Category: Appetizers
-
Ejjeh
Ejjeh is a popular Mediterranean breakfast item, served as an appetizer and often made during the month of lent. Ejjeh is similar to the French omelette, the Italian fritatta, and the Mexican huevos rancheros. Eggs are combined with parsley and Mexican gray zucchini or squash, red bell peppers, seasoned with garlic and allspice and fried…
-
Foul Moudammas
Foul moudammas, rich in fiber and vitamins, is a popular breakfast menu item you’ll find at local diners or restaurants when visiting Lebanon. It’s as common as ordering pancakes or waffles here in the United States. Fava beans are cooked till they are soft and creamy. Garbanzo beans, cumin, garlic, lemon juice and olive oil are…
-
Pepper Paste
Pepper paste is widely used in Armenian cooking. This homemade version is so much more flavorful and pure than the ones sold in jars. Whenever my mom would give me a recipe that contained tomato paste, I would ask her if I should add pepper paste. She’d say “Yes … of course” because she assumed I would…
-
Hummus – Chickpea dip
Hummus or chickpea dip has become widely available at supermarkets here in the United States. You’ll find different variations of hummus, such as hummus with roasted red peppers, toasted pin nuts, garlic or even cumin added to the spread. But here is the “real deal.” The classic traditional hummus is one with nothing but chickpeas,…
-
Prawns or Shrimp Cocktail
Prawns or shrimp cocktail is probably the most popular appetizer you’ll find on a restaurant menu, at a banquet buffet, or any get-together. I prefer to use prawns because they are more flavorful and tender than their counterpart. It’s easy to make and much tastier than buying them fully cooked from the grocery store. One…
-
Fried Calamari
Fried Calamari a menu item we look for when we go out to dinner. Cooking calamari is not difficult or complicated. The secret to a successful calamari is to buy frozen squid. Often, restaurants use the frozen kind even when they tell you it’s fresh. Why? because when you fry the fresh kind, it will be…
-
Tabbouleh
Tabbouleh, a traditional Lebanese salad is in my opinion, is the salad of all salads. This salad has only recently gained popularity here in the United States. I found that most of the tabbouleh recipes that are posted online are “hybrids” with added ingredients. Here is the traditional way of making this delicious healthy salad.…
-
Baked Cheese “Beurek”
This is an amazing recipe! Once you make it, you and your family will love it. You might find it difficult to make at first if you aren’t used to making dough or pastry. But after a few attempts, you’ll get the hang of it. I get raving reviews about it whenever I make it.…
-
Orekh: Bulgur Kebab
Beef bulgur kebabs with mint are perfect for appetizers, in sandwiches or served as a main course with baked potatoes and a green salad. The bulgur keeps the kebabs moist, and the mint adds another level of flavor. These are usually served with wedges of pita bread, pepper paste dip, and turnip pickles. My son likes…
-
Mini Manaeesh
These mini manaeesh appetizers are fast and delicious, for those friends who call and say they are coming over for drinks. They are made with pure olive oil and dried thyme called “Zaatar”. They are available at Middle Eastern stores, and come in two different varieties. Try to get the green “Zaatar” that comes from Jordan,…