Recipes | I've Been Cooking

Lountza

Lountza is a traditional Cypriot cured and oak-smoked pork loin, marinated in red wine, vinegar, garlic, coriander, black pepper, and bay leaves, then air-dried and served thinly sliced as meze or charcuterie.

🇨🇾 Cyprus$$

Mannavaht

Mannavaht is a fluffy Estonian whipped semolina mousse cooked in cranberry juice, gently sweetened and perfumed with vanilla and lemon zest. Served cool with a splash of milk and fresh berries for a light, tangy dessert.

🇪🇪 Estonia$

Lasary Voatabia

A bright, zesty Malagasy tomato salad (Lasary Voatabia) of tomatoes, onion, scallions, garlic, chili, cilantro, lime, and vinegar with a touch of oil—served as a relish, side, or topping.

🇲🇬 Madagascar$

Sahawiq

Sahawiq (zhug) is a bright, spicy Yemeni herb-and-chile condiment pulsed with cilantro, parsley, mint, garlic, warm spices, lemon, and a touch of olive oil. It’s zesty, fresh, and fiery—perfect as a dip, spread, or drizzle for grilled meats, eggs, breads, and roasted vegetables.

🇾🇪 Yemen$

Surinamese Sesame Coconut Squares

Chewy-crisp Surinamese sesame coconut squares infused with fresh ginger, vanilla, and a hint of lime zest. A fragrant, toasty confection that balances nutty sesame with tropical coconut and bright citrus. Perfect for gifting, tea time, or an after-dinner sweet.

🇸🇷 Suriname$

Imqaret bil-Ġinġer

Crisp, golden Maltese date pastries scented with ginger and warm spices. A zesty, aromatic filling of dates, citrus, anise, and fennel wrapped in a semolina-boosted dough, then fried until flaky and fragrant.

🇲🇹 Malta$$

Erdenet Aaruul

Erdenet Aaruul is a Mongolian-style dried yogurt curd snack, gently sweetened with honey and sugar, enriched with butter, and studded with raisins. Tangy, chewy, and lightly crisp once dried, it’s a portable, protein-rich treat.

🇲🇳 Mongolia$$

Camel Milk Ice Cream

A light, silky custard-style ice cream made with camel milk and vanilla for a clean, subtly sweet finish.

🇩🇯 Djibouti$$$

Kachumbari

A bright, zesty East African salad of tomatoes, red onion, chili, cilantro, and lime, elevated with crisp cucumber and creamy avocado. Fresh, crunchy, and perfect as a side or light bite.

🇲🇼 Malawi$$

Mkate wa Sinia Mahorais

Mkate wa Sinia Mahorais is a fragrant, cardamom-scented, yeast-leavened coconut rice cake from the Comoros/Mayotte and Swahili coast. Lightly sweet, tender, and enriched with ghee and sesame, it’s perfect with tea or as a festive dessert.

🇾🇹 Mayotte$$

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