All posts tagged: SUMMER

Easy Air Fryer Protein Rolls – No Flour Needed!

Easy Air Fryer Protein Rolls – No Flour Needed!

Sometimes things don’t go quite as planned in the kitchen. For this year’s World Bread Day, I had my heart set on baking traditional Persian Nan-e Sangak. I spent an entire Sunday in the kitchen, trying to get it right. But in the end, the bread just didn’t turn out the way I had hoped. Does that sound familiar? You put in so much time and effort, try different things, and somehow, nothing seems to work! But giving up wasn’t an option! So, I changed my plans and made these easy flourless protein rolls in the air fryer instead. They need just a handful of simple ingredients, take only a few minutes to prepare, and are ready in about 20 minutes of cooking time. Cottage cheese, oats, and egg add a protein boost, while crunchy seeds and kernels give these little rolls extra flavour and texture. It turns out that the simplest recipes can bring the most joy. And these easy air fryer protein rolls have definitely earned a place in my kitchen! What I …

Shoor-e Makhloot – Persian Mixed Fermented Vegetables

Shoor-e Makhloot – Persian Mixed Fermented Vegetables

At the local market, I picked up fresh vegetables in the most beautiful colours. In Iran, late summer and early autumn are the perfect time to start pickling and fermenting vegetables for the colder months ahead. We make all kinds of delicious preserves, from crunchy Shoor-e Makhloot – Persian Mixed Fermented Vegetables to tangy Torshi Liteh – Persian Pickled Vegetables. For me, there is something truly special about preserving the colourful treasures of summer and looking forward to the cosy days ahead. My family has cherished this tradition for generations. Pickled and fermented vegetables are an essential part of Persian cuisine, and they always remind me of home. I love how the flavours of garlic, fresh chillies and crunchy vegetables blend together during fermentation, creating a wonderfully savoury and tangy taste. Today, I’m sharing my easy Shoor-e Makhloot recipe with you. This traditional Persian fermented vegetable pickle makes a delicious side dish and brings a little taste of Persian food culture into your home. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do. …

Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Hummus

Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Hummus

It feels more and more like autumn every day. And that means one thing: it’s finally pumpkin season again! I love cooking with pumpkin this time of year. There are so many delicious ways to enjoy it. So today, I’m sharing another one of my favorite pumpkin recipes with you: Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Hummus. This hummus is vegan, gluten-free, and packed with flavor. Many people like to make pumpkin hummus with Hokkaido pumpkin. But I personally prefer butternut squash. I love its delicate, buttery flavor. To make the hummus extra flavorful, I roast the butternut squash and garlic in the oven. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness and adds a lovely depth of flavor. For the hummus, I also use nutty tahini and creamy chickpeas. A pinch of cinnamon gives it a warm, slightly Middle Eastern touch. And of course, I couldn’t stop there! I top the hummus with crispy garlic slices and a generous drizzle of good olive oil. The result is a wonderfully creamy, savory, and flavorful hummus. It’s perfect with falafel, …

Morgh-e Sokhari – Persian Fried Chicken

Morgh-e Sokhari – Persian Fried Chicken

There are sounds that instantly trigger your appetite: the promising sizzle of hot oil and that distinct crunch as a golden-brown crust gives way. With your very first bite, the extra-crispy coating shatters between your teeth to reveal juicy, tender, steaming-hot chicken underneath. That magic right there is exactly why I adore Morgh-e Sokhari (مرغ سوخاری)—Persian-Style Fried Chicken. For me, Sokhari is pure comfort food wrapped in nostalgia. It brings back fond memories of easygoing family dinners and vibrant evenings shared with friends in Iran’s lively Sokhari joints. The contrast between that intensely seasoned, crackling crust and the tender meat makes Morgh-e Sokhari an absolute crowd-pleaser that gathers everyone around the table. Skip the fast-food drive-thru line and bring this unbeatable crunch straight to your kitchen—fresh, flavor-packed, and made with love. Watch my preparation on Instagram

Colorful Tomato & Pomegranate Salad (Fresh, Sweet & Crunchy!)

Colorful Tomato & Pomegranate Salad (Fresh, Sweet & Crunchy!)

Today, I’m sharing one of my absolute favorite summer dishes with you: a Colorful Tomato & Pomegranate Salad (Fresh, Sweet & Crunchy!), fresh mint, and crisp onions. To bring out all those amazing flavors, I dress it with high-quality olive oil, rich pomegranate balsam, freshly squeezed lemon juice, Flor de Sal, and a pinch of lemon pepper. When it comes to tomatoes, I love them all! Big, small, or bursting with flavor, whether they are bright red, golden yellow, deep purple, or vibrant orange. But heirloom tomatoes hold a truly special place in my heart. For this recipe, I brought together every variety I could find. Some I grew from seeds myself, and others I picked up at the local farmer’s market. Right now, tomatoes are at their absolute peak season. They’re juicy, naturally sweet, and have just the right touch of refreshing acidity. Watch my preparation on Instagram

Doogh – A traditional Persian drink made from homemade yogurt

Doogh – A traditional Persian drink made from homemade yogurt

Yogurt, mint, Damask rose petals, water, a pinch of salt, and voila, you’ve got Doogh! Deliciously refreshing, this traditional Persian yogurt drink shares a soul with Turkish Ayran and Indian Lassi, but brings a delicate floral twist all its own. As one of Iran’s most popular traditional drinks, it has a cool, tangy taste and pairs perfectly with many savory meals. Made with homemade yogurt, Doogh (also spelled Dugh or Abdug) is a healthy, gut-friendly beverage often thought of as the ultimate summer cooler. But in Iran, there’s no off-season, it’s enjoyed year-round. Some people prepare it with sparkling water for a fizzy kick, while others prefer fresh spring water for a smooth finish. Both versions are delicious, allowing every family to craft their recipe to match their own taste.

Coca de Trampó – The Crispy Mallorcan Vegetable Flatbread

Coca de Trampó – The Crispy Mallorcan Vegetable Flatbread

The moment warm olive oil hits fresh tomatoes and sweet bell peppers, your whole kitchen fills with that irresistible Mediterranean aroma. And honestly? Pure summer bliss starts the very second you hear that satisfying first crunch. Beneath that golden, crispy crust lies a mountain of sweet, juicy vegetables, and it is total perfection. Let me introduce you to Coca de Trampó – The Crispy Mallorcan Vegetable Flatbread! What I love most about this recipe is how delightfully foolproof it is. You don’t need any fancy baking skills or hours of waiting around for yeast to rise. In just a few simple steps, you’ll have it prepped and popping into the oven. So, grab a baking sheet and let’s make your new favorite summer bite together today! Watch my preparation on Instagram

No-Bake Dubai Chocolate Cheesecake

No-Bake Dubai Chocolate Cheesecake

Happy National Cheesecake Day! July 30th is finally here, and we’re celebrating my absolute favorite dessert holiday with a true showstopper! To match this summer’s hottest dessert trend, I’m bringing you a recipe that is guaranteed to make your mouth water: a legendary No-Bake Dubai Chocolate Cheesecake! This sensational creation brings together the best of both worlds. Picture the signature crunch of golden, toasted kataifi (shredded pastry), the velvety elegance of rich pistachio cream, and decadent dark chocolate—all folded into a refreshingly creamy no-bake cheesecake filling. It’s a luxurious taste sensation that comes together in no time, completely oven-free. Get ready for an explosion of flavor in every bite. Let’s celebrate and indulge! Watch my preparation on Instagram

Flaó de Ibiza - Mint Cheesecake

Flaó de Ibiza – Mint Cheesecake

Have you ever tried Flaó de Ibiza, the iconic Balearic mint cheesecake? It starts with a unique, sugar-free shortcrust pastry spiked with ground anise seeds and anise liqueur. On top sits a rich, velvety filling made of goat’s cheese, ricotta, fresh lemon zest, eggs, sugar, and the real star of the show: fresh mint (hierbabuena). After chilling overnight in the fridge, dust it with powdered sugar just before serving. If you love a bold sweet-and-savory flavor combination, this legendary Ibizan cheesecake will blow you away. Give it a try and watch it melt in your mouth!

Crispy Middle Eastern Eggplant Schnitzel

Crispy Middle Eastern Eggplant Schnitzel

Imagine this: a golden-brown, ultra-crispy crust that cracks perfectly with your very first bite. And inside? A melt-in-your-mouth, creamy eggplant core bursting with the warm, aromatic flavors of my Homemade Ras el Hanout Spice Mix. Forget everything you’ve ever heard about soggy or bitter eggplant. These crispy Middle Eastern eggplant schnitzels are a total game-changer for your dinner plate—whether you follow a full-time plant-based diet or simply want to try something exciting and delicious! Watch my preparation on Instagram