Tomatoes may not be summer-ready here in the Midwest, but there’s no shortage of beautiful ones in the grocery store, perhaps coming in from California. I picked up some beautiful Roma variety, ripening them on the counter for several days before roasting. After roasting, I really wasn’t sure what exactly I waould even use them for, but I knew they would be ... Read More »
I’m often asked by readers to provide quick and easy meals for busy families. To be quite honest, I’m really not a cook who goes out of her way to make most things, so quick and easy is my preferred style. I don’ t have the time or the desire (usually) to complicate my life by running back and forth ... Read More »
Are you tired of pumpkin from a can? I most certainly am. I know it’s not the worst thing in the world, especially when there are some really good organic varieties out there, but I’d much rather have the fresh alternative without any hint of aluminum taste in the pumpkin. This is definitely the season for pumpkins- not just for ... Read More »
This recipe was given to me by a dear college friend, a Malaysian woman smarter than just about anyone I know. I think she was engineering student by day and master chef by night. She’s the one who introduced me to cooking with things like coconut milk, peanut oil and lots of cilantro. And wok cooking. I was fascinated by ... Read More »
While still experiencing the heat of the summer, it’s always nice to have a refreshing, light salad to accompany other summer foods. I love this salad not only because I love the addition of lime juice to salads, but I also love sumac, the dried, crushed and ground fruit of the sumac flower typical of the Mediterranean. Sumac also gives a ... Read More »
It’s a common Mediterranean and Middle Eastern culinary habit to stuff vegetables with a variety of grains such as rice or couscous as well as ground meats or nuts like pistachios. That said, this dish is amazingly versatile. If you don’t have peppers, you can substitute zucchinis or eggplants instead; if you don’t have couscous, try cooked rice or meat ... Read More »
I’ve taken an unexpected break from blogging, partially by choice and partially not. I’ve been developing and testing recipes for cooking demos I plan to do at the upcoming annual ISNA convention here in Chicago. I’m also working on articles for Sister’s Extra, the new blog of the lovely Sister’s Magazine. I’m also testing halal Thai recipes for my monthly contribution ... Read More »
This is just one of the ways I make them. You can start from this recipe and shake things up with your own favorite additions. Let me know what you do with your frijoles negroes, without the lard. Read More »
Lately I’ve been soaking and cooking my own dry beans- everything from black beans to pinto beans and now chickpeas. I used to do it a lot more often than I do now, but I’m suddenly forcing myself to enjoy the health benefits of freshly-cooked beans as well as the economic benefits. Beans are cheap in a can, but they can ... Read More »
If you don’t have time to jar all those end of summer fruits, try this recipe instead for a wonderful spread. It’s absolutely delicious on toast, croissants and even pancakes. There’s no pectin needed, no jarring or preserving necessary- just make it and use it up or share with friends, family & neighbors. They’ll be amazed it came from grapes, ... Read More »
My Halal Kitchen | Inspiration for Wholesome Living Simple Recipes and Useful Household Tips
