Beef

Beef Kebab Sandwich with Tahini and Herb Salad How can I make the beef kebab sandwich spicier? Start by adding finely chopped hot peppers like jalapeños, serranos, or bird’s eye chilies directly into the kebab mixture. You can also increase the amount of black pepper or mix in cayenne or Aleppo pepper. For a spicy tahini-amba sauce, stir in harissa or schug. If you prefer heat in the salad, add more green chili slices or sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes. Can I prepare the kebabs in advance and reheat them later? After grilling, let them cool completely, then wrap … Read more

Whole Stuffed Cabbage with Spiced Beef and Rice How can I make whole stuffed cabbage vegetarian or vegan? Replace the ground beef with cooked lentils, finely chopped mushrooms, or plant-based ground meat. Add extra pine nuts, herbs, or sautéed vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or carrots for texture and flavor. You can also increase the amount of rice slightly to help the filling bind. For the tomato sauce, simply use the same recipe, omitting any meat-based broth if you would normally add it. A vegan date syrup glaze still works perfectly for the finishing touch. Can I prepare this whole stuffed … Read more

Stuffed Mini Bell Peppers in Spiced Tomato Sauce How can I make these stuffed mini bell peppers vegetarian? Simply replace the ground beef with a plant-based protein such as cooked lentils, canned chickpeas, or finely chopped mushrooms sautéed with onion for added umami. You can also use textured vegetable protein (TVP), tofu, or vegan ground “meat” crumbles. Keep the rice, herbs, tomato, and spices the same. The date syrup-tomato sauce works just as well with vegetarian fillings and brings balance and richness to the dish. Can I make these stuffed mini bell peppers in advance? You can stuff the peppers … Read more

Beet Kubbeh Soup How can I freeze kubbeh soup for later? It’s best to freeze the uncooked kubbeh separately from the broth. After shaping the kubbeh, arrange them on a tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. The broth can be stored separately in a container. When ready to serve, reheat the broth, add the frozen kubbeh directly into the simmering soup, and cook for about 40 minutes. This method preserves the texture and prevents the dumplings from becoming soggy or breaking apart in storage. Can I use lamb instead of beef? You … Read more

Eggplant Kebab Rolls Can I bake the kebab rolls instead of grilling them? Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and place the assembled rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a lightly greased roasting pan. Drizzle or brush them with olive oil to help them brown. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, turning them once halfway through to ensure even cooking and color. While oven baking won’t give the same smoky flavor as grilling, the kebab rolls will still be juicy and flavorful with a slightly roasted aroma. Can I make the eggplant kebab rolls ahead of time? You … Read more

Slow-Roasted Beef Sandwich with Quick Pickles How long can I marinate the beef before it becomes too salty or mushy? For this beef sandwich, the beef can be marinated for up to 24 hours without compromising texture. The balance of mayonnaise, mustard, and olive oil prevents the salt from drawing out too much moisture or breaking down the meat excessively. If you’re sensitive to salt or using a smaller cut, limit marination to 8–12 hours. Avoid going beyond 24 hours, as the acidity and salt may start to cure the meat rather than tenderize it, which can lead to a … Read more