What I’ve been making/eating: January
Middle eastern-Americana
If I could describe my eating habits the last two weeks: this is it.
Granted,
I am both of these things, so it just makes sense that these flavors inhabit most of my daily food patterns.
But it’s felt extra noticeable recently, and I’m not mad about it! For examples, read below.
Shall we go for it?
Ful
Ful Medames is somewhere between a bean dip and a bean salad?
It’s a popular breakfast option in Lebanon, Egypt, and Syria. It’s so simple and savory, I had this alongside some pita, and a little parsley/cucumber/tomato salad.
The second time I made it this week, I fried up some bread w/ olive oil and za’atar.
No notes.
This also kept me full for SO long, a big plus.
It’s weird how some foods can feel so nostalgic, even if it’s the first time trying that specific dish.
Like something clicks in your brain that says, “OH! That makes sense!”
That’s what this breakfast felt like, and I will be eating this again (and again, keep em coming!)
This vegan tahini-date banana bread
First bake of 2025, coming out strong: overmixed and overbaked!
Was definitely a “it’s not you, it’s me” situationship…
I was craving some banana bread, but was lacking ingredients when I came upon this recipe! It only took my scale and an episode of “Golden girls” to have this recipe whipped up and ready to go.
What’s funny is I didn’t realize it was vegan until midway through.
I’m not vegan, but love the option!
Anywho, banana bread is sometimes hard to gage when it’s done. You want it to be fully cooked but still be moist and soft when it comes out.
I missed my “moist and soft” window by about 10 minutes….yikes.
It tasted like a faint banana brick. Not my best work.
BUT! The beauty about banana bread is how forgiving it can be with time.
Since the prime ingredients are bananas, your bake gets sweeter and softer overtime. So by day 3, this bread was DELICIOUS! It just needed time.
Patience is a virtue, kids.
shawarma
So david and i had shawarma twice in one week. No shame, just a lot of respect and gratitude for a good meat sandwich.
Food truck shawarma
Okay. This was so. good.
But truly, you can’t go wrong with shawarma.
David and I had a little car dinner date this past week and we went to shawarma & kebab fresh on the west side.
Their garlic toum was STELLAR, the meat was tender and bursting with flavor. Best part? Didn’t fall apart! That’s when you know it’s good.
Also both chefs were so generous.
we both received some rice while we waited and little dove chocolates on our way out.:’)
10/10 recommend
Cafe Lili
Okay, so this spot is and has been my favorite restaurant in all of Houston BY FAR.
I wouldn’t consider this your typical “hole in the wall”, but Cafe Lili has all the hospitality of one. When you get hit with a “it’s good to see you again”, it can mean 2 things.
1. You go waaayyyy too often
2. They like ya!
I go once-twice a month so I’m hoping it’s the latter. Or 3. they’re just really good at making you feel at home.
The beef shawarma here never disappoints.
Plus with a side of fattoush?
You can’t go wrong!
Shoutout to miss Riti for the free hummus and coffee. Truly such a sweet family and a great hub for Lebanese food.
That’s it for now folks.
Thanks for reading!
With Love,
Cara