For a Crowd (or large group)

Turkish eggplant and yogurt dip

Simultaneously simple and ingenious, this dish adds yogurt to the already wonderful combination of eggplant and garlic, bringing creaminess and lightness. Paired with warm, fluffy pita, crispy appetizers or grilled meats, this dip is a versatile companion that can transform any meal or appetizer into a vibrant Turkish feast. For a stronger flavor and smoky …

Get Recipe

Purple Pesto in a Mortar

Pesto is native to the Italian region of Liguria. The very name “pesto” comes from the Italian verb “pestare”, which means “to crush” – a reference to the traditional method of preparation with a mortar and pestle. The main difference in this pesto, of course, is its base – purple basil. Compared to green basil, …

Get Recipe

Espresso (or filter coffee) Brownies

This brownie version has the perfect balance between the coffee bitterness of espresso and the sweetness of dark chocolate. Each bite envelops the palate with a velvety texture and leaves behind a long, rich coffee-chocolate aftertaste. It also has a hint of earthiness from the cocoa and a slight caramel undertone from the sugar, a …

Get Recipe

15-Minute Bag Pickled Cucumbers with garlic, chili and cilantro (or dill)

These pickles will be your favorite of the summer season. Cooked quickly, they are super crispy and flavorful. I’m going to show you an unusual spiral slicing of cucumbers, which I think brings out the flavors faster and stronger. But you can experiment with other types of slicing, using whichever you prefer. A few more …

Get Recipe

Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings Chinese Style

Salt and pepper chicken wings, or “yang su ji” as they are called in Mandarin, is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine. This simple but flavorful dish is a staple in many Chinese restaurants around the world. It features a delicate balance between the soft and juicy inside of the chicken and the perfectly crispy …

Get Recipe

Mexican Spaghetti Pasta

Mexican Pasta is a delicious and filling dish that combines the best of Italian and Mexican cuisines. Its versatility and numerous variations allow it to be adapted to various preferences. The history of this dish is a fascinating blend of culinary influences. Pasta was introduced in Mexico during the Spanish colonization, and the use of …

Get Recipe

Afghani chicken

Afghan cuisine is known for its bold flavors and spicy aromas of spices. Afghan-style chicken is one of the most popular dishes. It is a flavorful chicken curry often served with rice, roti, or naan bread. The chicken is fried first, for a delicious crust, and then stewed in of cream and yogurt sauce with …

Get Recipe

Turkish simit or Turkish Bagel

A simit is a round bagel with a golden crispy crust studded with toasted sesame seeds. Simits are especially popular in Turkey. In Istanbul, you can find them on sale at almost every turn. They are often sold from street carts, and some vendors carry a tray/basket with simitas on their heads. Street vendors usually …

Get Recipe

Guinness Beef Stew: Beef Simmered in Guinness or another stout

I don’t know if it has to do with the fact that I haven’t been drinking alcohol in the last couple of months, but this is my second beer recipe on my blog. And while beer soup is quite a peculiar dish, beef stewed in Guinness, with a sweet, malty aftertaste, is another matter entirely. …

Get Recipe