Trip to the Middle Eastern

Trip to the Middle Eastern

If you've followed me for a while, you will know that Middle Eastern cuisine is my favourite food; not only to eat but also to cook. There is so much to explore and experiment with; the flavours, the colours and the different ingredients. You can be transported to the souk in Morocco in just one dish.

Being half Persian, Middle Eastern food is in my blood, it's a cuisine I've been brought up on. One thing I particularly love about this type of cuisine is the sharing nature of all the dishes. Again, this is something that always influences my cooking - there is nothing more enjoyable to watch than people passing dishes around the table, all talking about the food - making it more of a celebration rather than just a meal. 

Don't get me wrong; I'm into an impeccably presented plate of food and the intricacy involved in certain dishes. However, there is just something so special and magical about flavours bubbling away in the pan and becoming alive. Then presenting this pan on the table and everyone dives in. 

As if there aren't already so many amazing things this particular cuisine has to offer - a bonus: It always tastes even better the next day! I make sure to cook extra (but I have to hide the extra because I can assure you - if it's on the table, it will get eaten.) 

Here are a few of my favourite recipes you need to make the most impressive and delicious Middle Eastern Inspired Feast: 

Aubergine Tagine

Tagines are so great, you just need to show them some love at the start, then leave to the simmer and wait for the magic to happen. This recipe is also fully vegan, which is perfect if you are trying to reduce your meat consumption.

There are so many layers of flavours in this dish, and one of the reasons for that, is substituting regular tomato paste for umami paste. Umami tends to be a thing we associate with Asia and fusion cooking, however umami is essentially just a flavour combination - so why restrict it to certain cuisines. Let’s experience umami in as many dishes as we can!

Tomato & Walnut Salad

Simple salads are sometimes the most magical. When you get good quality tomatoes, there really is nothing better. This salad, paired with a beautifully cooked piece of fish, is just perfection. 

The sweetness of the tomatoes are perfectly balanced with the sumac and pomegranate molasses. The walnuts give that extra layer of texture and the pomegranate seeds give a burst of flavour. It really is the perfect summer salad.

Fattoush Salad

This is hands down my favourite salad. The toasted pita chips just make it - yes we are talking bread IN the salad, honestly, I don’t think anything could sound better. There isn’t really much to say about this salad, apart from it goes with everything and that it’s utterly delicious.

Moroccan Spiced Chicken with Rose and Pistachio

This chicken is such a crowd pleaser, with just the right amount of spices against the citrus. The yoghurt in the marinade gently tenderises the meat causing it to literally fall apart. The pistachios add a pop of colour as well as a creamy dimension to the dish.