Aprah Du Zayto – Assyrian Stuffed Grape Leaves

In Cookbook, Food Around The World, Gluten-free by Lisa Soldo-JohnsonLeave a Comment

Most people know stuffed grape leaves by the name Dolmas.  While many cultures and families across the globe create their version of this Mediterranean favorite, mine happens to be a recipe from Assyria. I learned to make Aprah Du Zayto from my friend Suheyla – and believe me they are one of the best! Everyone who eats a Suheyla’s table …

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Lemon Garlic Babaganoush

In Dairy-free, Food Around The World, Recipes | Delicious and Quick Recipes for Real Food by Lisa Soldo-JohnsonLeave a Comment

Lemon Garlic Baba ganoush is a favorite Mediterranean eggplant spread that originated in Lebanon but is enjoyed through out the middle east and around the world.  Made from roasted eggplant, garlic, and lemon juice; this flavor-packed spread is typically served as an appetizer or enjoyed with breakfast, lunch, or dinner and paired with freshly baked pita. What makes baba ganoush …

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Instant Pot White Chicken Chili with Turmeric and Barberry Sour Cream

In Food Around The World, Recipes | Delicious and Quick Recipes for Real Food by Lisa Soldo-JohnsonLeave a Comment

Fall is one of my favorite season of the year, especially in Minnesota where colder weather means it’s time to pull out those big cozy sweaters and create some of my favorite comfort foods like this warm Chicken Chili with Turmeric and Barberry infused sour cream. If you haven’t guessed by now, I’m a huge fan of international cuisine. I …

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Zaatar Sweet Potatoes and Eggs

In Gluten-free, Recipes | Delicious and Quick Recipes for Real Food by Lisa Soldo-JohnsonLeave a Comment

Zaatar sweet potatoes and eggs, inspired by the Mediterranean Shakshouka recipe found in my book, It Begins at the Table, is a nutritious and satisfying start to the day.  Hardy diced sweet potatoes and onions tossed in aromatic zaatar and sauteed until tender.  Top it with soft poached eggs for a Mediterranean style breakfast the entire family will love. Zaatar …

King Solomon’s Sweet Orange Salmon

In Dairy-free, Recipes | Delicious and Quick Recipes for Real Food by Lisa Soldo-JohnsonLeave a Comment

Here are little Hebrew trivia for you.  Did you know that salmon is named after King Solomon of both the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament? The Hebrew spelling of “King Solomon” is actually שַׂלְמוֹן‎ Śalmōn or  Śalmāh in the Hebrew:שַׂלְמָה or Śalmāh in the Greek: σαλμων I fell in love with Vivi’s salmon recipe the first time I tasted …

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Israeli Lamb Rice

In Dairy-free, Food Around The World, Recipes | Delicious and Quick Recipes for Real Food by Lisa Soldo-JohnsonLeave a Comment

A few years ago, my beautiful friend Vivi taught me to make her tender lamb rice recipe from Israel. It’s a simple dish to make and packed full of flavor and taste. Since then, it has been one of my favorite dishes to eat. The idea of having a close girlfriend who only lives two doors away and also loves …

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Moroccan Lamb Chops

In Dairy-free, Food Around The World, Gluten-free, Recipes | Delicious and Quick Recipes for Real Food by Lisa Soldo-JohnsonLeave a Comment

Like most food we eat today, Moroccan cuisine is influenced by a fusion of neighboring culture and nations. The distinct flavors of Moroccan food can be recognized by a combination of spices like cinnamon, cumin, turmeric ginger, saffron, cloves, anise, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper. This particular genre of food uses an extensive variety of herbs and spices, bringing flavor and …

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Mediterranean Orzo Spinach Salad

In Food Around The World, Recipes | Delicious and Quick Recipes for Real Food by Lisa Soldo-Johnson2 Comments

When I was growing up, my mother worked full time, so family dinners were deliciously predictable. My mom stayed true to her famous five; fried pork chops with mashed potatoes and homemade gravy, Italian spaghetti and meat sauce, tuna and noodle hot dish, homemade soup, and pot roast on Sundays. She detoured from those meals whenever she had the time to get …