All posts tagged: winter

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!

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, …

Giveaway: Win a Premium Saffron Tea Set from Safranya!

*Sponsored by Safranya* Imagine coming home after a long, busy day. The warm, comforting scent of saffron and cinnamon blankets the air, inviting you to slow down. You hold a steaming cup of tea in your hands, glowing in a beautiful golden hue. With the first sip, the world around you goes quiet for a moment. This is the pure magic of authentic saffron. Today, I’m inviting you to become part of a very special story. In collaboration with Safranya, I am giving away an exclusive “Soul Warmer” bundle for your personal wellness ritual! Don’t miss out on your chance to bring this golden glow into your home. Enter our Giveaway: Win a Premium Saffron Tea Set from Safranya now! Watch my preparation on Instagram

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

Tender Persian Lamb Gigot – Easy Laura Ashley Slow Cooker Recipe

*In collaboration with MyVQ* Imagine waking up to a kitchen filled with the scent of an exotic bazaar. Warm cinnamon, earthy cumin, and the unmistakable aroma of Tender Persian Lamb Gigot – Easy Laura Ashley Slow Cooker Recipe. You didn’t spend all morning over a hot stove, instead, you prepared everything the night before in your Laura Ashley slow cooker*, and the magic happened while you slept. This isn’t your average Sunday roast. This is a Persian-style Lamb Gigot, slow-cooked for 12 hours until it is so tender it practically melts off the bone. It’s the perfect centerpiece for Easter or any special family gathering where you want maximum flavor with minimum effort. Watch my preparation video on Instagram

Tahchin-e Morgh – Persian Saffron Rice Cake with a Golden Tahdig Crust

Imagine cutting into a golden, crispy rice cake and discovering layers of tender, saffron-marinated chicken hidden inside. That’s Tahchin-e Morgh – Persian Saffron Rice Cake with a Golden Tahdig Crust, one of the most iconic dishes of Persian cuisine. It is more than just a meal, it’s a showstopper. This aromatic Persian saffron rice cake is famous for its beautiful golden look and hidden layers of tender, marinated chicken. The name itself tells a story: “Tah” means bottom, and “Chin” means to arrange. Together, Tahchin describes how the ingredients are carefully layered or “arranged on the bottom” of the pot to create a masterpiece. When flipped onto a plate, the rice cake reveals its crispy, golden exterior and soft, aromatic interior. It’s sliced like a cake, and every guest gets a piece of that irresistible crust. No wonder Tahchin-e Morgh is often served at weddings, celebrations, and festive gatherings. Watch my preparation video on Instagram

No Knead Baguette Recipe – Easy Rustic French Bread

This year for our Easter brunch, I baked a No Knead Baguette Recipe – Easy Rustic French Bread (Overnight Option), also known as Baguette Magique, and within minutes, my kitchen smelled like a small boulangerie artisanale in Paris. Golden crust. Rustic shape. Deep, nutty aroma. And the best part? You skip the kneading, forget about folding, and avoid any complicated technique. Just five simple ingredients and a wooden spoon. If you’re looking for an easy homemade French baguette recipe with a crispy crust and airy crumb, this No Knead Baguette Recipe – Easy Rustic French Bread recipe is the one. Watch my prep video on Instagram

Pistachio Lemon Cake

Imagine this: the smell of fresh lemon in the kitchen, a soft golden cake cooling on the counter, and little green pistachio pieces everywhere. That’s exactly the kind of baking day this moist Pistachio Lemon Cake was made for. This is not a dry cake. Not even close. It’s soft, fluffy, and incredibly moist, with the perfect balance of nutty pistachios and fresh lemon. Every bite is bright, rich, and comforting at the same time. If you love pistachios, this easy pistachio lemon cake will quickly become one of your favorite recipes.

Khoresht-e Gheymeh – Persian Lamb Stew with Dried Limes and Split Peas

There are dishes that simply feed you, and then there are dishes that tell a story. Khoresht-e Gheymeh – Persian Lamb Stew with Dried Limes and Split Peas is one of those stories. This deeply aromatic Persian stew is made with tender lamb (or beef/veal), yellow split peas (called lapeh), tangy dried Persian limes (limoo amani), tomatoes, and warm spices in a silky sauce. And in Iran, there’s one non-negotiable rule: it must be topped with crispy French fries. Khoresht-e Gheymeh is more than a Persian lamb stew. It’s comfort food with history and hospitality served on a platter. If you’ve never cooked Persian food before, this is a beautiful place to begin. Slow down. Let it simmer. And when you take that first bite, you’ll understand why this stew has been cherished for generations. A Dish that warms the soul.

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