Introduction: A whole roasted leg of halal lamb, deeply spiced and slow-roasted until tender, is the centrepiece of Eid al-Adha celebrations across the Middle East, North Africa and beyond. Eid al-Adha commemorates the Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God, and the tradition of sacrificing and sharing halal meat — often […]
Introduction: Rogan josh is a signature dish of Kashmiri cuisine, its name referring to the rich red colour and warmth achieved through slow braising halal lamb with dried Kashmiri chillies and aromatic whole spices. Brought to the region by Persian influence and refined in Kashmiri kitchens, it remains one of the most celebrated dishes of […]
Introduction: Sambosa (a regional cousin of the South Asian samosa) is a crisp, triangular pastry found throughout the Arabian Gulf, Levant and Horn of Africa, typically filled with spiced minced meat or lentils. It is one of the most iconic dishes of the Ramadan iftar table, appearing on nearly every plate when the fast is […]
Introduction: Kofta — spiced minced meat shaped onto skewers or into patties — is found across the Middle East, South Asia and the Balkans, each region adding its own spice blend. This Levantine-style lamb kofta uses cumin, allspice and fresh herbs, grilled and wrapped in flatbread with a cooling yoghurt sauce. Kofta wraps are a […]
Introduction: Harira is Morocco's most celebrated soup, traditionally used to break the daily fast during Ramadan. Cultural Background: Harira is Morocco's most celebrated soup, traditionally used to break the daily fast during Ramadan. Rich with halal lamb or beef, lentils, chickpeas and tomatoes, and thickened with a flour-and-water mixture called 'tedouira', it is deeply warming […]
Introduction: Yebeg Wat, a richly spiced lamb stew, is traditionally prepared for major feast days such as Fasika (Ethiopian Easter) and Christmas (Genna), marking the end of a fasting period when meat returns to the table in celebration. Cultural Background: Yebeg Wat, a richly spiced lamb stew, is traditionally prepared for major feast days such […]
Introduction: Yesiga Shorba is a warming, lightly spiced meat and vegetable soup, often served to break a fast or to soothe and nourish, particularly during colder months or after periods of illness. Cultural Background: Yesiga Shorba is a warming, lightly spiced meat and vegetable soup, often served to break a fast or to soothe and […]
Introduction: Fatta is a celebratory Egyptian dish of layered rice, crisped bread and tender meat in a garlicky vinegar-tomato sauce, traditionally prepared for Eid al-Adha and other major family celebrations. Cultural Background: Fatta is a celebratory Egyptian dish of layered rice, crisped bread and tender meat in a garlicky vinegar-tomato sauce, traditionally prepared for Eid […]
Introduction: Widely considered Djibouti’s national dish, skoudehkaris is a one-pot rice and lamb dish built on cardamom, cumin, cloves and cinnamon, reflecting the country’s history along historic spice trade routes and its French colonial cooking methods. Cultural Background: Widely considered Djibouti’s national dish, skoudehkaris is a one-pot rice and lamb dish built on cardamom, cumin, […]
Introduction: Fadira is a savoury twist on sabayaad, the flaky Djiboutian flatbread, filled with spiced onion and minced meat before frying. Cultural Background: Fadira is a savoury twist on sabayaad, the flaky Djiboutian flatbread, filled with spiced onion and minced meat before frying. It sits between a bread and a pastry, often served as a […]