Winter

Egyptian Liver, Alexandria Style

Egyptians get their “liver fix” either from street food carts or fast food shops. Gathered around food carts at different street corners, they enjoy their stir fried liver served in small plates with fresh chili peppers, lime wedges and warm pitas.  For a quick bite or an order to go, they pick up their liver […]

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Molokheya Egyptian Jute Soup

Egyptian Molokheya – The Soup of Jute

I bet most of you never heard of jute before. It was news to me too! For the longest time, I thought Molokheya, as we call it in Egyptian, didn’t exist outside Egypt. Wrong! It’s served in other middle eastern countries such as Lebanon where, instead of a soup, it’s a stir fry of  the […]

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Quickly Pickled Onions {Basal Mekhalel}

A lot of us love eating raw onions but do we dare to admit it? And say we admit it, how much of it do we dare eating? This recipe is a great addition to any meal when you’re craving that onion taste but don’t want the lingering after taste. I love this recipe because […]

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Walnut Sauce, Sharkaseya, for Chicken or Veal

Typically served from the kitchen of Egyptian families with Turkish ties or ancestors, Sharkaseya is a silky rich sauce to use on top of boiled chicken or veal for that special elegant lunch or dinner. When I got into cooking, my grandma called me into her bedroom and gave me a very precious gift. It […]

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Bamya – Egyptian Okra Stew

A hearty Okra stew, typically served with lamb or beef, or skip the meat for a vegeterian variation.   My grandma, a busy working woman, didn’t spend much time in the kitchen.  Still, she was known to make two dishes really well and Bamya was one of them.  She was very meticulous in all what […]

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Egyptian Cream of Artichokes Soup {Shorbet Kharshoof}

One of the most decadent soups you’ll have in Egypt.  Egyptian artichokes has a strong flavor and it stands out in this hearty soup. Although in Egypt soups are not served cold, this soup could be served hot or cold.  The steps are easy and with today’s immersion blender and frozen vegetables, this is the […]

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{Fatta} A Savory Lamb Bread Pudding

Most probably Fatta relates to the word fetata which means a small piece of bread or what we cutely call it in Egypt: fatfoota.  If you like lamb, this is a hearty dish that you eat then it leaves you at awe reminiscing about the flavors you just savored. This is a dish for all […]

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Egyptian Kofta

This one is for the beef or lamb lovers.  You must have had Kofta before, maybe you called it Kefteh, kefta or sikh kebab, so many names, all pointing to the same deliciousness!  This is the burger meat of the Middle East.  Adding lamb to the recipe gives it a richer flavor but feel free […]

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Egyptian Roasted Chicken & Potatoes

One of the simplest and tastiest ways to enjoy chicken and without adding any extra fat, oil or butter. When the smell of roasted chicken fills the house, you know you’re in for a good meal.   Serving Ideas: On a winter day, start the meal with a soup, then add a salad or a […]

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Yogurt Cucumber Dip or Salad

Yogurt Cucumber Dip {Salatet Zabadee}

A refreshing, fragrant dip that can be served all year round. And for me, since I <3 yogurt, I can eat it with every meal! Serving Ideas: A dip served with toasted or fried pita bread triangles, a side dish to cool down any spicy meal or with grilled meats especially chicken. Serving Size: 6 […]

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The Fool – an Egyptian Fava Beans Chili

The staple of the Egyptian breakfast,”fool” is how it’s pronounced and it means Fava Beans. These days, making it from scratch, the dried fava beans, is not necessary. Instead, you can buy it in cans from any market or specialized Middle Eastern grocery store. Foooooool, with that many o’s, is how you hear the street […]

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Egyptian Marinated Olives

Olives are Holy! If you ask me, they belong at every meal except desert unless someone already came up with this amazing recipe for an olive ice cream. I bet if I google it, I’ll find it! My favorite memory of olives and Egypt comes from my relative who went to school with me. When […]

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Marinated Vegetables Salad

In a culture that is rich in celebrations and family get-togethers, small dishes are great additions on those banquet tables.  They’re also great starters on a mezzeh / appetizers table. Served at room temperature, those marinated vegetables are refreshing.  When picking tomatoes for this salad, choose them firm and in season for full flavor.  For […]

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rice_half_half

1/2 & 1/2 Rice

Recently I came to learn that the Japanese sometimes add fried grains of rice to their tea. Have you ever had it?  It gives the tea a nutty rich taste.  Similarly, adding the fried grains of rice to your standard white rice dish gives it a nutty earthy taste that just renders a simple side […]

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Egyptian Lentil Soup

Egyptian Lentil Soup

This is one of Egypt’s most famous dishes. Lentils come in a great variety and colors. For this soup, we use the Red Lentil. It’s not literally red, rather it has a lively orange color. This winter dish is a staple on any cold winter day. In a casual setting you can serve the soup […]

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Root Vegetables Salad

This is one bright salad, full of color and nutrients. It has a great dressing that’s herby, garlicy and not for the faint hearted. This is one of those dishes that taste better after staying in the fridge for a few hours. And it’s best served at room temperature. In my house, this salad is […]

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