate Dressing
Have you ever had times when you’re drawn to a particular vegetable or fruit. It’s an odd feeling, but I occasionally get immense cravings for a particular item; like for instance last Spring, I couldn’t have enough peaches. Well, for the last couple of months, I never leave a market without beets. I use them in juicing, with carrots and …
Forbidden Rice Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette
This is one of my favorite salads, inspired by one that I occasionally eat at Whole Foods Fairfax when visiting family. And while theirs is Asian inspired, mine relies on the sweetness of the pineapples and peppers with a hint of sherry vinegar and some agave nectar. It’s simple, flavorful and filling. And more importantly, when I have an upcoming …
Quinoa-stuffed Red Cabbage Salad
I’ve been attracted to deep colored vegetables lately. I guess I’m ready for Spring, a fresh morning breeze, blossoms on the trees and the sight of new life with all its colorful wonder everywhere. It’s been a long cold winter and I have cabin fever AND I live in the South!! Several years ago, I lived in Vail, Colorado and …
Levant Steamed Mussels with Whole Wheat Angel Hair Pasta
I have been craving some steamed mussels for a while now. Pre-kids, my husband and I used to love dining al fresco at our favorite restaurant VIVACE, and they served the best bowl of steamed mussels. My favorite part was dipping the crusty bread which soaked up the broth like a sponge. Deeelicious! Inspired by those mouth watering memories, I …
Peanut and Vegetable Soup
Now that this post is well under way, I just realized that my sister-in-law is right! She complained last time that she can’t make any of these recipes since they all have been including nuts in one form or another. See, she’s allergic to …well.. a lot of things, including nuts, which happen to be my favorites. Oops! So sorry …