Recipes | I've Been Cooking

Mukeke

A Burundian/East African preparation of mukeke (Lake Tanganyika fish) seasoned with lemon, garlic, onion, tomato, and chili, then wrapped in banana leaf and steamed or grilled. Traditionally served with cassava, plantain, or rice.

🇧🇮 Burundi$$

Amiwo et Poulet en Sauce

A traditional Beninese dish: savory tomato-infused maize dough (amiwo) served with tender chicken simmered in a rich tomato–palm oil sauce.

🇧🇯 Benin$$

Oka Ika

Oka Ika is a classic Samoan raw fish salad featuring sashimi-grade tuna gently “cooked” in citrus, enriched with coconut cream, and folded with crisp vegetables. It’s refreshing, creamy, and bright, often served over lettuce with tender boiled taro on the side.

🇹🇰 Tokelau$$$

Phall

Phall is an ultra-spicy British-Indian curry featuring tender chicken thighs simmered with tomatoes and an incendiary mix of red and green chilies, including habanero. Finished with fenugreek, garam masala, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lemon for brightness.

🇬🇧 United Kingdom$$

Granita Siciliana

A classic Sicilian lemon granita made from water, sugar, fresh lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and mint. Bright, icy, and ultra-refreshing—perfect for hot days or a light palate-cleansing dessert.

🇮🇹 Italy$

Frango Piri-Piri

Portuguese-style grilled Frango Piri-Piri: juicy chicken marinated with piri-piri chiles, garlic, lemon, olive oil, smoked paprika, oregano, and a splash of red wine vinegar for bright heat and smoky depth.

🇵🇹 Portugal$$

Nkatie Cake

Nkatie Cake is a classic Ghanaian peanut brittle-style candy: crunchy, nutty, and lightly spiced with ginger, with a hint of lemon to brighten the caramel.

🇬🇭 Ghana$

Mtori

Mtori is a comforting Tanzanian plantain-and-beef soup, simmered until silky and gently spiced with ginger, garlic, black pepper, and cardamom.

🇹🇿 Tanzania$$

Hamour Machboos

Hamour Machboos is a fragrant Gulf-style spiced rice with tender hamour (grouper), aromatics, and dried limes for signature depth. Ghee, saffron, and warm spices create a celebratory, comfort-food feel.

🇶🇦 Qatar$$$

Pixxispad bil-Kappar

Pixxispad bil-Kappar is a Maltese classic: seared swordfish gently simmered in a bright tomato, caper, white wine, and lemon sauce with garlic, onion, bay leaf, and parsley. Briny and citrusy with a hint of heat, it’s a simple, elegant seafood main.

🇲🇹 Malta$$$

I've been...

Mukeke

Amiwo et Poulet en Sauce

Oka Ika

Phall

Granita Siciliana

Frango Piri-Piri

Nkatie Cake

Mtori

Hamour Machboos

Pixxispad bil-Kappar

I've been...

Mukeke

Amiwo et Poulet en Sauce

Oka Ika

Phall

Granita Siciliana

Frango Piri-Piri

Nkatie Cake

Mtori

Hamour Machboos

Pixxispad bil-Kappar