My Interview with Mohammad Salehi of Heray Spice
In this video, I introduce you to the Founder of Heray Spice, a Chicago-based company working closely with a cooperative of farmers across his native…
Category: FOOD
Milky & Sweet Saffron Tea (sponsored)
This is my version of Karak Chai, a milky tea popular in Gulf countries and South Asia, this one utilizing beautifully aromatic saffron by Heray…
Heray Spice #ad
Several months ago, I was approached by Mohammad Salehi, Founder and Owner of Heray Spice, asking me to try his saffron. So often I’m approached…
10 Foods Mentioned in the Qur’an
There are many beautiful (Halal, or “permissible“) foods mentioned in the Holy Quran, many of which you will often see at the table of Muslims…
AEGEAN GREENS PIE
The book: Food and Life in the Blue Zone Ikaria by Meni Valle is one of my absolute favorite and very well-used cookbooks for everyday…
ROASTED EGGPLANT & PEPPERS on RICE
I love eggplant and I love peppers, but on a day when I’m in a huge hurry and don’t have time to fry the eggplant…
WHITE BEAN HUMMUS
It’s only been the last couple of years since I’ve started cooking with white beans (also known as cannellini beans, great northern beans, and habichuelas blancas in Spanish). I’m…
SAUTEED EGGPLANT MEZZE
I think eggplant might just be the quintessential Mediterranean vegetable. You find it in every Mediterranean country’s cuisine in such a variety of absolutely delicious…
MOROCCAN-SPICED BEEF, RAISIN & ALMOND APPETIZER
Yesterday was the first Friday of Ramadan, the month of fasting for Muslims around the world. And there are some really delicious Mediterranean dishes shared…
VEGAN MUSHROOM PASTA
Some links in this post are affiliate. I may earn a commission from purchases made through these link, at no cost to you as a…
SHEPHERD’S SALAD / ÇOBAN SALATA
Çoban Salata (Cho-ban Suh-la-ta), also known as Turkish Shepherd’s salad is by far the most well-known Turkish salad outside of Turkiye. You’ll find very similar…
HALAL SUBSTITUTES FOR ALCOHOL IN BAKING
There are some really wonderful pastry and baking dishes found in French, Italian, Latin, Asian and American cuisine that call for alcohol and liquors, so…
HALAL SUBSTITUTES FOR PORK
So many people end up avoiding restaurants, recipes and other great family meals because they’re often times unaware of the ways around consuming pork and…
HALAL SUBSTITUTES FOR ALCOHOL IN COOKING
Above is my list that you can print out as a chart and use it for dishes that call for a variety of alcoholic beverages…
Shrimp Arrabbiata
This is a great appetizer or party dish for weekend gatherings, Iftar during Ramadan, or even Eid. Or, just make it for yourself and family,…
Grilled Vegetable Salad
When you have a plethora of vegetables, there are only so many things you can do with them without getting tired of the same old…
Yogurt with Blackberries, Honey & Mint
This is more of a suggestion than a recipe, as you really only need a few ingredients and they are variable. Good quality yogurt, delicious…
CREAM CHEESE DIP WITH NUTS & HONEY
I’m always on the lookout for quick and easy recipes for when I entertain- something healthy and that utilizes much of what I already have…
AFFOGATO: ITALIAN COFFEE & ICE CREAM
If you love coffee and ice cream, this quick dessert recipe is for you. Affogato is an Italian word for the super delicious coffee drink with ice…
Cultivating a Kitchen Garden
Most of you know how much I absolutely love plants and all things about growing and gardening, whether it be on a balcony or in…
