Makes 1 1/2 cups Ingredients 1 cup feta cheese 1/4 cup minced dill 1/4 cup lemon juice, fresh 1 teaspoon kosher salt 3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil Directions Combine the feta, dill, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and olive oil in a bowl. Store in the […]
Green Lentils with Chard and Lemon
Makes 6 to 8 servings Ingredients 1 lb dried green lentils (lentilles du Puy) 3 tablespoons finely chopped garlic 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil 3/4 cup chopped cilantro Kosher salt, to taste 10 large Swiss chard leaves, stemmed and cut into chiffonade (see Chef’s Note) 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon […]
Grilled Artichokes with Romesco Sauce
Makes 5 portions If you’ve never grilled an artichoke, prepare to be hooked. Their unmistakable flavor and creamy flesh is made all the more crave-worthy when slightly charred. It is the ideal accompaniment to savory romesco sauce, but you’ll enjoy it drizzled with tahini, garlic aioli, or even just a […]
Grilled East Mediterranean Cheese with Tomatoes
Makes 4 servings Inspired by the classical cheese saganaki from Greece, this recipe features grilled haloumi cheese. For the traditional saganaki, which literally translates into “little skillet,” the cheese is commonly sautéed or pan seared. Haloumi cheese, a firm, relatively salty cheese originally from Cyprus, is popular in many Middle […]
Grilled Haloumi Cheese with Tomatoes
Haloumi is a semi-firm cheese, typically made from a mix of cow’s and goat’s milks. The cheese has a high melting point, which means it can withstand lots of heat before it begins to break down and melt. That means haloumi can be cooked directly on a grill or in […]
Grilled Pizza
Makes 8 Servings Ingredients 2 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast 2 cups warm water 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup semolina flour, plus extra for dusting 1 tablespoon salt 1/4 cup olive oil 1 1/2 cups tomato sauce 2 cups grated mozzarella 1/4 cup sautéed diced onions 2 tablespoons […]
Grilled Vegetables with Mediterranean Sauces
4 Servings Grilled Vegetables Chef’s Note: You can use any of the sauces below to dress your grilled vegetables. Charmoula Chef’s Tip: Preserved lemon is an iconic ingredient of the region and has a very different flavor profile than lemon peel or lemon juice due to the salting and curing […]
Herb-Marinated Yogurt Cheese (Labneh)
This delicious cheese can be used as a spread for crackers or bruschetta. Experiment with different herbs, spices, and aromatics for your marinade, once you get the hang of it. Use the leftover marinade for a dressing or to toss with vegetables before roasting. Ingredients 2 pounds plain yogurt (whole, […]
Homemade Pasta for Two on Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is less about being in love and more about sharing love, whether that’s with a partner, a family member, or your very best friends. We may be biased, but here at The CIA, we don’t think there’s a much better way to show someone you care than to […]
Hummus bi Tahini
Makes 1 quart This is a basic hummus recipe that is perfect as is, but is also endlessly customizable. Just like the ones you see in the store, you can top this hummus with anything from olive tapenade to roasted red peppers. Sprinkle the hummus with spice blends, like za’atar, […]
Ingredient Spotlight: Dates
When you are food-minded, thinking about dates makes your heart flutter for a very different reason. Luckily, the dates we have in mind are a bit less awkward and nerve-wracking than the romantic kind. Dates, which are the fruit of the date palm, are one of nature’s sweetest creations. You […]
Lamb and Pumpkin Couscous
Makes 4 to 6 servings This is a lamb and pumpkin stew served on a bed of couscous. If you want to change it up a little bit, make the dish with Israeli couscous in the style of risotto. It will be creamy and delicious, if not exactly traditional. Ingredients […]