Dill, Tomato & Lemon Shrimp

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….

Lemon & Mint Rice

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…

Red Wine Coriander Beef

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…

Garlic & Thyme Chicken

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…

Vegie Bulgur Salad

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…

Pimientos del Padron

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…

Spicy Cucumber Yogurt

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…

Lemon & Dill Chicken

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…

Chickpea, Carrot & Dill Salad

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 /…

Arrabbiata with Black Olives

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…

Smoked Salmon Sumac Salad

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:…

Spicy Avocado on Toast

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…

Cauliflower & Pea Curry

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…

Salmon & Eggs on Toast

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…

Oven Roasted Okra

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…

Smoky Eggplant ‘Moutabal’

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…

Garlic Yogurt Cucumber Dip

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 Bean Salad

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…

Grilled red peppers with garlic

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…

Gazpacho Andaluz

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.

Couscous, Chickpea & Feta

Simple to make and a great way of using up ingredients that you might have sitting in the fridge. Get creative and add additional toppings as you wish. Ingredients (serves 4 people) 1/2 red onion finely chopped 8-10 cherry tomatoes finely chopped 1 small cucumber finely chopped 1 tin of cooked chickpeas rinsed well 10-12…

Giant Couscous Salad

Low in calories, yet tasty and filling. This giant couscous salad keeps well in the fridge for a few days so it’s perfect to prepare in advance for lunches throughout the week. Ingredients (serves 4 people) 1 red onion quartered and sliced 10-12 cherry tomatoes chopped into quarters 1 garlic clove (crushed with garlic crusher) 1…

Maqluba aka ‘Upside Down’

This traditional Palestinian dish is spelled differently throughout the levant: Maqluba, Maqlooba, Makloubi, Maglooba, Magloubeh are all variations of the words ‘upside down’ in Arabic. This is typically served for the family at the weekend and won’t fail to impress. Preparation time: 30 minutes. Cooking time: 60-70 minutes. Ingredients (serves 4 people) 2-3 chicken breasts…

Cabbage Salad

This beautifully simple cabbage salad is so easy to make and improves digestion. It contains lots of vitamin C and keeps your heart healthy. It keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days. Preparation time: 15 mins Ingredients 1 cabbage (red or green) shredded or finely chopped 1/2 cup of olive oil 1-2 lemons juiced…

Lebanese Okra & Coriander Stew

This is one of my favourite dishes. Known as ‘Bamia’ in Arabic, it is sometimes referred to as ‘Lady’s Fingers’ and is served throughout the middle east (usually cooked with lamb but this is my vegetarian version). Okra is packed full of nutrients and antioxidants as well as being low in calories. I buy the…

Feta, Beetroot & Coriander Salad

Preparation time: 10 minutes Ingredients (serves 2-3 people) 1 romaine lettuce chopped 2 tomatoes chopped 4 cooked beetroot chopped 1/2 red onion finely sliced Feta cheese (more or less as you prefer) 1/2 cup of chopped coriander 3-4 tbsp. olive oil for dressing Juice of 1 lemon Half a tsp. of Dijon mustard Salt and…

Tomato, Artichoke & Tuna Salad

This simple summer salad is delicious. It reminds me of Spain and the food served at the tapas bars that line the streets in Malaga. Preparation time: 10 minutes Ingredients (serves 2 people) 1-2 large Spanish tomatoes sliced 1 tin of tuna in olive oil 1/2 red onion sliced 6-7 mint leaves chopped 4-6 marinated…

Greek ‘Gigantes’ in Tomato Sauce

Giant butter beans (otherwise known as ‘Gigantes’) grow in abundance in Greece. This recipe is seriously easy and oh so tasty. It’s packed full of fibre, increases energy levels and prevents diabetes amongst other benefits. This dish can be served hot, warm or at room temperature. Preparation time: 5 minutes Cooking Time: 30 mins Ingredients…

Arugula, Tomato & Onion Salad

This simple and refreshing arugula salad reminds me of summer holidays in Italy. Mediterranean tomatoes are much juicier and tastier than the ones I seem to find in the UK. Minimal fuss and so yummy. Preparation time: 5 minutes Ingredients (serves 2 people) 1 bag of arugula leaves 1/2 red onion sliced 10-12 cherry tomatoes…

Green Bean, Carrot & Leek stew

This Turkish vegetarian stew served alongside couscous is tasty and very easy to make. I usually make enough for a couple of days as it keeps well and tastes just as good if not better the next day. Preparation time: 15 minutes. Cooking time: 45 minutes. Ingredients (serves 4 people) 16-20 runner beans or flat…

Lemon Couscous

Couscous descends from north Africa and is a real staple throughout Africa s well as being popular in many  other countries today. It’s a healthier alternative to rice and only requires four ingredients: couscous, vegetable/chicken stock, salt and pepper. I add lemon to mine but that’s optional. Preparation time: 2 minutes. Cooking time: 10 minutes….

Sautéed Garlic Spinach

The ideal side dish in my opinion. Spinach strengthens your bones and your muscles, improves your eyesight, has an anti-cancer effect and so much more. Preparation time: 5 minutes. Cooking time: 5 minutes. Ingredients (serves 4) Two large packets of spinach thoroughly washed 3 cloves of garlic sliced A splash of white wine A sprinkle…