Yogurt, Labneh and Laban
Shish Tawook, Grilled Chicken Skewers
Shish Tawook is a beloved Lebanese dish of grilled chicken skewers. So tender, and huge on flavor! The marinade is key, with several spices in a yogurt base imparting flavor through-and-through. Oh how the Lebanese love their grills! This juicy, highly seasoned grilled chicken recipe is a traditional favorite. “Shish Tawook” means chicken skewers, and…
Read MoreBaking with Yogurt
Baking with yogurt is a must! And often found in Lebanese recipes. Yogurt plays a special role in baking, giving moist, tender results with an extra boost of flavor too. This is because of the acidic/fermented nature of yogurt. Many baking recipes call for yogurt (see mine below!), but you can also replace sour cream,…
Read MoreHomemade Yogurt: Tips About Ingredients
Homemade yogurt is very simple and requires just two ingredients. Here are tips about ingredients you need to get started. Ready to make your own yogurt at home?! It couldn’t be simpler. There are great reasons to make your own yogurt–it’s economical, and also: so much more flavorful than commercial yogurts. Homemade yogurt is a…
Read MoreOlive Oil Cake
Olive oil cake is ultra-tender and moist, with added richness from yogurt in the mix. Why bake a cake with olive oil, you ask? I have asked same. Cakes, even our standard cake mixes, often call for oil in the mix. The reason: oil makes for a tender, moist crumb. Typically oil-based cake recipes call…
Read MoreBonus Cranberry Parfait
This simple “leftovers” way with cranberry sauce is dreamy goodness, a Bonus Cranberry Parfait. Try my mom’s incredible Cranberry Sauce with Rose Water & Pistachios here. I think of this recipe as one to be done after Thanksgiving, as a great way to use leftover cranberry sauce. But that title, “leftover,” just seems so unfair,…
Read MoreMujadara Pita Roll Up
The Mujadara Pita Roll Up is a great way to eat mujadara, the pilaf of lentils and bulgur with caramelized onions, on the go. Get the mujadara recipe here. Watch how its made here. Find the right lentils and bulgur for mujadara at MaureenAboodMarket.com. Mujadara is one of the most versatile dishes in my repertoire,…
Read MoreMediterranean 7 Layer Dip
This recipe takes the classic 7 Layer Dip and goes Mediterranean, with hummus, avocado, labneh and more. Dip your pita chip in 7 layers of Mediterranean flavors and you’ll be in 7th heaven. I’m a big fan of the idea that hummus ought to be a foundation, holding up the greatness of other toppings like…
Read MoreZa’atar Swirl Bread
Za’atar Swirl Bread showcases the fabulous flavor of za’atar in a delicate bread enriched with eggs and olive oil. The method to the glorious twisted loaves is straightforward and very doable! Dan, upon tasting za’atar swirl bread: This bread has it ALL. (chews a big bite) This bread has flavor. I can taste the za’atar.…
Read MoreFrozen Blueberry Labneh Swirl Bars
Frozen Blueberry Labneh Swirl Bars are gluten-free, creamy-tart bars on a pistachio crust. Ice cream maker optional! As big and crowd-worthy as our recent giant cherry slab pie was, these frozen blueberry yogurt swirl bars are about as small as you can get, pan-wise. They’re in an 8×8, which I rarely use. We’re so often…
Read MoreBasil Dipping Oil
Basil oil is the jewel of the table, and a perfect use for the profusion of herbs from gardens and markets in the heart of summer. For the most part, we don’t seek out Arabic or Mediterranean restaurants all that often. I figure this is because we eat so much of our great food at…
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