It’s sour tea, distinctively sour, but in a good way. A unique aromatic and pungent flavour that only a dried lime can produce. Known in Iraq as Noomi or Noomi Basra, dried limes are also used whole or ground in Iran and the gulf region for many savoury dishes. In Iraq it is also used as a warming tea or turned into a summary cordial (will post once weather is warmer), culturally believed to cure indigestion and sooth the stomach. Continue reading
Green smoothies have become very fashionable these days. Try searching it and you’ll probably get a million hits, each one claiming to be the best. Would I claim this radish laban to be the best green smoothie ever? No, because I know every single one of us have their own preferences when it comes to food. Whether sweet or savoury smoothie, if there is such thing as a savoury smoothie!!, it all depends on one’s desire on that day. Continue reading
Arabs call it ‘Laban’, Indians call it ‘Lassi’, Persians call it ‘Doogh’, and Turks call it ‘Ayran’; either way, its a cool refreshing yoghurt drink to replenish all the water and salt the body needs in the usually hot weather in such countries. Although the cold weather in the UK seems to be lingering for far too long at the moment. Continue reading
Since pomegranates are in season at the moment and readily available in the UK markets, I cannot help but buy a bunch of them.They are usually imported from Europe, Middle East and the Indian subcontinent from September until February. Their pretty ruby seeds are like jewels that brighten up salads adding a delicious sweet/sour crunch, and are equally more-ish eaten by themselves as a snack. I was lucky enough to experience eating them falling straight of the tree when I was child in Iran. No words can describe the magical taste I experienced, however there can be some reasonably priced ones found in Asian shops, that come pretty close.
When choosing pomegranates for taste, don’t pick the pretty smooth ones with a shiny pink skin, as they tend to be under-ripe with a possibility of white seeds inside. If you’re after a deep red and sweet dark juice, a slightly matt, dry skin that has almost changed into a square shape is what you’re after. Continue reading
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