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Bil Zbib (Sweet Couscous)

Serves: 4 Bil Zbib is eaten for breakfast or dessert in North Africa.  Serve this sweet couscous warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Ingredients: 1/4 cup golden raisins 4 dried apricots, diced 2 prunes, diced 1 1/2 cups water 1 1/8 cup dried couscous 2 tablespoons melted butter 2 tablespoons sugar 1 tsp cinnamon 1/8 cup powdered sugar Method: 1.  In a small pot combine the raisins, apricot, prunes, and water. Heat until boiling. Add couscous, cover, and turn off heat. Let sit 5 minutes. 2.   Add butter, cinnamon and granulated sugar. Gently fluff the couscous; pile in a mound on a small shallow platter. Dust with powdered sugar. 3. Serve warm or cool. Bil Zbib (Sweet Couscous) Votes: 0 Rating: 0 You: Rate this recipe! Print Recipe Bil Zbib is eaten for breakfast or dessert in North Africa. Serve this sweet couscous warm in the winter and cool in the summer. CourseSweets LifestylePotluck Friendly, Vegetarian Food TypeFruit, Random Carbs & Grains Servings Prep Time 4 people 5 minutes Cook Time Passive Time 5 minutes 5 minutes Servings Prep Time 4 people 5 …

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Algerian Green Beans

Serves 4 Algerian green beans, called Loubia, are a nice side dish to almost any meal. Make them ahead and reheat in the oven at the last minute. Ingredients: 1 lb fresh green beans 3 Tbsp peanut oil 2 cloves garlic, crushed 1/2 tsp ground cumin 1/2 tsp paprika a hefty pinch ground cloves 3 Tbsp slivered almonds Method: 1. Steam green beans until tender, about 15 minutes (or if you like them firmer, that’s okay too). 2. In a small skillet over medium heat, combine oil, garlic, cumin, paprika, and cloves. Saute until fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add slivered almonds and cook for 1 minute more. 3. In a large serving bowl toss green beans with seasoned oil. Serve hot. Algerian Green Beans Votes: 3 Rating: 4.33 You: Rate this recipe! Print Recipe Algerian green beans, called Loubia, are a nice side dish to almost any meal. Make them ahead and reheat in the oven at the last minute. CourseSides & Salads LifestyleGluten-Free, Potluck Friendly, Quick, Vegan, Vegetarian Food TypeVegetables Servings Prep Time 4 people …

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Algerian Sunset Salad – Blood Oranges, Fennel, & Black Olives

Serves 4 Blood orange give this salad a reddish hue. The anise of the fennel combined with the salty black olives and sweet oranges makes for an unusual combination. Ingredients: 2 blood oranges, the rind cut off and sectioned 1 fennel bulb, trimmed and sliced thinly 1/4 cup oil-cured black olives 1/4 cup mint leaves, sliced thinly 1/4 cup olive oil 2 Tbsp lemon juice salt pepper Method: 1. In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and mint leaves. 2. Add orange segments, fennel, and olives. Toss to combine. 3. Let sit overnight & adjust seasonings as necessary. Algerian Sunset Salad with Blood Oranges, Fennel, & Black Olives Votes: 0 Rating: 0 You: Rate this recipe! Print Recipe Blood orange give this salad a reddish hue. The anise of the fennel combined with the salty black olives and sweet oranges makes for an unusual combination. CourseSides & Salads LifestyleGluten-Free, Potluck Friendly, Vegan, Vegetarian Food TypeFruit, Vegetables Servings Prep Time 4 people 15 minutes Passive Time 8 hours Servings Prep Time 4 people 15 minutes …

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Spicy Chickpea Soup | Hummus bi’l Kammun

Serves 2-4 Hummus bi’l Kammun is velvety smooth. The smoky blend of cumin, paprika, harissa, and garlic make this soup a wintertime treat. As a special bonus, this soup is vegan. NOTE: Much like chili, our soup benefits from a day of rest while the flavors deepen. When reheating, thin to desired consistency with a little water. Ingredients: 2 15 oz cans drained and rinsed chickpeas (or 3 cups prepared, dried chickpeas) 4 garlic cloves, crushed 1/4 cup olive oil 1 tsp ground cumin 2 tsp paprika 1 tsp harissa (or more to taste) 2 Tbsp tomato paste 1 quart cooking water salt pepper Method: 1.     In a large pot over medium heat, add garlic, olive oil, cumin, paprika, harissa, tomato paste, salt and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes. Add water and chickpeas (reserve ¼ cup chickpeas for garnish if using shallow bowls). Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. 2.     Use an immersion blender to make a coarse puree. Simmer gently, uncovered, for an hour. Stir occasionally. 3.     Puree again, this time getting the soup perfectly smooth (you may also use a …

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Harissa Chili Paste

Harissa (also Harisa) is chili paste used to flavor many north african dishes, specifically in Tunisia, Algeria, Libya, and western Sicily. The condiment can be made mild, medium, or hot. For those who don’t feel like making Harissa from scratch, middle eastern markets sell the paste in cans. Whole Foods sells Harissa in the spice aisle (you just add water and olive oil to make the dry mix into a paste). The main components of Harissa: 2 ounces dried Guajillo chili peppers, soaked for 30 minutes, seeded and stemmed 2 ounces dried Anaheim chili peppers, mild, soaked for 30 minutes, seeded and stemmed 5 Garlic cloves, peeled 2 Tbsp water 2 Tbsp Olive Oil, plus extra 1/2 tsp ground caraway 1/2 tsp ground coriander 1 1/2 tsp salt 1. Combine all ingredients in a food processor. Pulse until mixture creates a paste. 2. Cover with extra olive oil and store in the refrigerator. Adapted from A Mediterranean Feast, Clifford Wright Harissa Chili Paste Votes: 0 Rating: 0 You: Rate this recipe! Print Recipe Harissa (also Harisa) is a chili paste used …

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Turkish Delight | Llokume

Llokume was popularized in Eastern Europe and North Africa during the Ottoman empire. This recipe makes enough Turkish Delight to share. Bring the confection to a special friend or a party, and you will learn why Albanians are just one of many cultures that find this dessert delightful. (Makes approximately 50 pieces) Ingredients: For the candy: 4 cups granulated sugar 1 Tbsp real lemon juice 1 1/2 cup water, plus an additional 2 3/4 cups 1 cup cornstarch 1 tsp cream of tartar 1 Tbsp vegetable oil 1 tsp rose water 1 tsp orange extract yellow food coloring red food coloring For the coating: 2-3 lbs confectioners sugar 1- 1 1/2 cups cornstarch Method: SPECIAL NOTE: Be careful when cooking with boiling hot sugars. Only use glass or metal bowls/containers. No plastic. Day One: 1. In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan combine sugar, lemon juice, and 1 1/2 cups water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Reduce heat and simmer until the mixture reaches 240F, or soft ball, on a candy thermometer. Remove from heat. NOTE: …

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Albanian Vegetables | Turli Perimesh

Serves 4-6 Turli Perimesh is a light and refreshing accompaniment to meat. The influence of Italian cusine on Albania is apparent both in the use of squashes and fresh parsley. Ingredients: 2 medium onions 2 zucchini 1 yellow squash 1 white potato 1 can diced tomatoes (in the summer use 2 fresh tomatoes) 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley 1 cup water olive oil Method: 1. Dice all vegetables in 1 inch cubes. 2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high. Add onion and saute until translucent. 3. Add zucchini and squash, browning lightly. 4. Add potato, tomatoes, parsley, and water. 5. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until all vegetables are tender and water has absorbed. Serve immediately. Turli Perimesh (Albanian Vegetables) Votes: 1 Rating: 5 You: Rate this recipe! Print Recipe Turli Perimesh is a light and refreshing accompaniment to meat. The influence of Italian cuisine on Albania is apparent both in the use of squashes and fresh parsley. CourseSides & Salads LifestyleGluten-Free, Quick, Vegan, Vegetarian Food TypePotatoes, Vegetables Servings Prep Time 4-6 people 15 minutes Cook Time 20 minutes Servings …

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Albanian Cornbread

Serves 6-8 The cheese and green onion make this cornbread unique. Dense and flavorful, the cornbread makes a great accompaniment to stews. Ingredients: 1-1/2 cups cornmeal 16 ounces cottage cheese 4 eggs 1 cup chopped scallions, plus 1 Tbsp for garnish 1/2 cup butter (1 stick), melted 1/4 tsp paprika 1/2 tsp thyme 4 ounces feta cheese, chunked 1/4 tsp salt Method: 1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Grease an 8″ square casserole. 2. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients (cornmeal, cottage cheese, eggs, scallions, melted butter, paprika, thyme, feta, and salt. 3. Pour into prepared casserole and spread evenly. 4. Bake at 400F until lightly browned and an inserted toothpick comes out clean, about 35 minutes. 5. Garnish with remaining scallions. Serve warm. NOTE: This dish was excellent warm, but dries out quickly. On 3/27/12 I adjusted the recipe for more moisture. The first time we gave the little we had leftover to the birds. After the adjustments, even leftovers were moist and yummy. Adapted from Home Cooking Around the World, by David Ricketts and Mark Thomas Albanian Cornbread Votes: 1 Rating: …

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Leek Pie | Byrek ose Lakror

Serves 8 Byrek ose Lakror emerges from the oven with a beautiful, shining crust. Cut into the pie too soon, however, and your dreams will shatter. You must wait a full hour for the pie’s juices to redistribute. Ingredients: Leek Filling 2 large leeks, cleaned and very thinly sliced (use only the white/light green part. Thick slices and/or green parts won’t cook properly) 6 eggs 1/4 cup greek yogurt (or regular yogurt strained for 30 minutes) 1 lbs. cottage cheese, strained for 30 minutes 4 oz crumbled feta cheese 1/2 tsp minced fresh thyme, or dried thyme, ground salt, to taste (remember, feta cheese is very salty) 1/2 tsp pepper Pie Crust 1 package puff pastry 1 egg, beaten Method: 1. Preheat oven to 400F. 2. In a large bowl, whisk together all ingredients, except for leeks. When the mixture is smooth and blended, add diced leeks. Set aside. 3. Roll one sheet of puff pastry into a 15″ circle. Place pastry on the bottom of a 9″ pie dish. NOTE: You can also lay the puff pastry down in your pie dish …

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Spinach Yogurt Dip | Sabse Borani

Both tangy and sweet, Sabse Borani is no ordinary spinach dip. The caramelized onion is this recipe’s secret to success, elevating earthy spinach and yogurt to new heights. Wonderful with homemade noni Afghani (or any fresh flatbread). (Serves 4-6) Ingredients: 1 cup frozen, chopped spinach 1 medium onion, thinly sliced 2 cloves garlic, crushed 2 Tbsp vegetable oil 1 cup drained yogurt salt, to taste Method: 1. Drain yogurt over a small bowl for 1 hour. Use either a coffee filter in a large colander or a fine strainer by itself. 2. Heat oil in a medium skillet. Saute the onion until golden, stirring occasionally. This can take 15 minutes. Watch that your pan does not dry out and the onions burn. If you do think the pan is drying out, add a little water and/or cover. 3. Add garlic and heat until aromatic. 4. Add spinach and cook for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and cool. 5. In a small bowl, combine yogurt with spinach mixture. Add salt and pepper to taste. For maximum flavor, serve cool, but not cold. Spinach Yogurt Dip | …

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Cardamom & Rose Water Custard | Firnee

If you haven’t enjoyed rose water and cardamom before, you’re in luck! The bold flavors of this Afghan Firnee are a novel delight for the western palette. Rose water and cardamom give this creamy custard an ethereal quality, while the ground nuts add a mystifying texture. Enjoy with tea and dried apricots. (Serves 4) Ingredients: 2 1/4 cup whole milk 1 cup sugar 4 Tbsp cornstarch 1 tsp ground cardamom 1 capful rosewater 2-4 Tbsp pistachios, finely ground 12 whole pistachios for garnish Method: 1. Heat milk in a small, heavy bottomed saucepan over low heat. 2. In a small cup mix cornstarch with a few tablespoons milk. Stir to create a smooth, gravy like consistency. This is called a cornstarch slurry. 3. Add cornstarch slurry, sugar, cardamom, and rose water to saucepan. Stirring constantly, heat mixture until it thickens and a few bubbles break through the surface. 4. Remove from heat and ladle into serving dishes. This recipe will fill 4 small ramekins. 5. Cover with  plastic wrap, pressing lightly onto the pudding. This prevents a skin from forming on the custard. …

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Lemon Garlic Yogurt Sauce | Seer Moss

When allowed to sit for an hour (or best overnight), this Afghan yogurt sauce strikes the perfect balance between garlic, mint and lemon juice. Even those who generally avoid mint will be won over by this sauce, especially when served with boldly spiced rice and vegetables. Serve with braised eggplant and Kabeli Palau. (Makes 1 1/4 cups) Ingredients: 1 cup plain yogurt 3-4 cloves crushed garlic 2 Tbsp lemon juice 2 Tbsp minced fresh mint 2 Tbsp Olive Oil Method: In a small bowl, combine all ingredients. Let chill for at least an hour to let the flavors meld. If the mixture separates, simply stir together to recombine. Adapted from the Afghan blog, Foodie Man. Lemon Garlic Yogurt Sauce | Seer Moss Votes: 1 Rating: 5 You: Rate this recipe! Print Recipe When allowed to sit for an hour (or best overnight), this Afghan sauce strikes the perfect balance between garlic, mint and lemon juice. Even those who generally avoid mint will be won over by the fresh flavor, especially when served with boldly spiced rice and vegetables. CourseAppetizers & Snacks Lifestyle5-ingredients or less, Gluten-Free, Potluck …

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