The latest addition to my cookbook shelf is Yotam Ottolenghi’s Jerusalem where I found this wonderful recipe. Take 4 large or 6 small quails and cut them in half along the breastbone and back. Place them in a bowl and sprinkle with ¾ of a teaspoon each of dried chilli flakes and ground cumin, ½ a teaspoon…… Continue reading braised quail
Tag: middle eastern food
mint and honey syrup cake
Mint seems to be my theme at the moment. This cake could follow a Moroccan or Middle Eastern meal. It is of medium density, very moist and goes wonderfully well with yoghurt. Enjoy it with a glass of mint tea. Preheat the oven to 150C (300F). In a food processor beat 115g (4 oz) of softened…… Continue reading mint and honey syrup cake
lamb shanks with baharat
Baharat is a wonderful combination of spices from Iraq. You may find baharat at your local Middle Eastern store but check for salt before seasoning your dish. To make your own spice mix grind 2 tablespoons of black peppercorns, 1½ tablespoons of cumin seeds, ½ a teaspoon of cardamom seeds and 1 tablespoon each of coriander seeds, cassia bark and…… Continue reading lamb shanks with baharat
persian love cake
Adapted from a recipe by Gerard Yaxley this cake has a wonderfully fragrant and exotic flavour. And since it’s a love cake I added rose petals. Rub together (to breadcrumb consistency) 360g (12½0z) of almond meal, 150g (5¼oz) each of raw sugar and brown sugar, 120g (4¼oz) unsalted butter and 1 tsp of salt. Press…… Continue reading persian love cake
flourless orange and almond cake
Claudia Roden’s orange and almond cake is popular for good reason. Served simply with fresh cream or sour cream it makes a deliciously moist after dinner dessert. First boil 3 oranges until soft. This can be done ahead of time and a pressure cooker greatly reduces the cooking time. When cooled, cut the oranges open…… Continue reading flourless orange and almond cake
lamb racks with almond and za’atar crust + cauliflower tarator
These lamb racks are moist and tender with a delicious Middle Eastern flavour. Rub the lamb racks with some Greek style yoghurt and allow to marinate for at least one hour. Before cooking preheat the oven to 200C (400F). Mix ½ a cup of almond meal with 2 tablespoons of za’atar (store bought or home made)…… Continue reading lamb racks with almond and za’atar crust + cauliflower tarator
double-cooked chicken
Having decided to cook a whole chicken, I found this wonderful Moroccan recipe in a Robert Carrier book. Place the whole chicken in a casserole dish and season with salt and freshly ground pepper. Now add 2 small red onions (grated or finely chopped), 2-3 cloves of minced garlic, ½ a teaspoon of saffron, ½ a teaspoon of…… Continue reading double-cooked chicken
baked breakfast
Here’s a breakfast (or brunch) with a Middle-Eastern influence. First prepare a baking dish with some olive oil. Cut tomatoes in half and sprinkle with sumac (a spice made from berries which adds a tangy lemony flavour) then place them cut-side up in the baking dish. Cut mushrooms into quarters or thick slices and add…… Continue reading baked breakfast
michelle picker cooks 