Adding soft apricots to sausage meat creates a turkey stuffing that offers a delightful sweetness and a unique flavour. This recipe makes enough stuffing for a 6 kg turkey.
Category Archives: Recipes
In 1987, I found myself in Cairo and discovered Shakshuka, a spicy egg-based dish I have since encountered throughout the Middle East and North Africa. Some culinary historians suggest that Shakshuka originated in North Africa, possibly in Tunisia or Libya. The name “Shakshuka” itself is thought to come from the Arabic word “shakshek,” which means “to shake” or “to mix.”The dish likely spread to the Middle East, where variations of it are found in countries like Israel, Yemen, and Egypt. Shakshuka is often associated with Jewish and North African cuisines, and it has become a popular breakfast dish.My version […]
Lahori Chicken Karahi is a classic Pakistani dish renowned for its rich and robust flavours. This aromatic and spicy chicken preparation is traditionally cooked in a wok-like utensil known as a “karahi,” which adds a distinctive taste to the dish. I first encountered this in Food Street in Lahore in 2012.The origin of Lahori Chicken Karahi lies in the culinary traditions of Lahore, a vibrant and culturally rich city in the Punjab region of Pakistan. Lahore is renowned for its diverse and flavorful cuisine, which the historical and cultural interactions have influenced in the region.The dish itself is a […]
Chapli Kebab is a famous and flavourful minced meat kebab that originated in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. I first tried a chapli kebab in the city of Peshawar. However, it has become widely enjoyed across various regions of Pakistan and beyond. The kebab is known for its distinct flat and round shape, and it is traditionally cooked on an open flame or in a pan. The name “Chapli” is derived from the Pashto word “chaprikh,” which means flat.The key ingredients in Chapli Kebab include minced meat (usually beef or a combination of beef and lamb), chopped onions, […]
“Chu Chi Pla” is a delicious Thai dish featuring fish (usually a firm white fish) in a rich and flavourful red curry sauce. This is one of my favourite Thai fish dishes, which also works very well with salmon.
Bolognese sauce, also known as Ragu alla Bolognese, is a rich and hearty Italian meat sauce that hails from the city of Bologna in Northern Italy. It is a classic and beloved sauce often used to accompany pasta dishes. In 1982, the Bologna delegation of the Italian Academy of Cuisine officially registered the classic recipe for Ragu alla Bolognese with the Bologna Chamber of Commerce. According to this official recipe, Bolognese sauce should include finely chopped onions, carrots, celery, minced meat, tomatoes (either fresh or in the form of tomato paste), wine, and milk.Bolognese sauce has a thick and […]
In the mid-80s, I arrived in Santiago del Compostella and was overwhelmed by the sight of a procession of men in long gowns wearing conical pointed hats covering their faces. These were the Confraternities, religious brotherhoods, and parishioners who actively participated in the Easter processions. They were wearing traditional robes and hoods, known as Capirotes, symbolising penance and humility. Not the KKK.One notable procession is “La Procesión del Encuentro,” which typically takes place on Good Friday. This event symbolises the encounter between the Virgin Mary and the resurrected Christ. Participants carry statues of the Virgin Mary and Christ, and […]
We spent 18 months living in Belgium and were based in a house in the village of Vossum near Brussels. One of the most popular and delicious Belgian dishes we enjoyed on a regular basis was Moules Frites, which consisted of mussels cooked in a flavorful broth and served with crispy fries. I have eaten Moules Frites in other countries, but the mussels are usually smaller and grittier. In Belgium, eating mussels is a national obsession and every year they consume over 30,000 tons of this tasty mollusc.The most prized mussels in Belgium come from the Schelde, a shallow […]
Here’s a Moroccan-inspired roast leg of lamb with harissa. I first encountered this dish on a visit that took us over the Atlas Mountains to Ouarzazate. As we prepared to eat our lunch, the sight of armed troops firing automatic weapons into the main square on the other side of the street was a bit of a surprise. They were American and making a lot of noise. A column of smoke arose from where they were shooting, making us think we were witnessing a covert operation by a US Special Forces unit. A closer look revealed that they were […]
