Halabissah
Halabissah, the spicy beef soup served in a tall glass with a straw! It’s certain to get the conversation going. The fantastic flavours are a real bonus.
Month: December 2021
Marinated Olives
Marinated olives
Marinated Olives
Marinated olives are always popular whether it’s as part of a mezze or as a side dish or a snack. They’re a bit salty and a little bit spicy. And with the garlic and herbs the flavours are just great.
Are there any health benefits to eating olives?
The healthy fats in olives are one of the major contributors in the Mediterranean diet which is recognised as possibly the healthiest diet to follow. Olives are very high in powerful antioxidants. Research shows they’re good for heart health. Also studies found that they may protect against osteoporosis and cancer.
Such a nice change to find something that tastes so good, that’s really good for you!
They’re just so moreish, so make plenty
Yes, apart from all the health benefits, they just taste so good!
They’re so moreish, make sure you make plenty.
My daughter Nadia is responsible for this recipe. She regularly makes this to have as nibbles if people are coming round and truly delicious it is too. Thank you Nadia!
Transform your olives to taste like they’re from the best Deli in town
For this recipe you can use olives which are cheap and cheerful. By the time you’ve added your marinade they’ll taste like marinated olives from the best deli in town.
ingredients
- 1 cup of olives (black, green, or mixed, you choose)
- ¼ cup of pickled garlic cloves (optional)
- 2 garlic cloves finely chopped or ½ tsp garlic puree
- 20g feta cheese (optional)
- a good pinch of sea salt
- a good pinch of black pepper
- a drizzle of olive oil
- ½ tsp fennel seeds
- several strands of lemon zest
- ½ red chilli pepper cut finely into rings – with or without the seeds (optional)
- ½ tsp finely chopped oregano or thyme
How to make your marinated olives
Making Marinated Olives couldn’t be simpler and yet by the time they’re made they’ll look like artisan produce, prepared by craftsmen.
Make your marinated olives by simply mixing all the ingredients together.
They can be served straight away but if you can leave them to marinate overnight you’ll be rewarded because the extra time allows the olives to absorb the flavours and makes them even tastier.
Try making these wonderful marinated olives. You’re sure to love them.
Let me know what you think.
Kofta
Kofta are the Middle Eastern cousin of the meat ball. Seasoned perfectly to bring out the wonderful flavours of the meat .
Chicken Shawarma
Chicken Shawarma Chicken Shawarma is a well-loved Egyptian Street Food Chicken shawarma is one of Egypt’s favourite street foods. But it’s a real treat to have at home as well. It’s incredibly tasty, with every bite packed with flavour. What can I say? It’s a …
Cauliflower Fritters
Cauliflower fritters – Arnabeet mukly
Cauliflower fritters or Arnabeet mukly as they’re known in Egypt, are so addictive.
What are cauliflower fritters?
Cauliflower fritters are cauliflower florets, which have been tenderised and then coated in a delicious spiced batter and fried to have a wonderful crispy coating.
I think they are best eaten hot when they are freshly cooked but you can have them cold.
Cauliflower fritters can be used as a side dish with breakfast or lunch. Alternatively they can be stuffed into warm pitta bread with salad and a drizzle of tahini to make a delicious sandwich.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 large cauliflower
- 1 cup plain flour (for flouring)
for the batter
- 2 cups plain flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 eggs
- cold water
- salt and pepper
- handful of fresh coriander or flat leaf parsley finely chopped
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon curry powder (you choose how hot you like it)
- salt and pepper
- ½ red chilli finely chopped (optional)
- vegetable oil for frying
Here’s how to make your cauliflower fritters
Cut the cauliflower
Cut the cauliflower into florets about the size of a walnut and rinse.
Par-boil for 5 minutes
Put the cauliflower florets into a pan and cover them with boiled water. Add a good pinch of salt and boil for about 5 minutes – the cauliflower should still be firm.
Drain and rinse
Drain off the water and rinse under cold water, to stop the cooking process -otherwise the cauliflower will go too soft.
1 cup of flour on a plate
Pour 1 cup of flour (for flouring) onto a large plate and season with salt and pepper.
Mix the ingredients for the batter in a large bowl
In a large bowl put the 2 cups of flour, add the egg and 1 cup of water. Mix together and then gradually add enough water, mixing thoroughly, to form a batter – slightly thinner than cake mixture.
Add the onion, herbs, spices and baking powder and mix again thoroughly.
How to fry your cauliflower fritters
Use a deep pan to fry your florets, I like to use a wok to cook mine.
Heat up the oil in your pan. You need the oil about 4cm deep.
You’ll know when the oil’s hot enough when it begins to sizzle.
- You need the oil to be hot enough for the batter to go nice and crispy. If it’s not hot enough it will just suck in the oil and become really greasy.
Check your seasoning
Before frying any cauliflower, I always fry a little bit of the batter, just to check the seasoning. Does it need any more curry powder? cumin? chilli? salt? A really well seasoned batter makes all the difference, so best check before moving forward.
Ready to start frying
Take the cauliflower florets one at a time and dip them into the seasoned flour, this allows the batter to stick to the floret. Shake off any excess flour.
Next, dip them into the spiced batter and coat them well.
Then carefully lower the battered cauliflowers into the oil.
Only cook a few at a time
Only cook about 5 or 6 florets at a time – don’t over-crowd the pan. Cook them until you can see the edges going crispy and golden brown, then flip them over to ensure they cook evenly on all sides.
*They cook very quickly be warned.
When they are cooked, take them out of the oil and drain them on kitchen roll.
Enjoy !
Suggestion on how to eat your delicious Cauliflower Fritters
Cauliflower fritters are great as a side dish for breakfast or lunch Alternatively they are wonderful popped into pita bread along with either
- 1. a bit of mixed salad and drizzled with tahini, or
- 2. with a good slather of hummus – delicious.
Try them, I’m sure you’ll love them.
Let me know what you think.