Author: Chef Francois Aaraj
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Musakhan | Beautiful Palestinian Chicken Rolls
Musakhan is one of the most loved dishes in the Levant. It is famous for its rich flavor, tender chicken, sweet onions, and fragrant sumac. In fact, many families serve it on special gatherings. Moreover, its simple ingredients create an unforgettable taste. Therefore, if you love authentic Middle Eastern food, this delicious musakhan is truly…
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A Freekeh Tabbouleh Beautiful to Serve
Tabbouleh holds a special place on every Lebanese table. It brings freshness, color, and balance to any meal. Traditionally, it celebrates parsley, lemon, and simple ingredients. However, this version adds a creative twist with freekeh and seasonal flavors. As a result, the salad gains a deeper texture and taste. So, if you love classic tabbouleh,…
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The Best Creamy Hummus Recipe
At every Lebanese gathering, a creamy hummus proudly sits at the center of the table. Indeed, topped with paprika, mint, olive oil, and chickpeas, it invites everyone to share. More than a dip, however, hummus is deeply emotional for Lebanese people and is truly part of their identity. The Nutritional Value of Our Creamy Hummus…
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Beetroot Mutabbal Recipe: Creamy Lebanese Beet Dip
Beetroot mutabbal brings a colorful and modern twist to the Lebanese mezze table. Its creamy texture combines earthy beetroot, nutty tahini, fresh lemon juice, and garlic in every flavorful bite. A Colorful Twist on Lebanese Mutabbal Beetroot mutabbal brings a colorful and modern twist to the Lebanese mezze table. Its creamy texture combines earthy beetroot,…
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Lebanese Garlic Dip: Creamy Homemade Toum Recipe
This creamy Lebanese garlic dip combines a smooth texture with a bold garlic flavor. My easy toum recipe uses egg whites to create a light and stable emulsion every time. Lebanese Garlic Dip and the Family Gatherings I Remember Lebanese garlic dip was one of the first recipes I learned during the early stages of…
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Homemade Pesto with Cashews – Easy & Budget Friendly
When my eldest daughter Nour was about four years old, we decided to spend the afternoon making a large batch of homemade pesto sauce together. I planned to freeze it in small portions so we would always have fresh pesto ready for pasta, sandwiches, and other meals. She loved helping in the kitchen, especially when…
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Chickpea Fatteh – Creamy, Crispy & Authentic
For many years, Monday was my only day off. While most people looked forward to the weekend, my wife and I looked forward to Monday. It became our little tradition.After dropping our daughters off at school, we would go out for breakfast together. No rush, no kitchen orders, and no restaurant service. Just the two…
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Authentic Tiramisu Recipe Like an Italian Chef
One of the first restaurants where I worked was Il Giardino, an authentic Italian restaurant managed by two Italian chefs who took great pride in preserving traditional recipes. Every dish had to respect Italian culinary traditions, and shortcuts were never accepted. I have shared more memories from my time in that kitchen in my Chef’s…
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Tomato Bulgur Pilaf – Easy Mediterranean Vegan Recipe
Tomato bulgur pilaf is one of those dishes that instantly takes me back to my childhood. It reminds me of two incredible women who shaped the way I understand food: my late maternal grandmother and my mother. Both of them prepared this humble dish beautifully, but every spoonful still brings back memories of my grandmother’s…
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How I Make Creamy Mushroom Soup in a Bread Bowl
There is something unforgettable about a bowl of creamy mushroom soup served fresh inside a crusty bread loaf. Every spoonful combines a silky texture, rich mushroom flavor, and warm artisan bread. As a result, this comforting dish feels both elegant and satisfying. Whether you serve it for lunch, dinner, or a special gathering, it always…