Cumin-scented black bean burgers

I’m trying to veganize myself a couple of days a week at the moment and testing all sorts of legume recipes. These little black bean cumin-scented lovelies are my current answer to Tex Mex. They are amazingly delicious wrapped in a tortilla with a dollop of cashew cream, zesty guacamole and a light tomato salsa. […]

Stunning Persian dill, feta and chicken salad

This has to be one of my favorite “meal salads”. Although it isn’t an actual Iranian recipe, it has a Persian feel that is reminiscent of a dill and chicken rice dish (“Shivid polow”) my mom used to make (she’s actually of Belgian origin but being married to my dad, she learned how to cook […]

Aperitif-style cauliflower crust pizza

I was skeptical about cauliflower crust when it became all the rage a few years ago. But when my quest for gluten-free solutions began, I finally took the plunge and was pleasantly surprised. No, it isn’t like the real thing, but it’s an interestingly tasty substitute to regular wheat-based dough and a great way of […]

Crustless salmon spinach quiche

Before I get started on my Crustless salmon spinach quiche, let me first say: I make a mean quiche. Back in my gluten-filled days, that’s what I would prepare anytime there was a picnic or bring-and-share-style dinner. The secret? A generous filling of your choice, 5 eggs and 1.5 cups of crème fraîche. Not fat-free […]

Refreshing feta mint watermelon salad

I don’t know who came up with the feta watermelon mint combination but it really works. It is also PERFECT for the current weather, whether your are in Dubai or in the midst of a European heat wave. Now just a heads up, any recipe that involves watermelon can turn out…you guessed it: watery. So […]

Delightful summer vegetable “terrine”

When we lived in Southern France, we had access to the most tasty and colorful vegetables – from the sweetest tomatoes and deep red bell peppers to the practically seedless courgettes and eggplants. This particular recipe, which is something between a frittata and a crustless quiche, used to show up once a week on the […]

Eggplant chèvre and roasted tomato gems

You may have noticed, I am having a Mediterranean food moment right now. As part of this obsession, eggplant has been a regular on my shopping list for the past couple of weeks and this particular recipe has shown up a couple of times on the dinner table. The sweetness of the roasted tomatoes paired […]

Insanely good cornmeal-crusted spinach feta quiche

For all of you gluten-free quiche-loving gals out there, this is for you. This polenta crust is tasty and very easy to put together: heat it, mix it,  press it down, that’s it. I strongly recommend you use good quality medium grind instant polenta – I buy this one at Eataly in Dubai Mall and sometimes use […]

Mouth-watering miso salmon

You know those ingredients that just elevate even the most basic recipe? Saffron, sesame oil, lemongrass, white wine, truffle oil, rose water…all those noble elements that turn ordinary into something extraordinary? Well, in my books, miso is definitely one of them. The first time I ever tasted this Japanese fermented soybean paste was years ago, when […]

Easy sushi burritos

I have to admit, I had never tried making sushi, let alone easy sushi burritos at home because the whole rolling thing intimidates me. But when I saw a recipe for them (rolled without a mat) on Goop.com recently, I figured I would give it a go. It’s a very laisser-faire kind of recipe, you […]