Persian Beetroot Borani with Yoghurt and Dill

Borani is a Persian yoghurt-based dip that usually includes cooked vegetables such as spinach or beetroot. There seem to be no precise rules in respect of the ingredients used but this version is one of my favourites. Ironically the first time I was served it we were sitting atop a candlelit roof-top terrace of a…

Greek Village-style Bread, Horiatiko Psomi

There’s always a freshly baked loaf on our table, something to mop up the juices of roasted tomatoes, to scoop up garlicky hummus stirred with rose harissa or to dip into a bowl of zing-fresh labneh and it’s such a pleasure to bake your own. I forget that sometimes. This recipe for a very simple…

Jaffa Orange, Feta and Almond Filo Pie with Wild Oregano

The classic Jaffa orange – shamouti – was originally developed by Palestinian farmers in the mid-19th century and takes its name from the city of Jaffa – Yafo – where it was first produced for export. These are the oranges that I was given as the occasional treat when I was a child so the intoxicating aroma of…

Greek Manouri Saganaki with Honey and Nigella Seeds

It was late summer as we sheltered from the hot Cypriot sun under vine leaves heavy with maroon globes of fruit at the favourite beachside cafe beloved of our hosts. Cats slept amongst the shady underbellies of old sun-bleached tables, waking only to curl their way around our legs as they begged for attention and…

Pal Haveli Paneer Makhani with Almond and Lemon Basmati Rice

After a long and eventful drive from Jaipur – so many stories to tell – we eventually arrived in the ‘blue city’ of Jodhpur just as its colourful residents prepared themselves for the business of the cooling evening (even in October the temperature rarely falls below 100 degrees). All of the tiny artisan shops that…