Spinach Turnovers
Hello and welcome to the first episode of my cooking show! Joumana Accad is my name and Taste of Beirut is my newly released cookbook! Let’s make spinach turnovers, or fatayer bi-sabanegh, a popular Lebanese mezze dish that is perfect for all occasions. If you like what you see, check...
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Cabbage rolls with meat and rice
I will admit that this is not the most photogenic dish out of a Lebanese table; but boy is it tasty! For some reason, cabbage leaves are tougher in the US and it is a challenge to get them silky soft. In any case, long and gentle simmering is required...
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Eggs in meat sauce (Makhlama wbeyd)
This is a delicious Iraqi dish I sampled last Summer when visiting Iraqi friends. It is perfect for brunch and easy to prepare. INGREDIENTS: 4 TO 6 Servings 2 tablespoons oil 1 large onion, chopped 1/2 pound ground meat salt and pepper, to taste (can add a pinch of cinnamon)...
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Rami Zurayk (From ‘Akkar to ‘Amel)
Rami Zurayk is an agronomist and food personality I had wanted to meet for a long time. He is the author of several food and agriculture-related books, a graduate of Oxford and professor (and Department Chair) at the Faculty of Agriculture and Food Science at the American University of Beirut, specializing...
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Almond cookies (Lawzeeyeh)
Above are store-bought cookies from Imad Hallawi. These cookies are dangerous. Too good to eat just one. They are called lawziyeh, from lawz, meaning almond. They are very similar to Mexican wedding cookies. The almonds are chopped (not peeled) and incorporated in the dough, which is a basic shortbread. They...
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Fish in a tomato stew
I don’t know about you, but the (sometimes) oppressive heat does not encourage me to bend over a hot stove. This is quick and easy and flavorful and a last-minute inspiration. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare. INGREDIENTS: 4 servings • 4 fish fillets (salmon, snapper, grouper,...
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Cream of wheat pudding (Ma’mouniyeh)
Here is a traditional (and ancient) Middle-Eastern pudding that can be prepared very easily with ingredients from any mainstream supermarket. It is named after the ninth century Caliph Ma’moun (revered by some and loathed by others). It is so simple to make, yet it is a celebratory dessert. It is also...
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Bell peppers stew (Shakshuka)
A perfect Summer dish, this (vegan) stew is a mixture of bell peppers, tomatoes and garlic, all pan-fried in olive oil. It is served at room temperature and eaten with pita bread. It is considered an appetizer (mukkabalate). INGREDIENTS: 4 to 6 servings 1/2 cup olive oil 3 bell peppers,...
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Yogurt drink (Ayran)
I posted this image on the blog’s Facebook page, just to see how many people would respond to it. Initially I thought it was only an Eastern Mediterranean (Turkey) and Middle-Eastern drink; turns out it is popular in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, even in parts of China. In Lebanon, it is called...
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