simple, clean recipes with bold flavors
There's no hiding my love for Mediterranean food. I can eat it all day, every day, and have a list of recipes on here to prove it! But I was gifted an amazing cookbook, Baladi by Joudie Kalla, and it has truly been a treat reading through it. You not only get detailed family recipes, but you get stories mixed with beautiful photography to give you an experience like no other. An insight into the cuisine itself. From there I gathered the courage to put a spin on a recent favorite, Fatteh...
These Pita pockets are so light and refreshing, they can be great for a light lunch, and if you can find mini pita's a great dish to serve at party's. I love just setting everything out on the table like a taco bar, so everyone can make their own, customizing it their personal taste. Add a salad and a side of fries and these are a great weeknight dinner option...
I take my hummus very seriously. I may be a Pakistani but I grew up in Michigan, surrounded by delicious and authentic Mediteranean food. I can spot a fake and lumpy hummus full of unwelcome ingredients from a mile away. I keep mine simple, to the point, and delicious, as it should be. It's beautifully balanced with nutty notes from the tahini, a fresh zing from the lemon juice and a subtle bitterness from the olive oil and garlic. You take one bite and you know you're eating the real thing.
While this dish is not a traditional Musakhan, the flavors are heavily inspired by it... I made this Sumac Chicken when I moved to Chicago. Not only did I miss my family, but the food we loved eating together. I missed the Mediteranean restaurants we used to gather at for every celebration.