The Small Town Chef

Today, we’re sharing with you our take on Baharat, a wonderful, Middle Eastern spice blend that's as diverse as the people themselves. Like many family recipes, each household has their own favorite. This is ours, and serves as a dry rub for grilled meats such as lamb and chicken, and as a finishing touch on roasted vegetables. The spices are most likely in your pantry—cumin seeds, coriander seeds, black peppercorns, a cinnamon stick, whole cloves, sumac, and kosher salt. Well, maybe not sumac, which has a tangy, citrusy flavor and can be found in your local Middle Eastern market. Definitely worth searching for. Road trip anyone? Salt is traditionally not included in Baharat spice blends, however we find the addition of salt helps balance the flavor of the spices.   Recipe: Baharat Spice Blend Ingredients: 2 tablespoons cumin seeds 2 tablespoons coriander seeds 1 tablespoon black peppercorns 1 cinnamon stick (about 3 inches long) 1 teaspoon whole cloves 2 tablespoons sumac 1 teasp...

Savoring the Creamy Richness of Roasted Garlic Hummus Welcome to our food blog, where we explore the vibrant and diverse world of culinary delights. Today, we're diving into the heart of Mediterranean cuisine with a delicious twist on a beloved classic – Roasted Garlic Hummus. Before we jump into the recipe, let's take a moment to appreciate the rich history and versatility of hummus in Mediterranean culinary traditions. History of Hummus: Hummus, derived from the Arabic word meaning "chickpeas," has a history dating back centuries. While its exact origins are debated, it is widely believed to have originated in the Middle East, with countries like Lebanon, Israel, and Palestine all laying claim to its creation. Originally a staple in Arab cuisine, hummus has now become a global sensation, loved for its creamy texture and versatile flavor. In the Mediterranean, hummus has been cherished for generations as a nutritious and satisfying dish. It's not just a dip – it...

  Savor the Season: A World of Flavors in Every Bite Welcome, food enthusiasts, to the heartwarming embrace of fall! As the air crisps and the leaves turn to hues of gold, it's time to cozy up and indulge in the comforting delights of autumn.   What better way to celebrate the season than with a feast of stuffed peppers, where every bite promises to transport you to distant lands and warm your soul? In this culinary adventure, we're diving headfirst into a world of flavors, where hearty Italian comfort, Mediterranean sunshine, spicy Mexican heat, delicate Asian aromas, and the exotic allure of Middle Eastern spices meld together in a symphony of tastes and textures.   So, grab your apron, roll up your sleeves, and let’s embark on a journey of global culinary indulgence that's perfect for fall's cooler weather. Let's dive into our Stuffed Pepper Extravaganza!  Italian-style Orzo and Sweet Italian Sausage Stuffed Pepper Halves:   Serving: 4 servings
 Prep Time: 30 ...

A Fusion of Flavors from the Middle East If you're looking for a delicious and healthy way to enjoy chicken, look no further than these Mediterranean grilled chicken thighs. Marinated in a blend of lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, and warming Middle Eastern spices, these chicken thighs are packed with flavor and guaranteed to be a hit with your family and friends. Blending the Best of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern Cuisine Mediterranean cuisine is known for its emphasis on fresh, healthy ingredients, such as olive oil, fresh vegetables, and herbs. Middle Eastern cuisine, on the other hand, is known for its bold flavors and use of warming spices, such as cumin, coriander, and cinnamon. When you combine these two culinary traditions, you get a fusion of flavors that is simply irresistible. Preparation time: 15 minutes  Cook time: 60 minutes Total time: 80 minutes Servings: 4 Ingredients 6 skin-on, bone-in thighs, trimmed of excess skin and fat 3 cloves garlic, minced 2...