Basbousa -Sweet Semolina Cake: Ramadan Special

Basboussa is a Middle Eastern delicacy. It is an amazing cake; it's moist, sweet, delicately perfumed and has a grainy texture. I have tried this cake at different Middle Eastern restaurants and I was so eager to make it myself. After two failed attempts, my dear friend Kenza came to the rescue and shared with me her Basbousa recipe, which I am , in turn, sharing with you. It is, of course, super easy and exquisitely delicious. This cake could be served with tea or coffee.


Courtesy of Kenza

What Wou'll Need:

1 1/2 cups Semolina
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup sweetned coconut flakes
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 cup melted butter (cooled to room temperature)
1 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups almonds or pistachios for garnishing

For the Syrup:

1 cup water
1 cup sugar
2 Tbsp orange juice
1 Tbsp vanilla extract


What To Do:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl (Mixture should be "liquidy")
3. Spary a 13x9 inch pan pan with cooking spray, pour in the mixture
4. Let rise for 45-55 min
5. Sprinkle with almonds and Bake for 50 min or until brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean
6. Meanwhile make sugar syrup: Combine water, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan
7. Bring to a boil, add in vanilla extract, and let it simmer for 20 min
8. Pour hot sugar syrup over cake while is hot and let it absorb. You may put it back in the oven for 3 min

Enjoy!

Basbousa -Sweet Semolina Cake: Ramadan Special

Harira- Ramadan Special

With Ramadan around the corner, I'd like to share my Harira recipe with you all. This traditional soup is a must in every Moroccan house to break the fast during Ramadan. It is usually served with dates, figs, and Chabakkiya (Moroccan sweets).

Ramadan Mubarak!

What You'll Need:
1 lb lamb cut into cubes or beef stew
3 Tbsp Olive Oil
1 large onion, diced
1/2 cup celery, diced
2 16 oz cans diced tomatoes
2 Tbsp tomato paste
4 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup finely chopped parsley and cilantro
1/3 cup lentils
16 oz can garbanzo beans (chickpeas)
1/2 cup vermicelli or angel hair noodles broken into 3 inches pieces
1/3 cup of flour
1 egg beaten with juice of 1/2 lemon

Spices-
1 tsp turmeric poweder
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp ginger powder
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp cumin
Large pinch of safron
salt to taste
1 cube chicken or beef bouillon

What To Do:

1. In large soup pot, heat oil over medium heat, add meat, onions, celery, parsley/cilantro, lentils, all spices and stir for 5 min.
2. Add water, cover and let cook for 45 min. If using a pressure cooker, cook for 15 min.
3. Meanwhile, in a blender, mix the tomatoes, tomato paste, and 1/2 cup of water. Set a side. Dilute the flour in some water- you should get a "liquidy" mixture not a flour paste.
4. After the 45 min, add the tomatoes mixture to the soup, stir and let simmer for 5-7 min.
5. Add the chickpeas and the vermicelli.
6. Slowly stir in the flour mixture. The flour will make the soup a bit thick. If you like your soup lighter, don't pour the entire mixture, maybe just half.
7. With the soup at a steady simmer, stir slowly the egg/lemon mixture to create long egg strands and to thicken the soup 5-7 min.
8. Ladle soup into bowl and serve with dates or figs.

Enjoy!!

Harira- Ramadan Special

Cornish Hen Stuffed with Couscous

If you want to impress your significant other, your in-laws, or simply friends and family, try this super delicious recipe. It looks so fancy that everybody would think you spent hours in the kitchen making it, yet it will only take you a total of 45 min. I promise:)

Recipe for two people-

What You'll Need:
For the Cornish Hens:
2 cornish hens
1 large onion, diced
3 Tbsp Olive Oil
2 cups chicken broth, or water
3 cinnamon sticks
Large pinch of saffron
3 garlic cloved, crushed
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp ginger powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper

For the Stuffing:
1 box couscous
1 Tbsp butter
1 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp rose water
1/4 cup raisins, pre soaked in water for 10 min
1/4 cup toasted walnut or almonds, or hazelnut.

What To Do:

1. Wash the cornish hens thoroughly.
2. Prepare couscous according to package.
3. With a fork, fluff the couscous, and mix in the raisins, cinnamon, rose water, nuts (leave some for garnishing later) and butter.
4. Divide the couscous mixture in two halves. Use half to stuff the cornish hens and the other half as a side dish.
5. After stuffing the hens with the couscous mixture, sew the openings with a clean thread or toothpicks.

Cooking the Hens:

1. Heat oil in a large saucepan on medium heat, add the diced onions, garlic, and the rest of the spices. Stir for 2-3 min.
2. Place the hens, carefully, in the pan side by side. Cover and let cook for 5 min.
3. Flip the hens on the other side, add the broth, cover and cook for 30-35 min or until hens are done.
4. Make sure to check on the liquid level. We don't want to burn the hens.
5. After the hens are cooked, remove and broil them on low on both sides for more crispiness.
6. Uncover the sauce and let simmer for 2-3min.

Serving the Stuffed Cornish Hens:

The hens are served hot with the remaining couscous mixture as a side dish and garnished with the nuts.

Enjoy!

Cornish Hen Stuffed with Couscous

Seffa Medfouna with Couscous & Chicken

Seffa Medfouna is one of my favorite Moroccan dishes. It is a festive dish and it combines all flavors; it is simply succulent and hearty. We call it "Seffa Medfouna" because the meat (chicken, beef, lamb) is buried or hidden with a dome of steamed vermicelli or couscous, which in turns is flavored with butter and dried raisins. This dish is served as a main dish.

What You'll Need:

For the Chicken Sauce-

1/2 lbs chicken, cut into pieces

1 big onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped

2 garlic cloves, crushed

1/2 tsp turmeric powder

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

2 cinnamon sticks

1/2 tsp ginger powder

1/2 tsp pepper (to taste)

1 tsp salt (to taste)

Large pinch of saffron (mandatory)

1 cube chicken bouillon (optional)

4 Tbsp vegetable or olive oil

1 1/2 cups water

1 large egg

For the Seffa-

1 plain couscous box

1/2 cup golden raisin, soaked in water for 10 min

3 Tbsp butter

Powdered sugar and cinnamon, for decorating

What To Do:

1. In a large pot over medium heat, heat oil, add chicken, garlic, onions, parsley, cinnamon sticks, and the rest of the spices. Brown the chicken for about 10 min, then cover the meat with enough water.
2. Cover the pot and let simmer on medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 45 min or until chicken is tender and falls easily off the bones.
3. Remove chicken, reduce heat, remove cinnamon sticks, and let the sauce simmer. Break the egg in the sauce, stirring constantly, the sauce should get thick.
4. Remove Chicken from the bones.
5. Cook couscous according to package instructions.
6. With a fork, fluff with butter. Add the raisins and 2 Tbsp powdered sugar.

Serving Seffa Medfouna-

1. Place 1/3 of couscous mixture in large plate.
2. Arrange the chicken mixture on top in an even layer, then cover with the sauce.
3. Pile the rest of the couscous on top, forming a dome.
4. Decorate in vertical patterns with cinnamon and powdered sugar.
5. Serve immediately.

Enjoy!!

Seffa Medfouna with Couscous & Chicken

Moroccan Couscous with Lamb and Vegetables

Couscous is a famous traditional Moroccan dish, it is held in such high esteem that religious feasts and celebratory meals would be unthinkable without it. There is an endless list of couscous recipes, some of which include, couscous with meat and vegetables (today's recipe), couscous with Tfaya (sweet onion sauce), couscous salad, sweet couscous with dried fruits and nuts, or simply plain buttery couscous recipe.

What You'll Need:

1 plain couscous box
2 lbs shoulder of lamb cut into large pieces
3 Tbsp olive oil
2 large onions, diced
2 cups baby carrots, or 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced lengthwise
1 big zucchini cut lengthwise
1 butternut squash, cut into large pieces
1 turnip, peeled and cut into thick strips
1 potato or sweet potato, cut into wedges
1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
3 cups vegetables broth
5 cups water

1 can garbanzo bean, drained (not pictured)
1 12 oz can tomato sauce
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp turmeric
Large pinch of saffron
1 tsp paprika
1 Tbsp crushed garlic
1 Tbsp salt
1 1/2 Tbsp black pepper

What To Do:

1. On medium heat, heat oil in a large pot, add meat and brown on both sides for 2-3 min. Stir in onions, garlic, parsley, and the all the spices. Add vegetable broth, cover and bring to a boil, 10 min
2. Add carrots, potatoes, turnip, 2 cups of water and simmer for 20 min.
3. Add zucchini, butternut squash, tomato sauce, taste to adjust spices at this point. Pour 1 cup of water, cover and cook for an additional 20 min.
4. Lastly add garbanzo beans and simmer for 10 min.
5. Meat and vegetables are cooked when they are tender. If not, cook for 5-7 min.
6. Meanwhile, cook couscous according to package instructions.
7. Using a fork, fluff the couscous with 1 Tbsp butter.

Serving:

To serve couscous, place couscous in a large plate, form a whole in the middle of the couscous. Place meat in the hole and top with vegetables. Put sauce around sides of the platter. Serve guests additional sauce in small bowls.

Enjoy!!

Moroccan Couscous with Lamb and Vegetables

Turkey & Cheese Quiche

Quiches in general are a great way to get rid of leftovers, such as pasta, thanksgiving turkey, etc... This specific quiche is made with turkey and cheddar cheese, but you can experiment with any deli meat and cheese; either way, the results will still be the same. I usually serve this quiche for brunch or light lunch, accompanied with a tossed salad and mixed fresh fruits.

What You'll Need:

1 9 inch pie shell, thawed and unbaked
1 onion, finely chopped
3/4 cup smoked deli turkey, diced
3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
5 eggs
1/2 cup heavy cream
Salt & pepper to taste


What To Do:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees
2. In a skillet, sautee onion until golden, stir in diced turkey and cook for 2-3 min
3. Place the turkey and onion mixture into the bottom of the pie, creating one even layer
4. Sprinkle enough shredded cheese to cover the pie ingredients
5. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, cream, salt, and pepper until foamy for 3-5 min
6. Carefully and evenly pour this mixture into the pie.
7. Bake for 25-30 min until golden brown or until a knife inserted in center comes out clean.
8. Cut into wedges, serve warm or cold.

Enjoy!!

Turkey & Cheese Quiche

Mini Meatloaves

What You'll Need:

1 pound ground beef
2 eggs
1/2 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
1 yellow onion chopped
1 green pepper finely diced
2 garlic cloves minced or crushed
1 tsp red pepper flakes
1 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and Pepper to taste

What to Do:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees
2. in a large mixing bowl, combine meat, eggs, breadcrumbs, garlic, onions, peppers, and all the spices
3. Mix by hand for about five min or until mixture is well combined
4. Pack the mixture into the muffin cups until they are even with the top of the tin
5. Place on a baking sheet to catch the dripping
6. Reduce oven to 375 and bake meatloaves for 30 min or until top is browner and the juice runs clear
7. Add a little zip by topping the loaves with thin layer of ketchup, or barbecue sauce (pictured) prior to baking.

Enjoy!

Mini Meatloaves

Ravioli with Zucchini and Walnuts

This ravioli dish is elegant and superbly flavored, really, the picture bellow doesn't do it any justice. You sure will impress company with this dish. Serve as a side dish accompanied with warm French bread and a tossed salad.

Adapted from Better Homes & Gardens

What You'll Need:

1 9-oz pkg. regrigerated whole wheat or plain ravioli
1/2 cup walnuts, coarsely choppe
2 Tbsp olive oil
2 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced
6 green onions, diagonally sliced 1/4 inch thick
1/2 cup milk
1 cup finely shredded or grated parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

What To Do:

1. In large saucepan cook refrigerated ravioli according to package directions; drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, cook nuts in hot oil over medium heat for 2-3 min until fragrant; remove with slotted spoon. Add zucchini and green onions. Cook and stir for 2-3 min or until crisp tender.
3. Stir in drained pasta, nuts, milk, and 3/4 cup parmesan cheese. Cook and toss for 1 min. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
4. Transfer pasta to serving bowl. Sprinkle with remaining cheese.

Enjoy!

Ravioli with Zucchini and Walnuts

Sweet Potato Fries (Oven Baked)

I love sweet potato fries. I must admit that my first time making them wasn't successful, they came out mushy and burned:). Now, I can proudly say that I perfected the art of making oven baked potato fries thanks to all of the hit and miss trials. They are healthier than regular fries since they are oven baked, they are crispy and they taste wonderful. Best of all, you can serve them with almost everything.

What You'll Need:

1 large sweet potato
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp cayenne pepper
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 tsp cayenne pepper

What To Do:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees
2. Peel the potato, cut in half lengthwise, and cut each half into 1/4 inch strips. My secret: For extra crispiness, soak strips in hot water and some vineagar for 2-3 min.
3. In a bowl, combine oil, cayenne pepper, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the potato strips and coat them throughly. If you soaked the potatoes, dry and pat them before coating.
4. Spread the potatoes in a single layer on greased baking sheet.
5. Bake for 20 min, flipping frequently to crip evenly.

Enjoy!

Sweet Potato Fries (Oven Baked)

Moroccan Chicken Tajine with Rice

I made up this tajine recipe on a complete whim, suprisingly enough, it came out delicious, full of flavor; and it soon became one of my favorites. It can be served with bread, rice, or plain couscous.
And on a side note, I will be featuring a variety of Moroccan tajine recipes, whether with chicken, lamb, or beef. So stay tuned.

What You'll Need:

2 chicken breasts and 2 chicken thighs.
1 big yellow onion cut lenghtwise into 1/2 inch strips
5 garlic cloves, minced
4 Tbsp olive oil
2 cups beef or chicken broth
3/4 cup green olives cut in half
3/4 cup golden raisins
2 fresh bay leaves
2 tsp cumin
3 cinnamon sticks
1/3 cup cut preserved lemons or juice of 1 lemon.
2 tsp saffron powder (or large pinch of saffron threads)
Salt and pepper to taste

What To Do:

1. Sprinkle the chicken, generously, with salt, pepper, and cumin.
2. Heat oil in a tajine or heavy bottom skillet/saucepan. Brown the chicken on both sides for 5-6 min over medium heat.
3. Stir in the onions, garlic, saffron, cinnamon sticks, lemon, olives, raisins, and bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste and pour in enough broth just to cover the chicken.
4. Cover and simmer gently for 30-45 min.
5. Serve immediately. If served with couscous, you can garnish with toasted almonds and fresh mint.

Enjoy!

Moroccan Chicken Tajine with Rice

Zucchini Stuffed with Ground Beef

Yummy, easy, and healthy way to cook zucchinis. This dish is great as a summer barbecue side dish or for an elegant dinner.

What You'll Need:

3 medium zucchinis halfed lenghtwise
1 pound ground beef
4 Tbsp olive oil
1 can diced tomatoes, drained
3/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced or crushed
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp ground saffron (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup cheddar or parmesean shredded cheese or any other cheese of your liking

What To Do:

1. Sprinkle zucchini halves with salt and pepper. Heat 2 Tbsp oil in a large skillet, sautee the zucchini halves for 3-4 min on each side over medium heat. Drain on paper towel and set aside.
2. Add the remaining oil to the skillet, sautee onions and garlic until golden, stir in ground beef, parsley, and all the spices. Cook for 5-6 min or until meat is brown.
3. Add diced tomatoes and let simmer for 10 min.
4. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
5. Place zucchini in a baking pan and fill or spread them with the ground beef mixture (about 2 Tbsps of mixture on each half)
6. Top with cheese and bake for 20 min or until zucchini is tender.
7. Serve warm or cold.

Enjoy!

Zucchini Stuffed with Ground Beef

Cabbage Salad

This particular recipe is delicious, served as an appetizer to accompany other salads and dips.

What You'll Need:

1 cabbage
1 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced or crushed
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
Juice of 1 lemon
5-7 green olives, for garnishing
Fresh parsley finely chopped, for garnishing

What To Do:

1. Cut the cabbage and put in boiling water for 20 min.
2. Drain and set aside.
3. Heat oil in a heavy bottom skiller over medium heat. Add the cabbage and mash it with a fork or potatoes masher (3-5 min).
4. Stir in the seasonings and half the parsley, combining thoroughly and mashing for another 15-20 min, until you get a smooth mixture.
5. Stir in the lemon juice and garnish with the remaining parsley and couple greens olives.

Enjoy!

Cabbage Salad