Paneer is a type of fresh cheese used often in Indian & Afgan cooking and which is happily much more readily available these days! It is made in a similar way to ricotta and then pressed into a slab so it’s a light and healthy way to get protein into your diet. It is often…
Tag: healthy food
Persian Aubergine & Split Pea Stew – Khoresht Bademjan
Serves 4-6 INGREDIENTS 3 medium Aubergines quartered lengthwise and then cut into chunks. 3 tbsp olive oil 1 cup yellow split peas (soaked in water for 2-3 hours and boiled for 10mins) 2 large onions, peeled and sliced very thin – one for stew – one for garnish. 3-4 TBSP butter/ghee, for frying the onion…
Cherry & Pecan Granola
This is one of those recipes I have never really given much consideration to as it’s just something that happens every week in our house (a necessity really given the levels of hunger teenage boys seem to be afflicted by) . However after my last house-guest demolished an entire jar and begged me for the…
Moroccan Orange & Lemon Roast Chicken
I think one of my earliest “pleasureful” memories of eating as a kid is one of eating roast chicken. My mother made the best, (of course) and it was a dish that brought us all together. I even remember her roasting a chicken and wrapping it in foil for long plane journeys so we could…
Roasted Carrot & Harissa Mezze
My recent trip to Morocco reminded me how much I love the way the Moroccans eat and how naturally healthy their food is. Lots of vegetables and fresh ingredients served simply – unadulterated. There are many versions of this type of Mezze and I couldn’t find an official Moroccan name for this dish but it…
Spiced Pumpkin Pancakes
These delectably spiced, soft and cloud like pancakes filled with butternut squash are (believe it or not!) originally from a northern area of Iran called Gilān. This area is quite close to Azerbaijan and the Turkish regions of Iran and has a very relaxed and friendly atmosphere – it’s a place that often referred to…
Kooftah Berenji – Persian Lamb & Rice Meatballs
These succulent spiced lamb meatballs are quite unusual as they are combined with split peas (chana dhal) and rice and then simmered lightly in a rich sweet/sour broth which is utterly heavenly. The word Kofta, or Kufta or Kooftah comes from a Persian word meaning “to pound” or “to grind”, and is referring (obviously) to the…
Ghalieh Mahi – Persian Herbed Fish
Ghalieh Mahi is a fragrant fish dish that originates from the Caspian Sea region in Iran where fresh fish is abundant. It has an exciting piquant flavour that is typical of many Persian dishes and is served mostly at the beginning of spring. My version is prepared differently to the traditional version (which is a…
Almond & Orange Delights
I guess this recipe could qualify as a florentine but not in the traditional sense as it has no butter in the recipe. The crisp texture and aromatic flavour of this delectable treat is redolent of the Middle East and its light enough to be enjoyed guilt free. They also happen to be gluten and…