Recipes | I've Been Cooking

Kibbeh bil Saniyeh

Kibbeh bil Saniyeh is a classic Lebanese baked tray of finely ground lamb and bulgur layered or mixed into a cohesive cake, perfumed with cinnamon, allspice, and dried mint. Toasted pine nuts add richness and crunch, while olive oil and ghee create a crisp, bronzed top with a tender interior.

🇸🇾 Syria$$$

Tapalapa

Tapalapa is a traditional West African mixed-grain bread from The Gambia and Senegal, known for its hearty, slightly nutty flavor and crusty exterior. Made with millet, sorghum, rice, corn, and wheat flours, it’s perfect for breakfast sandwiches or dipping into stews.

🇬🇲 Gambia$

Brussels Wasabi Frites

Crispy russet potato and brussels sprout frites tossed with salt and pepper, finished with a punchy wasabi mayo, soy-vinegar brightness, scallions, sesame, and nori for a Japanese-inspired, umami-rich bite.

🇧🇪 Belgium$$

Or Lam

Or Lam is a fragrant Lao beef stew with lemongrass, galangal, eggplant, and mushrooms, thickened with toasted sticky rice powder and finished with dill and holy basil. Traditionally served with sticky rice.

🇱🇦 Laos$$

Kashkaval

Kashkaval is a semi-hard Balkan cheese known for its buttery, mildly tangy flavor and excellent meltability. Made by culturing milk and setting it with rennet, then brining and aging, it’s delicious on cheeseboards, grated over dishes, or pan-fried/grilled.

🇲🇰 Macedonia$$

Yuca hervida

Cuban-style yuca hervida with garlicky citrus mojo: tender boiled cassava finished with olive oil, lime, garlic, onion, and herbs.

🇨🇷 Costa Rica$

Salade de chouchoute

A bright, crunchy Réunion-style chayote (chouchoute) salad with carrot, onion, herbs, a zesty lime-vinegar–mustard dressing, a hint of chili heat, and nutty sesame seeds.

🇵🇫 French Polynesia$

Molokhia

A classic Egyptian/Levantine molokhia: tender jute mallow simmered in savory stock and finished with a sizzling garlic–coriander tasha, served alongside vermicelli rice, lemon wedges, and warm pita.

🇪🇬 Egypt$$

Empada Santomense

Empada Santomense is a savory São Toméan hand pie filled with spiced chicken, olives, and aromatic vegetables, wrapped in a buttery pastry enriched with palm oil accents. It’s hearty, fragrant, and perfect for a comforting meal or celebratory spread.

🇸🇹 Sao Tome and Principe$$

Qurut

Qurut is a tangy, savory yogurt-based sauce/drink inspired by Central Asian dried yogurt (qurut), thinned with water and scented with garlic and mint. Refreshing on its own, or served as a dip or drizzle for breads, vegetables, and grilled meats.

🇦🇫 Afghanistan$

I've been...