Author: Chef Francois Aaraj
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The Elegant Freekeh Colorful Salad That Will Stun Everyone
Some dishes make an impression before anyone takes the first bite. Their colors catch your attention, their presentation invites curiosity, and suddenly everyone around the table wants to know what you have prepared. My Freekeh Colorful Salad with Fruits is one of those dishes. Imagine a beautifully arranged salad featuring smoky freekeh, juicy mango, crisp…
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Hazelnut Chocolate Spread: A Comfort for the Hardest Days
There is something especially comforting about opening a jar of homemade hazelnut chocolate spread on a cold, rainy day. The kitchen feels warmer, the toast is still soft from the heat, and a few banana slices turn a simple snack into something everyone wants to linger over. Add a favorite Christmas movie, and suddenly an…
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Eggplant Mtabbal: Authentic Lebanese Flavor Made Easy
Eggplant mtabbal is one of those dishes that makes me reach for a piece of warm bread before the rest of the table is ready. The smoky eggplant, nutty tahini, and gentle garlic come together in a dip that feels rich without needing a long list of ingredients. For me, it belongs to the generous,…
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Eggplant Raheb: The Simple Lebanese Salad I Come Home To
Eggplant Raheb is one of my wife’s favorite dishes. Whenever I prepare it, she likes an extra sprinkle of sumac on top. That little touch adds the sharp, tangy flavor she loves. For me, however, this Lebanese salad brings back another table: my grandmother’s. Her table was modest. There might be a vegetable dish, a…
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Dynamite Sauce: Adds a Little Personality to Every Plate
Put a plate of golden chicken bites on the table, and someone will usually ask, “Where is the dynamite sauce?” I understand that question very well. The chicken may be beautifully cooked. Its crust may be crisp, and its seasoning may be just right. Yet a small bowl beside it promises another experience: a creamy…
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Dynamite Shrimps: My Secrets to a Crispy Coating Finish
Some dishes catch your attention before you take the first bite. For me, dynamite shrimps is one of them. The golden coating, the glossy sauce, and the promise of a little heat make the plate feel inviting. However, what keeps me interested is the contrast underneath that beautiful presentation. I want a crisp coating followed…
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The Joy of Seeing Someone Cook Successfully for the First Time
One of my greatest joys as a chef comes from a simple message: someone tried my recipe, and it worked. A successful cook is in the making! Behind that message, I see a person who made the time to cook. They gathered the ingredients, followed the steps, and trusted me to guide them. Now, they…
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Sweet and Sour Dip: The Sauce that Makes Every Bite Better
There are some sauces that simply sit beside a meal, and there are others that completely change it. Sweet and sour dip belongs to the second group. Its bright color catches the eye, its glossy texture makes food look instantly more appetizing, and its flavor creates the kind of contrast that keeps you reaching for…
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Honey Mustard Sauce: The Secret to the Right Flavor
Some sauces earn a permanent place in the kitchen because they work with almost anything. Honey mustard is one of them. I can serve it beside a plate of fries, spread it in a sandwich, or add a spoonful to a salad, and each time it brings something different to the meal. The appeal comes…
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Why Every Young Cook Should Learn the Basics
Cooking videos can make even the most complicated dishes look surprisingly easy. A few quick cuts show a young cook chopping vegetables, adding ingredients to a pan and serving a perfect meal within seconds. However, what these videos do not always show is the experience behind every simple movement. Before attempting elaborate recipes, every young…