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$$$

Gers Ogaily

Gers Ogaily is a fragrant Kuwaiti saffron and cardamom cake enriched with ghee and evaporated milk, lightly perfumed with rose water and topped with sesame seeds. Soft, moist, and perfect with tea or coffee.

🇰🇼 Kuwait$$

Muzqaymoq

Muzqaymoq is a rich, custard-style Uzbek ice cream scented with saffron, rosewater, and cardamom, finished with crunchy pistachios. Silky, floral, and gently spiced, it’s an elegant dessert for special occasions.

🇺🇿 Uzbekistan$$$

Halwo

Somali Halwo (halwa) is a glossy, chewy saffron- and cardamom-scented confection made by slowly cooking sugar syrup with cornstarch and ghee, then finishing with rose water and nuts. A festive dessert with a melt-in-the-mouth texture and warm spice aroma.

🇩🇯 Djibouti$$

Pamir Apricots in Saffron Syrup

Fragrant dried Pamir apricots gently poached in a saffron–cardamom syrup, brightened with lemon and rose water, and finished with a sprinkle of pistachios. A lush, floral dessert that’s elegant yet simple.

🇹🇯 Tajikistan$$

Mok'hari

Mok'hari is a fragrant and flavorful Middle Eastern dish that combines succulent pieces of lamb with aromatic spices, creamy yogurt, and saffron-infused rice, creating a rich and satisfying meal.

🇱🇸 Lesotho$$

Golden Altamira

Golden Altamira is a vibrant Mediterranean dish featuring fresh cod infused with saffron and brightened by yellow peppers and lemons. This dish offers a delightful balance of flavors, making it perfect for an elegant evening meal.

🇮🇱 Israel$$

Hawaij Spiced Pilaf

Hawaij Spiced Pilaf is a fragrant and flavorful rice dish that combines the aromatic Yemeni spice mix, Hawaij, with basmati rice, vegetables, and a selection of garnishes for a delightful and nutritious meal.

🇾🇪 Yemen$$

Lussekake

Lussekake, also known as saffron buns, are traditional Swedish sweet rolls flavored with saffron and packed with raisins. Perfect for a festive morning treat, these buns are soft, fragrant, and beautifully golden.

🇳🇴 Norway$$

Saffron Mahalabiya

Saffron Mahalabiya is a traditional Middle Eastern dessert that combines creamy milk pudding with aromatic saffron and a hint of rose water, topped with crunchy pistachios for garnish.

🇧🇭 Bahrain$$

I've been...