Dill, tomato and lemon shrimp is so easy and quick to make, very tasty and packed full of goodness. Dill has been used for culinary and medicinal purposes for hundreds of years and is said to boost our immune system, aid digestion, relieve arthritis pain and more. Preparation time: 5 minutes Cooking time: 5 minutes….

I experiment with lemon quite often in my recipes because I absolutely adore it. Adding lemon and dry mint to rice makes it a little more exciting. Preparation time: 5 minutes. Cooking time: 15 minutes. Ingredients (serves 4 people) 2 cups of white basmati rice 3 cups of boiling water Juice of 1 lemon Rind…

Slow cooked minced beef in a red wine and coriander sauce with green, red and yellow peppers, carrots, onion and garlic. I call this my ‘rainbow’ dish due to the many colours that make up the finished product. Comfort food full of goodness. This is another one of my ‘one pot’ recipes, creating less to…

Slow cooked chicken thighs with carrots and potatoes in a garlic, white wine and thyme sauce – Yum! This is another one of my ‘one pot’ recipes, creating less to wash up later. The chicken thighs will be so tender and succulent that they’ll literally be falling of the bone. Preparation time: 10 minutes. Cooking…

Bulgur is an excellent source of protein, fiber, iron and vitamin B. I often eat this as a main dish with pieces of chicken on top. The key to this dish is to chop every ingredient finely. Preparation time: 30 minutes. Ingredients (serves 4 people) Half a red onion very finely chopped 2 or 3 spring onions…

Most padron peppers aren’t hot, but once in a while you come across one that really packs a punch! It’s impossible to tell which one might be hot – and this is part of the fun. I absolutely love these little blistered peppers and hopefully you will too. Cooking time: 5-6 minutes. Ingredients (serves 3-4…

Yogurt is widely used throughout Mediterranean and Middle Eastern countries, with slight variations in prepping. I like to serve this alongside main dishes as it complements white rice and chicken or lamb perfectly. Ingredients (serves 4 people) 1 pot of natural or Greek yogurt 1 cup of cucumbers finely chopped 2 garlic cloves minced 2…

This tasty, tangy chicken recipe is one of my favourites and it’s all cooked in one pot, creating less to wash up later. If you’re a lemon lover, you’ve got to try it. Preparation time: 10 minutes. Cooking time: 60 minutes. Ingredients (serves 3 – 4 people) 6 chicken thighs (bone and skin on) 3-4…

Chickpeas are incredibly nutritious and filling. Two cups provides your entire daily dietary requirement of fiber and when we combine chickpeas with heathy fats such as olive oil, it actually enhances nutrient absorption. Preparation time: 15 minutes Ingredients (serves 4 people) 2 cans of pre-cooked chickpeas 1/2 red onion finely chopped 2-3 spring onions /…

This deliciously simple, spicy pasta recipe is great for mid-week lunches or dinners. Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 15 minutes. Ingredients (serves 4 people) 400-500 grams of fusilli pasta A large pot of boiling water 1 white onion finely chopped  2 cloves of garlic minced 1-2 fresh red chili peppers finely chopped 4-5 tbsp. of olive…

Sumac is one of my all time favourite spices. This wine-coloured spice is made from dried berries and it has an amazing lemony-lime tartness that enhances just about all food. In the middle east, sumac is a condiment that can often be found next to the salt and pepper on most restaurant tables. Preparation time:…

Avocado is quite a unique fruit, high in good fats and packed full of vitamins, minerals and nutrients. They are an excellent source of fiber and a single avocado can provide almost 50% of your daily requirement. Preparation time: 5 minutes Ingredients (serves 1-2 people) 2 slices of bread toasted 1 avocado sliced 1/2 lemon…

This gluten free, vegan cauliflower curry is really tasty and low in carbs (excluding the rice!). I usually make enough for a few days as it keeps well refrigerated and can be heated up easily. Preparation time: 10 minutes. Cooking time: 20 minutes. Ingredients (serves 4 people) 1 cauliflower cut into florets 1 yellow onion finely…

An easy breakfast idea that looks and tastes beautiful! If you don’t like pomegranate then replace this with capers. Preparation time: 5 minutes Cooking time: 5 minutes Ingredients (serves 2 people) 2 slices of bread toasted 2 fried eggs 2-3 smoked salmon slices Chopped chives A few juicy pomegranate seeds 1 tsp olive oil 1-2 tsp…

Okra which is known as ‘ladies fingers’ in many English speaking countries is an excellent source of antioxidants and is packed full of nutrients. The health benefits are plentiful; it stabilizes cholesterol levels, prevents liver disease and strengthens your immune system. Roasting them minimizes the natural sliminess of these superfood pods and can be eaten…

Grilling or roasting eggplant gives it a unique creamy, smoky taste.  This recipe is popular throughout the middle east and has various regional names: Moutabal, Mutabal, Moutabel or Baba Ganoush for instance. There are some variations in terms of preparation but the key ingredients are the same. Serve with warm pita bread and enjoy. Preparation…

Yogurt is widely used throughout Mediterranean and Middle Eastern countries, with slight variations in prepping. Greeks prefer to use dill in their ‘Tzatziki’ where as Arabs prefer mint. Turks have multiple mezes that are based on this recipe but instead of mint contain spinach, hot chilies, egg plant or nuts. Turks and Greeks tend to…

White kidney beans are incredibly nourishing and a great natural anti-inflammatory. This simple Turkish recipe known as ‘Fasulye Piyazi’ is popular as a meze or salad for the family to share. Preparation time: 15-20 minutes Ingredients (serves 4 people) 2 cans of pre-cooked white kidney beans (or cannellini beans) 1 can of black olives (stones…

Grilling or roasting intensifies the flavor of vegetables and red peppers are certainly one of my favourites to cook this way. This easy recipe is popular throughout the med, especially in Spain and Italy. ‘Pimientos a la parilla’ are perfect as a side dish with meat or fish, or simply as part of a meze…

This refreshing, cold soup originates from the region of Andalusia in the south of Spain, where I grew up. Perfect for lunch or dinner in the summertime.