Recipes | I've Been Cooking

Muscat Swirl Halwa

A fragrant, glossy Omani-style Muscat Swirl Halwa perfumed with saffron, cardamom, and rose water. Slowly cooked with sugar, ghee, and cornstarch, then studded with toasted cashews, almonds, and pistachios for a luxurious, chewy bite.

🇴🇲 Oman$$$

Jesheed

Jesheed is a traditional Gulf (Omani/Emirati) dish of delicately shredded baby shark (or white fish) simmered with warm spices, dried black lime, and aromatics, then served alongside fragrant basmati rice. Rich, aromatic, and comforting with a bright citrusy finish.

🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates$$

Pastramă de oaie afumată cu turbă

Traditional Romanian-style mutton pastrami cured with garlic, spices, and red wine, then slow-smoked over hardwood and peat for a deep, earthy aroma and robust flavor. Intensely savory with juniper, coriander, and paprika notes.

🇲🇩 Moldova$$$

Ciorbă rădăuțeană

Ciorbă rădăuțeană is a classic Romanian sour chicken soup—silky from sour cream and egg yolk, brightened with vinegar and garlic, and herbaceous with lovage and dill.

🇷🇴 Romania$$

Salată de vinete

A classic Romanian eggplant spread made from roasted eggplants blended with onion, sunflower oil, a touch of mayonnaise and lemon, served with tomatoes, roasted red pepper, and parsley on bread. Creamy, smoky, and fresh.

🇷🇴 Romania$

Sarmale Royale

Sarmale Royale is a luxurious take on traditional Romanian stuffed cabbage rolls, featuring a blend of beef and pork, accented with aromatic herbs and hints of truffle for a truly opulent dish.

🇷🇴 Romania$$

Mandu Omani

Mandu Omani is a delightful Middle Eastern dish featuring flavorful beef dumplings seasoned with spices and herbs, served with a refreshing mint yogurt sauce.

🇴🇲 Oman$$

Piftie

Piftie is a traditional Romanian dish, made from simmered pork knuckles and trotters set in a savory garlic and herb jelly. It's a rustic and hearty dish often enjoyed as an appetizer in colder months.

🇷🇴 Romania$

Mămăligă Ferbinte

Mămăligă Ferbinte is a traditional Romanian dish made with simple ingredients like cornmeal, water, salt, butter, and cheese, often used as a comfort meal or a warm side.

🇲🇩 Moldova$

Sarmale Bucovina

Sarmale Bucovina is a traditional Romanian dish featuring deliciously seasoned pork and beef mixed with rice and spices, all wrapped in soft cabbage leaves and slowly cooked to perfection. This hearty dish is especially popular during the winter months and festive seasons.

🇷🇴 Romania$$

I've been...

Muscat Swirl Halwa

Jesheed

Pastramă de oaie afumată cu turbă

Ciorbă rădăuțeană

Salată de vinete

Sarmale Royale

Mandu Omani

Piftie

Mămăligă Ferbinte

Sarmale Bucovina