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baba ghannoush with poached pistachio puree

by Jackie Newgent | November 28, 2016 | 0 Comments

It’s the most wonderful time of the year … if you’re a Christmas “geek” like I am! I love to entertain during the holiday season! There’s almost always going to be a dip available when I host a gathering. Every year I whip up one that’s new. So, here’s this year’s creation—an inspired take on baba ghannoush (Middle Eastern eggplant dip). Poached pistachio puree is what makes this recipe special. I use it here in place of tahini for a unique taste twist and velvety texture. And beyond just a dip, baba ghannoush makes a delightful bruschetta topping … including this version. Serve it as a festive (and Meatless Monday-friendly!) pick that all of your family and friends—vegetarian or otherwise—can...

lebanese salad with lemony tahini dressing and za’atar pita chips

by Jackie Newgent | August 8, 2016 | 8 Comments

I actually thought Lebanese food was American food as a kid. I guess that’s what happens when you grow up with a Lebanese mother (who was also a caterer)! When I’m wanting a little taste of comfort, I don’t think first about things like mac ‘n’ cheese; I crave Middle Eastern cuisine. So here’s a salad I created that’s inspired by fattoush, a simple salad that ideally takes advantage of leftover pita bread. But I’ve given it a tasty twist with freshly-baked za’atar pita chips, a tahini-spiked dressing, and plenty of chickpeas. It’s a refreshing luncheon entrée salad (perfect for Meatless Monday!) that’s surprisingly comforting. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

grilled eggplant gyros with fresh tzatziki

by Jackie Newgent | May 5, 2016 | 10 Comments

No mystery meat here! Instead, you’ve got 100% real eggplant with charry grilled goodness as the star of this super flavorful, super saucy gyro for vegetarians—or part-time plant-based eaters!

red beet baba ghanoush

by Jackie Newgent | August 3, 2015 | 5 Comments

Beet hummus is a thing. But beets can be showcased well beyond hummus. So I picked up a couple beets from my farmers’ market and transformed them into a different Middle Eastern dip … baba ghanoush. I roasted the beets to bring out their full flavor. A hint of smokiness is provided with a pinch of smoked paprika. And you’ll definitely detect the refreshing citrusy notes by way of both fresh lemon juice and zest. Though I usually prefer traditional eggplant baba ghanoush rather homestyle and lumpy, this red beet version with its stunningly gorgeous fuchsia color looks more beautiful when pureed until velvety. (Hint: The vivid color is from phytonutrients naturally found in beets, called betalains, which have anti-inflammatory...

seasonal tomato shakshuka

by Jackie Newgent | July 12, 2015 | 0 Comments

I love this word: “shakshuka”! That’s almost enough to sell me on the dish. But it’s truly the taste that keeps me intrigued. And if you haven’t had it before, you’re in for a real palate pleaser. Shakshuka is a Middle-Eastern-style spiced-up dish of eggs poached in a saucy mixture of tomatoes, peppers, and onions. It’s often made with canned tomatoes; but I enjoy hitting the farmers’ market and picking up juicy ripe local tomatoes to make it a seasonal delight. Here I’ve kept the spices light to make everyone’s tastebuds happy. But you can always add extra spice if you’re into more intensity or prefer one spice, like paprika or cinnamon, to stand out! This shakshuka is a lovely...

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