Rice & Grains

Nutrient-Packed Quinoa Mjaddara

Nutrient-Packed Quinoa Mjaddara

This one is especially for all the nursing Mamas out there.

Swapping quinoa for rice or bulgur means you’re getting in magnesium, which helps your body absorb calcium, essential during breastfeeding. Quinoa is also an excellent source of fiber and protein. The Lentils in Mjaddara contain high levels of folate and are another great source of fiber. So… load up Nursing Mamas. This one should be added to your menu!

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Iranian-Inspired Rice and Broad Beans

Iranian-Inspired Rice and Broad Beans

I miss Iranian food. As a matter of fact I miss international food, good international food. It’s funny because when someone outside of the middle east finds out I live in Jordan, they get really excited and tell me how lucky I am that the food is amazing. Sure, Arabic food is amazing, but you can only have so much Arabic food before it starts coming out of your eyes, ears and nose. Everything else — non-Arabic food– is basically mediocre. Oh right, and there’s little to no variety.  (more…)

Seafood Freekeh Paella

Seafood Freekeh Paella

One of my favorite foods (even before I visited Barcelona in 2017 and experienced the authentic version) is Seafood Paella. What is Paella (pie-yay-ya; the L’s are silent)? Paella is a Spanish rice dish made in one frying pan, originating from Valencia, on the eastern coast of Spain. It began as a peasant/laborer’s dish that is now popular all over Spain. It is rumored that paella actually comes from the Arabic root word “baqiya” meaning leftovers. However, linguists actually credit the name paella to the frying pan in which the dish is made, known in Spanish as la paella.

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Middle Eastern Spiced Rice and Chicken

Middle Eastern Spiced Rice and Chicken

I’ll be honest, this recipe was supposed to be “red rice and chicken,” but, obviously, the rice isn’t red. It’s likely due to several factors; the brown spices I used, my not caramelizing the onions, pre-packaged chicken stock. Honestly, I can’t quite put my finger on the exact reason why my rice isn’t red, but I’m not even disappointed. Despite this being a red rice fail, it worked out perfectly as a modified kabsa. (more…)

Basmati Stuffed Pumpkin

Basmati Stuffed Pumpkin

It’s fall! Officially pumpkin season. And no, I did not jump on the pumpkin spice latte bandwagon back in September. Pumpkins, in my personal opinion, should be enjoyed once the weather gets crisp and just a little chilly. Sweater weather, if you will. So when we were hitting 90 degree temps in September, I was still rocking my sleeveless tops and French vanilla coffee.

Sweater weather has arrived, and with it everything pumpkin flavored. I may or may not be a little obsessed, seeing that I have a plethora of pumpkin themed recipes on the blog. Some of my favorites include: BBQ and Spiced Pumpkin Seeds, Pumpkin Pecan Cheesecake,  Pumpkin Brownies, Pumpkin Spice Pancakes, Pumpkin Cheesecake with Cinnamon Pecans and Pumpkin Jam. (more…)

Shrimp Fried Rice

 

Shrimp Fried Rice_2

I’m not a huge fan of Asian foods [and by Asian, I mean far-east Asian]. I’m extremely picky. Not because I’m not adventurous with food, but everyone has different tastes and mine just happens to not be extremely fond of the sauces. I usually have one or two go-to items when I’m stuck in a situation where I have to have Chinese, or Thai, or Japanese food – usually because I’m the minority. And usually, my go-to items are sauce-free or are pretty bland in flavor. Everyone’s entitled to their prerogative and this is mine. (more…)