During my research regarding the impact that African American cuisine has had on culinary history, one name kept cropping up in every article and blog. The name of the legendary and inspiring African American chef and culinary ambassador of Southern cooking – Edna Lewis (1916-2006) Edna Lewis photographed by John T Hill in 1973 I…
Senegalese – inspired Chicken Soup
This past week has been a whirlwind of different emotions. There were moments of extreme sadness and anger at the murder of George Floyd; but also moments of happiness and pride on seeing friends from different walks of life taking action and speaking out against the systemic racism against Black Americans. I couldn’t bear to…
Shahi Tukray – The Royal Dessert
Shahi Tukray is a very popular and deliciously rich dessert that has its origin in the Mughal rein (Shahi means Royal and Tukra means piece). This is the traditional Indian cousin to the American bread pudding. Bread is deep fried in pure ghee and then soaked in a reduced milk mixture flavored with fragrant cardamom…
Strawberry & Argula salad with a tangy poppy seed dressing
Say hello to your new favorite summer salad! It’s extremely light, very refreshing, healthy and absolutely delicious. Strawberry is mixed in with Argula, Spinach, Walnuts, Almonds, Blue berries and Feta cheese. My mouth is already watering… so delicious! I pair it with an easy Poppy seed dressing that will leave your tastebuds screaming yum at…
Falooda – the summer drink
Summer for me means “Falooda” for dessert every other day as this is easily one of my top favorites!! This sweet ice cream drink/dessert is very popular in the South Asian cuisine. It’s also a very refreshing drink with soaked sweet basil seeds & a cooling rose syrup – making it perfect to be enjoyed…
Mehalabeya – a classic Middle Eastern Pudding
Mehalabeya is a classic Middle Eastern pudding that is extremely light and scented with orange blossom & rose water. It’s a perfect treat after a heavy meal. My earliest memories of Mehalabeya are from the iftars sent by our Saudi neighbors. My mother always sent an iftar platter to neighbors during Ramadan. We would happily…
Chicken Shawerma with rice & spicy sumac roasted potatoes
The most spiritual and exciting time for Muslims all over the world is upon us. As the holy month of Ramadan begins, I wish you all the strength and courage to face all the challenges of life. This year Ramadan will be very different. Covid_19 has forced us to stay at home instead of celebrating…
Ramadan with kids!
Ramadan Mubarak! The most spiritual and exciting time for Muslims all over the world is almost here. At sundown tomorrow, the Muslim holiday RAMADAN will begin and continue for a month. Although Ramadan is best known as a time of fasting, there is actually more to this spiritual month. It is a time to reflect…
Dill Chana Daal
Chana daal (Split Bengal gram) is the most versatile and delicious lentil in my opinion. It is also one of the lentils you can make dry and eat it with bread or roti. Once you soak the Chana daal for at least 30 minutes to an hour, it cooks easily within half an hour making…
Gulab Jamun 🌟
Gulab jamuns and I have been in a long term relationship since forever. If any one ever asks me what is my top favorite mithai of all time then without hesitation I will say Gulab jamun. The delicious dough balls drenched in sugary, sticky syrup and perfumed with kewra, rose water and cardamom occupy a…
What Leena Did 