Mains: Meat, Fish & Grill

Arayes is a popular Middle Eastern street food made with pita bread stuffed with seasoned minced meat, usually beef or lamb, mixed with onions, parsley, and spices. The bread is grilled or toasted until crispy and golden on the outside, while the filling remains juicy and flavorful inside. Arayes (Middle Eastern Stuffed Pita Bread) Servings: 4 Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 25–30 minutes Ingredients 500 g minced beef or lamb 100 g finely chopped onion 1 teaspoon b

Salona is Iraqi sweet and sour fish, a beautiful balance of bold spices, tangy lemon, and a touch of sweetness Salona – Iraqi Sweet & Sour Fish Ingredients: Fish • 1.5 kg white fish (firm types like cod, seabass, or tilapia), cut into portions • 100 g flour • 1 tsp salt • ½ tsp black pepper • 1 tsp turmeric • 6 tbsp olive oil (divided) Vegetable Base • 300 g onions, sliced • 3 cloves garlic, minced • 1 pepper (bell pepper or mild chili), sliced • 2 tomatoes, sliced Sauce • Ju

Tepsi Badenjan is a traditional Iraqi casserole dish that translates to "eggplant tray". It is a beloved comfort food, often described as a layered dish consisting of fried or roasted eggplant, meat patties, tomatoes, all baked together in a tomato-based sauce. It is a cornerstone of Iraqi home cooking, representing a rich culinary heritage often served at family gatherings. 🍆 Tepsi Badenjan (eggplant tray) Ingredients For the eggplant & meat • 4 large aubergines (eggplants)

Semek Bel Feren (Baked Seabass with Amba and Tomato) Ingredients: • 1 whole seabass (about 1 kg), cleaned and scaled • 100 g diced onion • 2 tsp curry powder • 1 tsp salt (or to taste) • 100 g butter, divided • 2 tomatoes, sliced • 2 tbsp Amba sauce (Iraqi mango pickle sauce) Instructions: Preheat the grill to medium-high (setting 3). In a small bowl, mix the diced onions with curry powder and salt until well combined. Place the seabass on an oven-safe platter or bakin

Slow-Braised Brisket Ingredients • 1.5 kg pickled brisket • 3 bay leaves • 3 tbsp oil • 1 tsp black pepper • 3 carrots, cut into chunks • 1 kg potatoes • 2 onions, left whole (peeled) • 6 garlic cloves, crushed • 500 ml boiling water Instructions: Rinse the brine off the meat and pat dry with kitchen paper. Heat the oil in a large ovenproof pot or Dutch oven. Brown the brisket well on all sides. Add the bay leaves, garlic, pepper, carrots, and whole onions to the pot. Pour in

Brisket with Silan & Pomegranate Molasses Ingredients • 1.5 kg pickled brisket • 3 tbsp oil • 2 onions, sliced • 3 garlic cloves, crushed • 3 carrots, cut into chunks • 3 bay leaves • 4 tbsp silan (date syrup) • 6 tbsp pomegranate molasses • 500 ml boiling water (plus extra if needed) • 1 tsp black pepper • 800 g potatoes, peeled and halved Instructions: Rinse the brine off the meat and pat dry with kitchen paper. Heat the oil in a large ovenproof pot or Dutch oven. Brown the

Minced Meat Kebab is a grilled dish made from ground beef or lamb mixed with spices, herbs, onion. The mixture is shaped around skewers and cooked over charcoal for a smoky flavor and juicy texture. Often served with flatbread, rice, and dips, it’s a classic BBQ favorite across the Middle East and beyond. Grilled Kebab Skewers Ingredients: • 1.5 kg minced meat (preferably lamb or beef, or a mix of both) • 2 large onions, finely chopped and squeezed to remove excess moisture •

Joojeh Kabab is a classic Persian grilled chicken dish, typically made with pieces of chicken marinated in saffron, lemon juice, and spices. The marinade gives the chicken a tender texture and vibrant flavor. It’s traditionally grilled over open flames and served with saffron rice or flatbread, often accompanied by grilled tomatoes and onions. Joojeh Kabab (Persian Saffron Chicken Kebab) Ingredients: • 2 kg chicken breast or thigh, cut into bite-sized cubes • 3 large onions,

Chicken Shawarma is a Middle Eastern street food favorite made with thinly sliced chicken. Seasoned with warm spices like cumin, paprika, and garlic, the chicken is juicy and flavorful. It’s typically served in pita or flatbread with toppings like garlic sauce, pickles, and fresh veggies. Chicken Shawarma Ingredients: • 2 kg chicken strips • 6–8 tablespoons shawarma spice mix • 2–3 tablespoons coconut oil (or any neutral oil) Instructions: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large

Engeriyi is a hearty Iraqi casserole of tender beef and fried aubergines, layered with rich tomato sauce and baked until perfectly soft and flavorful. Engeriyi (Beef and Aubergine Casserole) Ingredients: • 800 g beef chunks • 1 onion, chopped • 4 tbsp tomato paste • 3 tomatoes, sliced • 4 aubergines (eggplants) • 1 tsp salt • 1 tsp black pepper • Juice of 1 lemon • 2 tbsp oil (for cooking) • Oil for frying • 1 liter boiling water Instructions: Peel the aubergines, slice them

Masqouf is a famous grilled fish dish, often considered the national dish of Iraq. The dish is usually made with sturgeon, though other types of fish can be used. The fish is split open and marinated with a blend of spices, herbs, olive oil, and sometimes vinegar. The preparation of Masqouf is often an outdoor social event, where large fish are grilled over an open flame. It’s a beloved dish in Iraqi cuisine, and its distinctive flavors have made it famous beyond the country.

Oven kabab is a delicious and easy-to-make variation of traditional kebabs, typically made with minced meat, mixed with herbs, spices and onions. The mixture is shaped onto skewers and then baked in the oven, making it a convenient option for those who prefer not to grill. The result is a tender, juicy kabab with a slightly crispy exterior. Often served with rice,flatbread,or vegetables.Oven kabab is a beloved dish in many Middle Eastern households, providing a comforting and

Macaroni ~ Persian Style Spaghetti • 600g minced beef • 3 ½ teaspoons salt (divided) • 1 teaspoon pepper • 1 teaspoon turmeric • 1 teaspoon cinnamon • A few strands of saffron • 1 small onion, chopped • 3 cloves garlic, minced • 4 tablespoons tomato paste • 700g jar of passata (tomato puree) • 600g spaghetti • 5 tablespoons oil (divided) Instructions: 1. In a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and golden. 2. Add t

Pacha: A Hearty Middle Eastern Delight If you’re looking to dive deep into the culinary traditions of the Middle East, Pacha is a dish that will transport you to the heart of ancient flavors and communal dining. A beloved comfort food across countries like Iraq, Iran, and Turkey, Pacha is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. This dish, often served on special occasions or during festive gatherings, showcases the beauty of slow-cooked meats and the rich, aromatic spices t