FLYING BOWL

When I first tried bao (bao translates to bun), I felt like discovering a new world :). The bun is insanely soft and just melts into your mouth.
I love how versatile bao buns can be. However, I am not a huge fan of pork belly, that’s why my version is with chicken. If you want bao to be vegan, replace chicken with jackfruit or tofu!

Sesame noodles are a super fast dish, perfect for busy days. These noodles are very popular in Taiwan, you can find them in many cold noodle stalls.
Vegan, dairy free and gluten free. In my version noodles are served warm, because it’s winter 🙂

I am pretty sure that today’s soup I could eat once a week without getting sick of it. Mild hotness, rich taste and after eating a bowl of this soup you’re feeling full for hours. Not to forget the smell!!!
My version is slightly different, because some ingredients are way too hard to find in my country. Also, don’t be afraid of cooking time, the longest period is simmering. You have to be patient, but the taste is definitely worth it.

Mujadara or lentils and rice with caramelised onions is a simple and classic Arabic dish that is super easy to make. For the recipe you need basic ingredients that are probably already in your pantry. It’s vegan, gluten free and can be dairy free. If you are a lentils fan, you have to try it.

Spinach stew – fragrant and nutritious food that will warm you from inside. Arabic name “Sabanekh w riz” literally translates to “spinach and rice” It’s a simple recipe, you can quickly make it and it’s perfect for weeknight dinner. I would highly recommend making a bigger amount and freezing it until you are too lazy to cook, but want something tasty. 

For the vegan version you can change beef to chickpeas. In this recipe I added just a little bit of soaked rice, because I had it from another dish.

Tabbouleh – Middle East dish that is usually served as part of meze. Every country from that region has its own version of it, but you can always find tomatoes, parsley, bulgur wheat, lemon juice and olive oil. It’s an easy recipe, everyone can make it and result may surprise you. This dish can be eaten as an appetizer, side dish and light main dish with pita bread aside (or however your fantasy works).

Libanese stuffed onions are one of the greatest discoveries. All the ingredients combine perfectly and create amazing flavour: onion and sugar sweetness with vinegar sourness, cinnamon and allspice aroma.. And if you serve it with tabbouleh!!! Finger licking is guaranteed :)).

Frarej is Lebanese chicken cooked in one sheet pan.

Frarej is Lebanese chicken cooked in one sheet pan. I love when you only need a bowl and a sheet pan to prepare a dish and you don't need to use (AND WASH) half of your kitchen :). For this recipe chicken thighs with skin-on are usually used, but at the moment I was able to get only drumsticks. Still, it turned out AMAZING. Lemon-garlic-chicken fat-vegetables juices combo is to die for. 

And the best part is that leftovers are sooo good the next day (or even better than the day they were made?)! Veggies are soaked with sauce and chicken fat and all the flavors are just perfect together.

Keftedes are fried Greek meatballs, usually served as appetizer and, also, as part of meze platter. Keftedes can be served as a main dish with tzatziki, feta salad and rice/potatoes.

I did a slightly healthier version, where keftedes are baked and not fried. However that doesn't mean that they are less delicious. Meatballs are still crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It's so hard not to like them!

These past few days are wintry. Usually I am not a big fan of soups, but when outside is this cold, I …