cardamom – Notes From a Messy Kitchen

Firnee is a sweet, cardamom-infused Afghan pudding that is usually reserved for holidays and special events, although it’s really not too hard to make. Cardamom is a staple, but from there each hostess puts his or her own personal stamp on the dish – rose water, nuts, fruits, etc. –...

Johanna

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Afghanistan: Qabuli Palow (Kabuli Pulao)

Asia

Afghanistan

Qabuli palow (also kabuli pulao) is *the* dish in Afghanistan. It’s served at weddings, parties and pretty much all celebrations, and is considered the country’s national dish. Rice is an indication of wealth, and rice dishes are very important culturally. In fact, reputations can be made or lost on rice,...

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Iraq: Kibbeh

Cooking Time: 90

Asia

Iraq

Iraqi cuisine has a very rich history. In fact, stone tablets found in ancient ruins in Iraq show recipes prepared in the temples during religious festivals date back to 1900 BC – the first cookbooks in the world. Mesopotamia was a highly advanced society, including in the culinary arts. Kibbeh...

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Kuwait: Machboos Laham

Cooking Time: 2 hours

Asia

Kuwait

I’ve often been asked how I decide which country I’m going to cook from next. It’s usually fairly arbitrary. An ingredient I’m looking to use, a craving, a whim. This week I wanted to get back on the journey. I was researching recipes and discovered that February 25th is the...

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Somalia: Halwa & Sisin with Spiced Black Tea

Africa

Somalia

Let me tell you right now: candy making is not in my future. In fact, two hours in I had a total textural fail on candy #1 and two pots with sugar hardened and burnt to them and no pots to spare for a third attempt at candy #2. I...

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United Kingdom: Beltane Cake

Europe

United Kingdom

Knowing I wanted to make a cake for my brother’s May 1st birthday, I decided to do a little bit of research into the origin of May Day. It turns out, May Day originated in the Celtic festival of Beltane, a celebration of fertility and renewal historically recognized across Scotland, Britain, and...

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Yemen: Hilbeh & Malawah

Asia

Yemen

Welcome to Yemen, where I’m giving you two recipes for the price of one! This is only appropriate, as generous offering of food to guests is one of the customs in Yemeni culture. Just be advised that a guest not accepting the offering is considered an insult. Refusing my offer...

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Democratic Republic of Congo: Ndizi Wa Nazi

Cooking Time: 20

Democratic Republic of Congo

I’m a little anxious about what the title of this post might draw to my blog, but in Swahili “zdizi wa nazi” means quite literally “banana with coconut.” Popular in African and Caribbean cooking, plantains are a member of the banana family, and can either refer more colloquially to any banana that...

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Ingredient: cardamom

Afghan Firnee

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Afghanistan: Qabuli Palow (Kabuli Pulao)

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Iraq: Kibbeh

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Kuwait: Machboos Laham

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Somalia: Halwa & Sisin with Spiced Black Tea

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United Kingdom: Beltane Cake

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Yemen: Hilbeh & Malawah

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Democratic Republic of Congo: Ndizi Wa Nazi

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