It was coming to the end of a long and sultry day as I languidly eased myself upon a heap of vintage embroidered cushions, the candle-lit lanterns flickering in the warm early evening breeze of an Istanbul night. The background music was haunting as if it were calling me from a far away place. I…
Category: Syria
Sami’s Koosa Mahshi, Stuffed Peppers with Golden Sultanas, Pine Kernels and Amba Spice
A few years ago, I made a lone trip to Ephesus, a port city in Turkey which was once revered as the most important and largest metropolis of the old Mediterranean world. As I gingerly walked its dusty streets, my sandalled feet slipping on stones worn down by time, I noticed the signs etched into…
Middle Eastern Cranberry and Pomegranate Relish Spiced with Ras el Hanout
Although it’s true that we can enjoy cranberry sauce all year long, I love to make it myself the minute those jewel bright tart berries hit the market. Here’s a quick recipe for a sauce with a distinctly exotic edge which you can make ahead and jar up ahead of the festive season. It’s perfect with…
Cardamom and Dill 