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:…

This easy spicy feta salad works as a main meal or as a side dish. I love the tangy, salty, creamy taste of feta and every time I eat this it reminds me of beautiful Greek island life. Preparation time: 10 minutes Ingredients (serves 2-3 people) Spring mix salad leaves or any salad greens would…

Sprouts are high in protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals. They aid weight loss, prevent anemia, boost your metabolism and improve heart health. This is a simple side dish which you can make in under 30 minutes. Preparation time: 5 minutes Cooking time: 20-25 minutes. Ingredients (serves 3-4 people) 1 bag of fresh sprouts (35-45 sprouts usually)…

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…

A beautifully easy breakfast or lunch recipe. It can be made vegetarian without the salmon if you prefer. Preparation time: 5 minutes Ingredients (serves 2 people) 2 slices of bread toasted 2 smoked salmon slices 1 avocado sliced 1/2 tsp olive oil 2 tsp tahini paste 2-3 tsp lemon juice (more if you like it…

This colourful Mediterranean potato salad is ideal for BBQs, lunch or picnics as it can be made in advance and keeps well refrigerated for 2-3 days. Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 6-10 minutes Ingredients (serves 4-6 people) 1-2 bags of mini potatoes (500g – 1000g) 1/2 red onion thinly sliced 1 cup of cherry…

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…

Fattoush salad is one of my favourite Arabic salads of all time. It’s lemony garlic dressing is simply delicious and a healthy meal or side dish any day of the week. This colourful recipe is said to originate from Northern Lebanon, although today it is eaten by Arabs everywhere. The ingredients vary by region. Try…

This summery pasta recipe will leave you feeling full, but without that stodgy feeling that some cheese-filled pastas bring with it. It tastes best at room temperature or cold so it’s ideal for BBQs or picnics. Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 15-20 minutes. Ingredients (serves 4-5 people) 400-500 grams of fusilli pasta A large pot of boiling…

‘Gambas Pil Pil’ can be found in any Spanish restaurant and can be eaten as a tapa or as a main dish, served with crusty bread. The smell of fried garlic coupled with pimienton lures people in to Spanish restaurants every time. It’s so easy to make and one my favourite recipes to make for…