With a mortar and pestle or the back of a spoon, crush the fenugreek seeds to a fine powder. Pour in 1 cup of boiling water and steep for 2 or 3 hours. then drain the fenugreek in a fine sieve. Puree the tomatoes through a sieve set over a bowl and stir the fenugreek [...]

Cut away the thick stem at the base of the cauliflower and remove the green leaves. Break the florets off the center core and cut the core into 1″ cubes. Wash the florets and cubes under cold running water. In a 3 to 4 qt enameled or stainless steel saucepan, bring 1 qt of water [...]

In medium bowl, combine first six ingredients; toss to coat. Cover and let stand 1 hour. Meanwhile, in 1 quart casserole, place 1 1/2 cup hot water, the butter, salt and turmeric. Stir in rice. COver and cook on high 5 minutes, then cook on medium, 50% power, 20-22 minutes until water is absorbed and [...]

Wash the lentils in a large sieve or colander set under cold running water until the draining water runs clear. In a heavy 4 to 5 qt pot, bring the stock to a boil over high heat. Add the lentils, onion, tomato and garlic, reduce the heat to low, and simmer partially covered for 45 [...]

In a small bowl, mash the garlic and salt to a smooth paste with a pestle or the back of a spoon. Add the lemon juice. Then, with a whisk or large spoon, beat in the olive oil, 1 tablespoon at a time. Continue beating until the mixture is smooth. Place the cabbage in a [...]

Starting a day ahead, wash the chick-peas in a sieve under cold running water, then place them in a large bowl or pan and add enough cold water to cover them by 2 inches. Soak at room temperature for at least 12 hours. Drain the peas and place them in a small, heavy saucepan. Add [...]

Cook same of rice and split peas (1/2-3/4 c. each) in pan – with not too much water for 5-10 min. Chop onion with mint and watercress. Add about 1/2 t. salt and 1/4 to 1/2 t. turmeric on rice, then add onions and mix with meat. Add 1 egg. Mix well. Coarsely chop 1 [...]

1. Rinse the chicken and pat dry. Trim off excess fat. 2. Combine the sumac, spices, and salt. Set aside 2 teaspoons and mix the rest with the lemon juice. Rub into the chicken flesh and marinate up to 2 days. 3. Place the onions in a large skillet, toss with 1 1/2 tablespoons of [...]

In a heavy 3 to 4 qt saucepan, bring stock to a boil over high heat. Stir in the milookhiyya, tomato paste, salt and a few grindings of the pepper and reduce the heat to low. Stirring occasionally, simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the milookhiyya has dissolved and the soup is thick and [...]

Cut the cantaloupe in half. Remove the seeds and stringy fibers, scoop out the pulp with a large spoon and chop it coarsely/ Wash the strawberries and grapes under cold running water, picking out and discarding any fruits that are badly bruised. Remove and discard the stems. Combine the cantaloupe, strawberries, grapes, apples, 1/2 cup [...]