All posts tagged: vegetarian

Authentic Ensaimada de Mallorca Recipe

Have you ever walked through the Palma de Mallorca airport and noticed passengers desperately clutching mysterious, octagonal cardboard boxes? No, they aren’t carrying secret island treasure – well, actually, they kind of are! Those iconic boxes hold the ultimate Balearic indulgence: the Authentic Ensaimada de Mallorca. If you’ve ever visited this sun-drenched Mediterranean paradise, you already know why travelers fight for overhead bin space just to bring a single pastry home. As a long-time travel enthusiast who has explored Mallorca for over 30 years, this island is my favorite European getaway. But you don’t need a boarding pass to experience its culinary magic. Today, I’m bringing those holiday vibes straight to your kitchen with the Authentic Ensaimada de Mallorca recipe.

Mercimek Köftesi – Turkish Vegan Red Lentil Kofte

Looking for the ultimate fresh, vegan finger food for your next party, buffet, or brunch? Then you absolutely need to try my Mercimek Köftesi – Turkish Vegan Red Lentil Kofte, deliciously seasoned, plant-based Turkish red lentil patties! I love bringing these to family gatherings and special occasions. Because of their beautiful, vibrant presentation, they are always a massive hit—and they easily win over even the meat-lovers in the room! Trust me, they are simply “kofte-licious” and vanish within minutes. Guests literally crowd around the platter and just can’t keep their hands off them. Packed with flavor and wholesome ingredients, this healthy vegan crowd-pleaser is also the perfect addition to your summer picnic basket or a quick weekday snack. Want to impress your family and friends this Easter? Serve up this fresh, crisp, and vibrant Mediterranean delicacy!

Panir Hendevaneh – Persian Watermelon and Feta Skewers

Looking for a light, colorful, and refreshing appetizer that comes together in minutes? These Persian Watermelon Feta Skewers, known as Panir Hendevaneh, are the perfect summer snack for barbecues, picnics, garden parties, or family gatherings. The combination of sweet watermelon, salty feta cheese, and crisp cucumber is simple but incredibly delicious. Finished with a fresh mint leaf, these bite-sized skewers are cooling, beautiful to serve, and always a crowd favorite. Whether you’re hosting friends to watch football, enjoying a sunny afternoon in the garden, or preparing an easy appetizer for your next cookout, these Persian-inspired skewers are guaranteed to disappear quickly.

Piyaz – Giant White Bean Salad | سالاد لوبیا سفید

If you’re looking for a fresh, healthy, and protein-packed salad, you have to try Piyaz. This traditional Turkish white bean salad is also a beloved dish in many Persian homes, where it’s known as Salad-e Loobia Sefid (سالاد لوبیا سفید). Although many people associate Piyaz with Turkey, this simple yet flavorful bean salad has been enjoyed across the region for generations. One of the most famous versions is Antalya Usulü Piyaz, a specialty from the Turkish city of Antalya. What makes it so special is its rich, tangy dressing that coats every single bean with incredible flavor. Traditionally, the beans are almost completely covered in the dressing. In my version, I use a little less dressing to let the fresh vegetables and creamy white beans shine while still keeping the authentic taste. Piyaz is everything you want in a salad—fresh, satisfying, nutritious, and incredibly easy to make. It works perfectly as a mezze, a side dish for köfte, grilled meats, or kebabs, or as a light vegetarian lunch or dinner. Thanks to the white beans, …

Strawberry Donuts with Labneh-Rosewater Glaze

You know that feeling when a donut is practically screaming your name? Eating it isn’t just a choice; it’s a matter of culinary self-defense. You simply cannot resist. That is exactly how we feel about these super light, fluffy Strawberry Donuts with Labneh-Rosewater Glaze. Honestly, they are a total game-changer! Calling all strawberry lovers: these donuts are packed with juicy strawberries inside and topped with even more fresh berries on out. I’ve created a lighter version for you—they only contain 3 tablespoons of sugar and are baked right in the oven, not fried.

Easy Falafel Wrap with Creamy Homemade Tahini Sauce

Imagine biting into a warm, freshly toasted flatbread. Inside, golden falafel—crispy on the outside, tender and fragrant on the inside—meets a rich, creamy homemade tahini sauce. Add a refreshing tomato-cucumber salad, a bright pop of red sumac, and aromatic Middle Eastern spices. This isn’t just a quick lunch or dinner. It is a journey for your senses, bringing the vibrant flavors of street food markets straight to your kitchen. Best of all? This healthy falafel wrap recipe is 100% vegan, naturally dairy-free, and easily gluten-free. It is budget-friendly, incredibly simple to make, and tastes a million times better than anything store-bought because you control exactly what goes into it.

Easiest Barbari Bread Ever! (Quick Air Fryer Method)

Let’s be honest: we all love the scent of freshly baked bread, right? But in the real world, who actually has the time to pamper dough for hours or watch it “meditate” on the kitchen counter? That’s exactly why I’m sharing The World’s Easiest Barbari Bread Ever (Quick Air Fryer Method) with you today. It’s the ultimate fix for anyone craving those bold Middle Eastern flavors but possessing the patience of a fruit fly! If you’ve been following me, you know I’m usually a huge fan of slow food. I already have a recipe for traditional Nan-e Barbari here on the blog that uses overnight fermentation and just a tiny pinch of yeast. It’s a total dream for foodies! But let’s be real: when that craving for Persian flatbread hits you RIGHT NOW, an overnight proofing method just isn’t going to cut it. Sometimes, you just need the “express route” to carb heaven. Watch my prep video on Instagram

Noon-e Khame-i – Rose and Pistachio Persian Cream Puffs

When Norooz arrives, our tea table is never complete without a platter of Noon-e Khame-i – Rose and Pistachio Persian Cream Puffs. These beautiful Persian cream puffs are made with a delicate choux pastry—light, airy, and baked with love. What makes my version special is the pastry itself. While many recipes rely on milk for the dough, I’ve found that a milk-free choux pastry results in an incredibly crisp and light shell that lets the flavors of the filling truly shine. Each puff is stuffed with freshly whipped sweet cream, infused with fragrant rosewater and crunchy chopped pistachios for a taste that is wonderfully creamy and floral. Finished with a dusting of powdered sugar and a sprinkle of bright green pistachios, they are the ultimate celebration treat. Bonus for busy bakers: You can even freeze the unbaked dough! Just let it thaw at room temperature before popping them in the oven for a fresh-baked taste anytime. From a dreamy Valentine’s Day dessert to a sophisticated Mother’s Day brunch, these Persian cream puffs are made for …

Nan-e Nokhodchi – Vegan & Gluten-Free Chickpea Cookies

Eyde Azizan Mobarak! Happy Norooz! During the Persian New Year (Norooz), the air is filled with the scent of spring and the joy of Eyd Didani (visiting loved ones). If you’ve ever stepped into a Persian home during Norooz, you know that Nan-e Nokhodchi— Vegan & Gluten-Free Chickpea Cookies, those iconic, clover-shaped are the stars of the Haft-Sin table. In Iran, stopping by the local bakery to grab a fresh box of these treats for Did va Bazdid (visiting friends and family) is a cherished tradition. But there is something even more special about bringing a tray of homemade, melt-in-your-mouth Persian cookies to a celebration.

Saffron Bamieh and the Persian Engagement

An engagement is truly one of the most beautiful days in a person’s life. In Persia, this special milestone is inseparable from the aroma of Saffron Bamieh. If you aren’t familiar with them, think of a Persian take on the Mexican Churro, but with a luxurious twist. While the shape may be similar, we refine our dough with precious saffron before frying it to a golden crisp. The magic happens next: a fragrant syrup of rosewater, saffron, cardamom, and honey drenches the warm pastries. In our culture, Saffron Bamieh, Zoolbia and the Persian engagement go together “like a lid on a pot.” It is the ultimate “must-eat” for every ceremony, though you will also find it gracing the tables of Norooz (Persian New Year) and Ramadan, usually served alongside its famous partner, Zoolbia. Today, I want to take you by the hand and lead you through my story of tradition—a journey into the vibrant, colorful world of 1001 Nights. Watch my prep video on Instagram

Labsalliebe

Food & Lifestyleblog