• Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Bowls

    April 8, 2024 Author: Rachel
    No comment yet

    Recipe adapted from Munchin With Maddie.

    Ingredients:

    • 1 tsp. paprika
    • 1 tsp. cumin
    • 1 tsp. kosher salt
    • 1/2 tsp. ground coriander
    • 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
    • 1/2 tsp. onion powder
    • 1/4 tsp. turmeric
    • 1/4 tsp. cardamom
    • 1/4 tsp. cinnamon
    • 1/4 tsp. black pepper
    • 1 lb. ground chicken
    • 1 egg, whisked
    • 1/2 c. panko breadcrumbs
    • 1 TBSP olive oil
    • 2 garlic cloves, minced
    • Serve over quinoa, with hummus, tzatziki, feta, pickled onions, and salad of lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers and parsley with a drizzle of garlic expressions dressing

    Directions:

    1. In a large bowl combine paprika through black pepper and mix to combine. Then add the ground chicken through the minced garlic and mix until just incorporated.
    2. Transfer the bowl to the fridge for 10-15 minutes to firm up (longer is fine).
    3. Preheat air fryer at 400F for 10 minutes.
    4. Meanwhile, roll the chicken mixture into balls, about 16-20 balls.
    5. When the air fryer is preheated, add the balls to a greased or parchment lined air fryer basket, cook in batches if necessary, and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the meatballs reach 165F.
    6. Serve over quinoa, with hummus, tzatziki, feta, pickled onions, and salad of lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers and parsley with a drizzle of garlic expressions dressing

    Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Meatball Bowls:

  • Moroccan Quinoa and Chickpea Salad

    September 25, 2023 Author: Rachel
    No comment yet

    Recipe adapted from Two Spoons.

    Ingredients:

    Salad:

    • 2/3 c. quinoa
    • 1 1/3 c. water
    • 1/2 c. almonds chopped and toasted
    • 1 shallot small, diced
    • 2 carrots, shaved into ribbons
    • 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
    • 3 c. arugula 
    • 1/2 c. mint tightly packed and chopped
    • 8 or more dried apricots, chopped

    Moroccan Salad Dressing:

    • 1/4 c. + 2 TBSP olive oil
    • 2 TBSP lemon juice
    • 2 TBSP orange juice
    • 1 TBSP honey, plus more to taste
    • 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
    • 1/2 tsp. ginger
    • 1/2 tsp. cumin
    • 1/2 tsp. coriander
    • 1/4 tsp. salt, plus more to taste
    • Pinch chili flakes

    Directions:

    1. Quinoa: In a saucepan combine quinoa and water. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce to simmer and cook quinoa for 12-15 minutes. Fluff with a spoon and cover with tea towel. Let cool.
    2. Toasted Almonds: Toast almonds in a skillet on medium heat, stirring often until fragrant and golden browned (approx. 8-10 mins). Remove from heat.
    3. Moroccan Salad Dressing: Prepare dressing in a small bowl by whisking together oil, lemon juice, orange juice, honey, cinnamon, ginger, cumin, coriander, salt, and red pepper flakes.
    4. Assemble Salad: In a large mixing bowl combine quinoa, diced shallots, carrots, chickpeas, arugula, chopped mint, dried apricots, and toasted almonds. Add the dressing and toss to combine.

    Moroccan Quinoa and Chickpea Salad:

  • Middle Eastern Rice (Mejadra)

    September 25, 2023 Author: Rachel
    No comment yet

    Recipe adapted from Recipe Tin Eats.

    Ingredients:

    • 3-4 onions, thinly sliced
    • 1/4 c. olive oil + 2 TBSP olive oil
    • Salt, to taste
    • 2 tsp. cumin seeds (or 1 tsp. ground cumin)
    • 1 1/2 TBSP coriander seeds (or 1 1/2 tsp. ground coriander)
    • 1 c. basmati or long grain rice, uncooked
    • 1 1/2 c. water 
    • 14 oz. canned brown lentils, drained
    • 1/2 tsp. ground turmeric
    • 1 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
    • 1 tsp. sugar
    • 1 tsp. salt
    • Black pepper
    • Serve with a Mediterranean salad: cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, feta cheese, olives, etc. with Garlic Expressions dressing

    Directions:

    1. Caramelize Onions: Heat up to 1/4 c. of olive oil in a saute pan over medium heat; then add the onions and saute until caramelized. Add more olive oil, if necessary. Once caramelized, season with salt, to taste. Remove onions from saute pan.
    2. Rice: In the saucepan over medium heat, add the 2 TBSP of olive oil, cumin seeds, and coriander and cook for a couple of minutes until the spices are fragrant; then add the rice and stir to coat with the oil and spices; then add the water and lentils.
    3. When it comes to boil, add the turmeric, cinnamon, sugar, salt, and pepper; and then turn the heat down to medium-low, cover with lid and let cook for 10 to 12 minutes, or until all the liquid has mostly been absorbed.
    4. Remove from heat and let it rest for 10 minutes – during this time, any residual liquid will absorb.
    5. Fluff rice with a fork and adjust the seasoning with more salt if you wish. Add the caramelized onions and toss to combine.

    Middle Eastern Rice (Mejadra):

  • Falafel Patties with Mediterranean Salad

    September 25, 2023 Author: Rachel
    No comment yet

    Ingredients:

    Falafel Patties:

    • 1 ½ c. fresh cilantro leaves and stems
    • 1/2 onion, chopped
    • 1½ tsp. ground coriander
    • 1 tsp. ground cumin
    • 1 tsp. salt
    • 1/2 tsp. baking powder
    • 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
    • 1 large egg
    • 2 (15-oz.) cans chickpeas, rinsed and patted dry
    • 1/4 c. flour
    • 3 TBSP olive oil
    • Serve over quinoa, top with Mediterranean Salad and tzatziki

    Mediterranean Salad:

    • 1/4 c. fresh mint, chopped
    • 3 TBSP olive oil
    • 3 TBSP lemon juice
    • 1 TBSP plain Greek yogurt
    • 1 TBSP honey
    • 2-3 mini cucumbers, chopped
    • 1 c. cherry tomatoes, halved
    • 1/4 red onion, minced
    • Salt, to taste
    • Kalamata olives, to taste

    Directions:

    1. Mediterranean Salad: Whisk mint, oil, lemon juice, yogurt, and honey together in medium bowl. Add cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion and gently toss to coat. Taste and add salt, if desired. Sprinkle with olives and refrigerate until needed.
    2. Falafel Patties: Process cilantro, onion, coriander, cumin, salt, baking powder, and cayenne in food processor for 5 seconds. Scrape down sides of bowl. Continue to process until mixture resembles pesto, about 5 seconds longer. Add egg and process for 5 seconds. Add chickpeas and pulse 4 times. Scrape down sides of bowl. Continue to pulse until chickpeas are coarsely chopped, about 4 more pulses.
    3. Transfer mixture to large bowl. Add flour and, using rubber spatula, mix until fully incorporated. Spray rimmed baking sheet with vegetable oil spray. Using ½ c. measure, drop 6 even portions (about scant ½ c. each) onto prepared sheet and gently shape into patties about 3-inches in diameter.
    4. Line cutting board with single layer of paper towels. Heat oil in 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Using thin spatula, transfer patties to skillet. Cook for 4 minutes, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and continue to cook for 4-5 minutes. Remove the cover and flip the patties over to brown the other side and reach 185F internal temperature.
    5. Transfer patties to prepared board. Serve over quinoa and top with Mediterranean Salad and tzatziki.

    Falafel Patties and Mediterranean Salad:

  • Falafel Quinoa Salad

    June 19, 2023 Author: Rachel
    No comment yet

    Recipe adapted from Plays Well With Butter.

    Ingredients:

    • 1 1/2 c. – 3 c. cooked quinoa
    • 14 oz. can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
    • 1 small red onion, diced
    • 1 1/2 c. Persian cucumbers, diced)
    • 1 1/2 c. cherry tomatoes, halved
    • 1 bunch cilantro, chopped
    • 1 bunch parsley, chopped
    • 1/2 c. mint, chopped
    • Crumbled feta
    • Salad greens, optional

    Lemon-Cumin Dressing:

    • 5 TBSP olive oil
    • 2 lemons, zested and juiced (5 TBSP juice)
    • 3 garlic cloves, grated
    • 1 tsp. cumin
    • 1 tsp. coriander
    • 1 1/2 tsp. salt
    • 1/2 tsp. black pepper
    • Honey, to taste

    Directions:

    1. Prepare the the lemon-cumin dressing: Add all listed ingredients to a small bowl or jar. Whisk or shake to combine. Set aside, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
    2. Prepare Quinoa: Cook according to package or using an Instant Pot — rinse the quinoa; spray the Instant Pot liner with cooking spray; add the rinsed quinoa; add the water (1:1.5 quinoa to water ratio); place lid on and cook for 2 minutes, and then allow a 10 minute natural release; remove lid and fluff. Quinoa triples in expansion after cooking.
    3. For the Instant Pot: 1/2 c. quinoa : 3/4 c. water = 1.5 c. cooked; 2/3 c. quinoa : 1 c. water = 2 c. cooked; 3/4 c. quinoa : 1 c. + 2TBSP water = 2.25 cooked; 1 c. quinoa : 1.5 c. water = 3 c. cooked.
    4. Assemble the falafel quinoa salad: Combine the quinoa, chickpeas, red onion, cucumber, tomatoes, chopped herbs in a large mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over top. Toss to combine, ensuring all of the quinoa is well coated in the dressing. Taste, seasoning with additional salt or ground black pepper as desired. Top with crumbled feta. Serve over salad greens, optional.

    Falafel Quinoa Salad:

  • Spanakorizo (Greek Spinach and Rice)

    June 18, 2023 Author: Rachel
    No comment yet

    Recipe adapted from Bowl of Delicious.

    Ingredients:

    • 1/4 c. olive oil
    • 1 bunch green onions thinly sliced, 1/2 c. dark green tops reserved (about 8-10 green onions)
    • 8-10 oz. baby spinach 
    • 1 c. basmati rice (or other long grain white rice or parboiled rice)
    • 2 c. vegetable broth, water, or chicken broth
    • 1/2 tsp. salt plus more if needed
    • 1/4 c. fresh chopped dill (can also use mint, parsley, or a combination)
    • Juice and zest of 1 lemon (about 1 tsp. zest and 2 TBSP juice)
    • Crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh herbs/green onions for serving

    Directions:

    1. In a large heavy pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil. Add the sliced green onions (reserve 1/2 c. of the dark green tops) and sauté until soft, about 2 minutes. Add the baby spinach and sauté until wilted, about 2 minutes.
    2. Add the basmati rice and stir to coat. Pour in the vegetable broth and add the kosher salt. Bring to a boil, stir once, cover, and simmer on low for about 15 minutes (or until rice is cooked – you should see holes in the top, and if you tilt the pot you should no longer see any water pooling).
    3. Stir in the fresh chopped dill or other herbs, the lemon zest, and lemon juice, and the reserved sliced green onions (keep some out for garnish if you like).
    4. Season to taste with salt, and serve garnished with crumbled feta cheese and reserved green onions, if desired.

    Spanakorizo (Greek Spinach and Rice):

  • Tofu Shawarma Wrap

    June 18, 2023 Author: Rachel
    No comment yet

    Ingredients:

    • 16 oz. block of super firm tofu, drained and pressed
    • 1 1/2 tsp. cumin
    • 1 1/2 tsp. curry powder
    • 1/2 tsp. salt
    • 1/2 tsp. pepper
    • Juice of 1 lemon, about 2 TBSP
    • Olive oil
    • French fries, frozen or homemade
    • Wraps: tortilla, tofu, French fries, pickles, and garlic sauce (mix mayo and garlic to your liking)

    Directions:

    1. Drain tofu and slice in half so that your have 2: 3 x 4 x 1 blocks, then wrap in a towel and place a heavy object on top to press the remaining water out.
    2. In a small bowl, mix the cumin, curry powder, salt, and pepper and set aside.
    3. Juice the lemon into a small bowl.
    4. Put olive oil in a small bowl (start with 1 TBSP and add more as necessary).
    5. Once the tofu is finished being pressed, slice the tofu into 1/2 inch slices – you’ll get 12-16 slices.
    6. In a 9×13 baking dish, place the tofu slices. Then using a pastry brush, brush the slices with olive oil and lemon juice, and then sprinkle about 1/2 the spice mixture. Turn the slices over and repeat brushing with olive oil and lemon juice and then sprinkle with the remaining spice mixture. Let tofu marinate for about 1 hour.
    7. After 1 hour, heat olive oil in a skillet on medium high heat. Add the tofu and leave undisturbed for 5 minutes, and then flip the tofu and leave undisturbed for 5 minutes.
    8. In your wrap, add tofu, French fries, pickles, and garlic sauce.
    9. French Fries: use frozen (and cook according to package) or make your own—1 russet potato, sliced into 1/4 inch strips, then soak in cold water bath for about 1 hour; then place fries on a towel and dry completely; once dried add fries to a bowl and add olive oil, salt and pepper, and paprika to your liking; cook in air fryer on 380F for 20-25 minutes, shaking every 5 minutes until reach desired doneness.

    Tofu Shawarma Wraps:

  • Fattoush Salad

    April 5, 2023 Author: Rachel
    No comment yet

    Ingredients:

    Dressing:

    • 1/3 c. olive oil
    • Zest of 1 lemon
    • 1/3 c. lemon juice
    • 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
    • 1 1/2 tsp. sumac
    • Salt and pepper, to taste
    • Honey, to taste

    Salad:

    • Romaine lettuce, chopped
    • Cucumber, diced
    • Grape tomatoes, halved
    • Radish, thinly sliced
    • Red pepper, chopped
    • Green onion, chopped
    • Parsley, chopped
    • Mint, chopped
    • Feta
    • Pita chips

    Directions:

    1. Place dressing ingredients in a jar with tight fitting lid or a bowl. Shake/whisk to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning.
    2. Place salad ingredients in a bowl and toss with desired amount of dressing. Top with feta and pita chips.

    Fattoush:

  • Spanakopita

    March 7, 2023 Author: Rachel
    No comment yet

    Recipe adapted from Dimitra’s Dishes.

    Ingredients:

    • 1 lb. (#4) phyllo pastry at room temperature or puff pastry
    • 12 oz. salted butter, melted (use 2-3 TBSP melted butter for puff pastry)
    • 1 c. panko breadcrumbs
    • 1 lb. spinach leaves, coarsely chopped
    • 3 tsp. dried dill
    • 6 scallions, thinly sliced
    • 15 oz. ricotta cheese
    • 1 lb. feta cheese, crumbled
    • 3 eggs
    • 3-4 TBSP olive oil
    • 1/2 tsp. salt
    • 1 tsp. freshly cracked black pepper

    Directions:

    1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
    2. Make the filling: In the bowl of a tabletop mixer that is fitted with the paddle attachment add the feta and ricotta cheese. Add the dill, salt, pepper, olive oil, and the scallions. Mix until combined. Add the spinach in a few batches until combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Combine the eggs in a small bowl and whisk them together. Add the eggs to the mixing bowl and mix on low speed until incorporated.
    3. Assemble the Pie if Using Phyllo Dough: Sprinkle the breadcrumbs into a large baking sheet to create an even layer. Take a stack of 3 sheets of phyllo and place it in the pan to cover the bottom and let the rest of the stack hang over the side of the pan. Drizzle the top sheet with some melted butter. Place 2 sheets half in the pan and half hanging outside of the pan on all four sides of the pan. Drizzle butter between the layers. Spread all of the filling inside of the phyllo sheets. All of the sheets that are hanging outside of the pan should go over the filling. Place all of the filling inside of the phyllo and fold the phyllo that is hanging outside of the pan over the filling brushing butter in between the layers. Reserve 6-7 sheets of phyllo for the topping and place the remaining sheets over the filling. Drizzle with some butter. Take one sheet at a time and crinkle it like an accordion and place it on top. Continue creating accordions and place them side by side until the top is covered. Drizzle with butter and score into pieces. Pour the remaining melted butter on top and brush all around.
    4. Assemble the Pie if Using Puff Pastry: Sprinkle the breadcrumbs into a large baking pan to create an even layer. Remove the puff pastry from packaging and cut in half. Using a rolling pin, roll each dough to the size of the baking sheet. Place one dough on top of the breadcrumbs, and then spread all of the filling evenly over the dough. Top with remaining dough and drizzle with some butter.
    5. Bake: Bake the pie on the center rack for about an hour or until golden all around. For an extra crisp bottom crust, transfer the tray to the bottom rack for the last 10 minutes. If your oven’s heat is too high then, skip this step and just bake the pie a few extra minutes on the center rack.
    6. Allow the pie to rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes and then serve.
    7. For leftovers, remove from fridge and bring to room temperature, and then warm in a 350°F, until warmed through and crispy.

    Spanakopita:

  • Greek Turkey Meatball Bowls

    January 16, 2023 Author: Rachel
    No comment yet

    Ingredients:

    Meatballs:

    • 1 lb. lean ground turkey
    • 1 c. fresh baby spinach, chopped
    • 1/4 c. red onion, minced
    • 1/4 c. crumbled feta cheese
    • 1 egg
    • 1/2 c. Panko bread crumbs
    • 1 TBSP fresh dill, chopped
    • 1 tsp. dried oregano, rubbed between palm of hands
    • 1/2 tsp. salt
    • 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
    • 1/4 tsp. pepper

    Orzo:

    • 1 box of orzo, cooked according to package
    • 2-3 TBSP butter
    • 2 TBSP lemon juice
    • 2-3 TBSP fresh dill, chopped

    Whipped Feta:

    • 8 oz. feta cheese
    • 1/2 c. sour cream
    • 2 TBSP olive oil

    Greek Salad:

    • Lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, parsley, and red onion with Greek Salad Dressing.

    Greek Salad Dressing:

    • 1 c. olive oil
    • 1/2 c. red wine vinegar
    • 2 lemons juiced
    • 4 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 TBSP Dijon mustard
    • 1 (to 1 1/2) tsp. salt
    • 1 tsp. dried oregano
    • 1/2 tsp. dried dill
    • 1/2 tsp. cracked black pepper

    Directions:

    1. For the Meatballs: Preheat oven to 400F. In a mixing bowl, add all the meatball ingredients and mix to combine. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; roll about 30 meatballs and place on baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes, turn meatballs over and bake for another 5 minutes.
    2. For the Orzo: Bring a stockpot to boil, then add a generous amount of salt. Cook according to package, and then drain. Put cooked orzo back in pot, add the butter and stir until melted. Then add the lemon juice and dill.
    3. For the Whipped Feta: Combine all ingredients in a food processor and pulse until smooth and creamy. The feta can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. 
    4. For the Salad Dressing: Add all ingredients to a jar with lid and shake to combine.
    5. Assemble: On the plate or large bowl add a smear of whipped feta, then add orzo to overlap the feta, top the orzo and feta with the meatballs, then add the salad. Drizzle with the dressing.

    Greek Meatball Bowls:

Next Page