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Mezcal Paloma

Mezcal Paloma

Prep
5 min
Cook
Total
5 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Rub the cut side of a lime wedge around the edge of the glass. Place salt on a plate and invert glass into salt to rim the glass. Fill glass with ice. Squeeze juice from the same lime wedge into the glass. Pour mezcal over ice, then top with grapefruit soda. Garnish with remaining lime wedge.

By France Cevallos

Grilled Grapefruit Paloma Cocktail

Grilled Grapefruit Paloma Cocktail

5.0

Prep
20 min
Cook
5 min
Total
25 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate.
  2. 2 Cut limes in half widthwise. Cut 1 half into 3 wheels.
  3. 3 Pour sugar into a shallow bowl. Dip lime halves, 2 of the lime wheels, and grapefruit into sugar to coat thoroughly.
  4. 4 Place limes and grapefruit cut-side down on the hot grill. Cook, turning lime wheels occasionally, until browned and grill marks form, 5 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a rimmed baking sheet to cool.
  5. 5 Rub remaining lime wheel over the rim of 2 highball glasses. Dip rims in kosher salt. Fill glasses with ice.
  6. 6 Juice grilled lime halves and grapefruit into a small pitcher. Pour in any juices that accumulated on the baking sheet. Stir in tequila and simple syrup. Divide mixture between glasses and top off with club soda. Garnish with grilled lime wheels.

By foodelicious

Joe's Perfect Anti-Sour Mix Margarita

Joe's Perfect Anti-Sour Mix Margarita

4.4

Prep
10 min
Cook
Total
10 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Pour salt onto a small, shallow plate. Moisten rim of a large glass with water; dip into salt. Fill glass with ice; set aside.
  2. 2 Fill a cocktail shaker with ice; add tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice. Cover and shake until the outside of the shaker has frosted. Strain into the prepared glass; slowly add grapefruit soda.

By Amy L Drouillard

Margarita On The Rocks

Margarita On The Rocks

4.6

Prep
5 min
Cook
Total
5 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Rim 2 margarita glasses with salt, if desired, and fill with ice. Pour tequila, sweetened lime juice, triple sec, and lemon-lime soda into a shaker filled with ice, hold your hand firmly over the top of the shaker so it doesn't pop off from the carbonated soda. Shake vigorously. Pour into prepared margarita glasses, and serve.

By UNCLEBEN1980

Hawaiian Hot Chocolate

Hawaiian Hot Chocolate

4.5

Prep
10 min
Cook
5 min
Total
15 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Whisk half-and-half, milk, sugar, and cocoa powder in a saucepan over medium-high heat until cocoa and sugar dissolve. Remove from heat when mixture begins to steam, 5 to 10 minutes.
  2. 2 Whisk vanilla extract, coconut extract, and salt into cocoa mixture. Pour into glasses and top each with whipped cream and toasted coconut.

By L Mac

Margaritas on the Rocks

Margaritas on the Rocks

4.8

Prep
10 min
Cook
Total
10 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Gather all ingredients.
  2. 2 To salt the rims of your glasses: Pour salt onto a small plate, rub the rims of the glasses with lime, and press them into the salt.
  3. 3 Fill 8 glasses with ice.
  4. 4 Combine sweet and sour mix, tequila, triple sec, and orange liqueur in a blender or pitcher.
  5. 5 Pour into glasses, squeeze a quarter lime into each glass, and serve.

By Carol Loadholt

Ree Drummond's Marga-Ree-Ta

Ree Drummond's Marga-Ree-Ta

5.0

Prep
5 min
Cook
Total
5 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Shake sugar and water in a Mason jar until sugar dissolves.
  2. 2 Run lime wedge around the rim of a glass; dip rim in a dish of salt.
  3. 3 Put cilantro, 2 sprigs mint, and 3 cucumber slices in a cocktail shaker. Add sugar mixture, tequila, lime juice, lemon juice, and vodka. Mash mixture with a muddler or wooden spoon until herbs are broken up and flavors are released, about 15 seconds. Add ice to fill; cover and shake vigorously for 10 seconds.
  4. 4 Fill prepared glass with fresh ice and arrange remaining 4 cucumber slices inside. Strain drink into glass and garnish with mint sprig.

By Pioneer Woman

Strawberry Beer Margaritas

Strawberry Beer Margaritas

4.6

Prep
10 min
Cook
Total
130 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Put strawberry chunks in a bowl. Pour tequila over strawberries. Marinate in refrigerator for 2 hours.
  2. 2 Blend strawberries and tequila in a blender until fully pureed; strain into a large pitcher to remove seeds.
  3. 3 Stir strained berry mixture, soda, beer, and limeade concentrate together in a pitcher. Add ice cubes to chill. Rim glasses with salt before pouring margaritas.

By Arizona Desert Flower

Easy Frozen Margaritas

Easy Frozen Margaritas

4.9

Prep
5 min
Cook
Total
5 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Working in 2 batches, place 1 quart ice cubes in a blender. Add 1/2 can limeade, 6 ounces tequila and 2 tablespoons Cointreau. Blend at highest speed until drink is almost smooth. Pour into a pitcher and repeat with remaining ingredients. Store in the freezer.
  2. 2 To salt the margarita glasses, pour a single layer of salt on a small plate. Moisten each glass rim with lime; dip each rim in the salt. Pour margaritas into each glass; garnish with lime. Serve immediately.

By USA WEEKEND columnist Pam Anderson

Mommy's Lemonade (Margaritas)

Mommy's Lemonade (Margaritas)

4.6

Prep
5 min
Cook
Total
35 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Pour limeade concentrate into a pitcher; fill the can with cold water three times, pouring each into the pitcher. Fill the can with tequila; pour into the pitcher. Fill the can halfway with orange liqueur; pour into the pitcher. Stir well; chill, about 30 minutes.
  2. 2 Pour salt onto a small, shallow plate. Moisten rims of 12 glasses with 1 lime wedge; dip moistened glasses into salt.
  3. 3 Fill glasses with ice; pour in margarita. Garnish with lime wedges.

By Twin Mama 1

Spicy Watermelon Margarita

Spicy Watermelon Margarita

5.0

Prep
10 min
Cook
Total
10 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Puree watermelon in a blender. Wipe the rim of a margarita glass with a lime wedge; dip rim in salt.
  2. 2 In a cocktail shaker half-filled with ice, add tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, jalapeño, and 2 ounces of the watermelon puree. Shake until very cold.
  3. 3 Strain into prepared glass. Garnish with watermelon wedge and jalapeño slice.

By Juliana Hale

Clamato Michelada Perfecta

Clamato Michelada Perfecta

3.7

Prep
5 min
Cook
Total
5 min

Instructions

  1. 1 In a shaker with ice, combine key lime juice, Clamato, Worcestershire sauce and habanero pepper sauce; shake well to chill. Serve in a rimmed tall glass with ice; fill with beer. Garnish with lime wheel.
  2. 2 Rimming Spice Blend: Combine kosher salt, chili powder and oregano onto small plate. Pour lime juice onto another small plate. Dip rim of glass into juice lime, then dip carefully into spice blend.
  3. 3 Enjoy responsibly!

By Allrecipes Member

Cucumber Jalapeño Margarita

Cucumber Jalapeño Margarita

4.7

Prep
10 min
Cook
Total
70 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Combine tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur, and simple syrup in a pitcher with a lid; add jalapeño and 4 thin cucumber slices. Refrigerate until chilled, at least 1 hour.
  2. 2 Meanwhile, run lime wedges along rims of 4 pint glass; pour salt onto a flat plate. Dip moistened rims into salt to coat.
  3. 3 Fill prepared glasses with ice; pour chilled margarita over top. Garnish each drink with 1 cucumber slice.

By Dillon McGill

Top Shelf Margaritas on the Rocks

Top Shelf Margaritas on the Rocks

4.7

Prep
10 min
Cook
Total
10 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Make a simple syrup by stirring together and bringing 2/3 cup sugar and 1/3 cup water to a boil until the sugar dissolves; set aside to cool.
  2. 2 Make the sour mix by briskly stirring together the 2 1/4 cups water, lemon juice, 1/4 cup sugar, and egg white; set aside.
  3. 3 Combine the ice cubes, tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, 1 ounce of the simple syrup, and 1/2 cup of the sour mix in a pitcher; stir vigorously to infuse the ice, 8 to 15 seconds.
  4. 4 Run a lime wedge along the rim of an 8-ounce glass. Spread the kosher salt onto a plate and dip the glass rims in the salt to coat; add ice if desired. Strain the mixture from the cocktail shaker into the glass to serve.

By The Prothro's Kitchen

Ripley's Bloody Mary Mix for Canning

Ripley's Bloody Mary Mix for Canning

4.1

Prep
120 min
Cook
75 min
Total
675 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Grind chile de arbol peppers with a mortar and pestle until becomes a powder; set aside.
  2. 2 Place tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, carrots, garlic, and jalapeño in the bowl of a food processor, in batches; pulse until finely chopped then transfer to a large pot.
  3. 3 Stir tomato sauce, vinegar, horseradish, bay leaves, chile de arbol powder, kosher salt, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, celery seeds, seafood seasoning, and hot pepper sauce into tomato mixture; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer, stirring regularly, until vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes; remove and discard bay leaves.
  4. 4 Place vegetable mixture in a vegetable juicer, in batches if necessary; process. Strain excess pulp from juice if desired. Pour juice into a large pot over medium heat; cook until nearly boiling then stir in lemon juice.
  5. 5 Meanwhile, inspect 8 quart-sized jars for cracks and rings for rust, discarding any defective ones. Immerse in simmering water until Bloody Mary mix is ready. Wash new, unused lids and rings in warm soapy water.
  6. 6 Pack hot Bloody Mary mix into hot, sterilized jars, filling to within ¼ inch of tops. Run a clean knife or thin spatula around insides of jars to remove any air bubbles. Wipe rims of jars with a moist paper towel to remove any residue. Top with lids and screw rings on tightly.
  7. 7 Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot or canning kettle and fill halfway with water. Bring to a boil and lower jars 2 inches apart into the boiling water using a holder. Pour in more boiling water to cover jars by at least 1 inch. Bring to a rolling boil, cover, and process for 40 minutes (or 35 minutes if using pint-sized jars).
  8. 8 Remove jars from the pot; place on a cloth-covered or wood surface, several inches apart. Cool, 8 hours to overnight. Press centers of lids with a finger to ensure lids do not move up or down. Remove rings for storage and store in a cool, dark area.

By Cara

Manaaeesh Flatbread

Manaaeesh Flatbread

4.7

Prep
20 min
Cook
15 min
Total
605 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Mix yeast with warm water in a large mixing bowl and allow to stand until a creamy layer of foam appears, about 10 minutes. Whisk in 1/4 cup olive oil, then gradually stir in flour and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt.
  2. 2 Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead until smooth and just a little bit sticky, 10 to 12 minutes. Place dough into an oiled bowl and turn dough around in bowl to coat surface with oil; cover bowl and refrigerate dough overnight. (Dough should double in size.)
  3. 3 Coat a 9x13-inch baking sheet generously with 2 tablespoons olive oil; place dough in the center of the baking sheet and flatten into a thick disk. Cover dough with plastic wrap and let double in size, about 1 1/2 hours.
  4. 4 Use your palms and fingers to gently press and stretch dough to the edges of the oiled baking sheet, making the flatbread as even in thickness as you can. With fingertips, make small indentations in the dough. Brush dough with remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil.
  5. 5 Stir za'atar and 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt together in a small bowl and sprinkle evenly over the flatbread. Let dough rest for 30 minutes uncovered.
  6. 6 Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  7. 7 Bake flatbread in the preheated oven until golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes.

By cynjne

Lebanese Mountain Bread

Lebanese Mountain Bread

4.6

Prep
20 min
Cook
10 min
Total
600 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Gather the ingredients.
  2. 2 Place 1/2 cup flour, yeast, and sugar in a mixing bowl. Pour in warm water. Whisk together thoroughly, 2 to 3 minutes.
  3. 3 Cover bowl and let sit until mixture gets bubbly, 30 to 60 minutes.
  4. 4 Drizzle in olive oil; add salt and remaining 1 cup flour. Mix together until mixture forms a sticky (not wet) dough ball that pulls away from the sides of the bowl. If mixture seems too wet, add a bit more flour.
  5. 5 Lightly flour a work surface. Knead dough until it is soft, supple, and slightly elastic, about 2 minutes. Pour a few drops of olive oil in a bowl. Transfer dough ball to the bowl and turn to coat surface with oil.
  6. 6 Cover bowl and place in a warm spot. Let dough rise until it has doubled in size, 60 to 90 minutes.
  7. 7 Transfer dough to a work surface and knead to remove air bubbles, about 1 minute. Transfer to a resealable plastic bag; refrigerate, 8 hours or overnight.
  8. 8 Lightly flour a work surface; dough may be sticky so make sure you use enough flour to keep dough from sticking to the surface or your hands (but less flour is best). Break off a piece of dough slightly smaller than a golf ball. Roll into a smooth ball. Flatten and roll out into a circle about 1/8-inch thick.
  9. 9 Invert a smooth mixing bowl on the work surface; lightly flour the bottom. Lightly stretch the dough and place the dough circle on the floured surface of the inverted bowl. Gently stretch dough evenly down the sides of the bowl, working your way around the edges, until it is very thin and translucent, or as thin as you can get it without tearing it.
  10. 10 Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat. Flour your hands and carefully remove the dough circle from the bottom of the bowl. Transfer to hot skillet. Cook until blisters form and begin to brown, about 45 to 60 seconds per side.
  11. 11 Transfer to a dish and cover to allow bread to steam and stay moist and supple.

By John Mitzewich

Kuku Sabzi

Kuku Sabzi

Prep
15 min
Cook
20 min
Total
35 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Slice leek in half lengthwise, then slice thinly crosswise.
  2. 2 Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a 10-inch, nonstick, broiler-safe skillet over medium heat. Add leek and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and cooked through, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat.
  3. 3 Preheat the oven's broiler with the rack in the upper third position.
  4. 4 Whisk eggs in a large bowl. Add baking powder, fenugreek, salt, and turmeric; whisk until thoroughly combined. Fold in parsley, cilantro, dill, and leeks. Gently stir to combine; the mixture will be mostly herbs, with just enough egg for moisture.
  5. 5 Heat remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in the same skillet over medium heat. Add herb mixture and distribute evenly in the skillet, smoothing the top. Cover and cook, undisturbed, until the bottom and edges are just set, about 8 minutes.
  6. 6 Uncover and cook under the preheated broiler until the top and middle are cooked through, 1 to 2 minutes.

By Ali Ramee

Chef John's Baba Ganoush

Chef John's Baba Ganoush

4.9

Prep
15 min
Cook
25 min
Total
60 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate. Prick the surface of the skin of eggplants several times with the tip of a knife.
  2. 2 Place eggplants directly on grill. Turn frequently with tongs while skin chars. Cook until eggplants have collapsed and are very soft, 25 to 30 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and cover tightly with aluminum foil and allow to cool, about 15 minutes.
  3. 3 When eggplants are cool enough to handle, split them in half and scrape flesh into a colander placed over a bowl. Drain 5 or 10 minutes.
  4. 4 Transfer eggplant to mixing bowl. Add crushed garlic and salt; mash until creamy but with a little texture, about 5 minutes. Whisk in lemon juice, tahini, olive oil, and cayenne pepper. Stir in yogurt.
  5. 5 Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate until completely chilled. Stir in mint and parsley, and taste to adjust seasonings before serving.

By John Mitzewich

Persian Saffron Chicken

Persian Saffron Chicken

4.6

Prep
15 min
Cook
35 min
Total
60 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Place saffron threads into a small bowl and crush them up a bit with a spoon. Add 3 to 4 tablespoons of hot water and stir. Let bloom for about 10 minutes - the water should turn bright yellow/orange. Set aside.
  2. 2 Season chicken thighs on both sides with about 1 teaspoon salt and freshly cracked pepper.
  3. 3 Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs and sear on both sides until golden, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Remove and place on a plate to the side. Add onion to the same skillet and cook until soft and translucent, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in garlic and curry powder and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  4. 4 Pour in chicken stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and add saffron mixture. Season with remaining 1 teaspoon salt and freshly cracked pepper. Stir to combine. Return chicken thighs to the skillet, cover, and simmer over low heat for 20 minutes, flipping thighs halfway through cook time. Season to taste and serve with the sauce.

By Sumac and Salsa

Reshteh Polo (Persian Noodle Rice)

Reshteh Polo (Persian Noodle Rice)

5.0

Prep
35 min
Cook
130 min
Total
165 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Place rice in a medium bowl and cover with tepid water. Gently swish it around with your finger to activate the starches, then tip the bowl to drain water. Repeat this process until water runs clear, about 7 rinses. Cover rice with cold water, add 1/2 tablespoon salt, stir gently, and soak for 1 hour. Drain rice without rinsing.
  2. 2 Crush saffron threads to a powder in a small mortar and pestle. Transfer to a small bowl with 2 tablespoons boiling water. Stir, cover, and set saffron water aside.
  3. 3 Fill a 5-quart nonstick pot with 9 cups water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Add 3 tablespoons salt and stir until dissolved. Break roasted noodles into thirds and add to boiling water with rice. Stir once gently, and watch carefully as it cooks so water does not boil over. Taste water for salt and adjust accordingly. Cook until first rice grain pops up to the surface. Set a timer for 4 minutes and cook, scooping off any foam from the surface until the timer goes off. Test rice and continue to cook until tender on the outside but still firm to the bite on the inside, 6 to 8 minutes more.
  4. 4 Drain rice and noodles in a colander and rinse quickly with lukewarm water and a spray faucet to rinse off extra starch. Taste and gently rinse again if too salty. Set aside to drain completely. Wash and dry the pot.
  5. 5 Place the clean pot over medium heat. Add oil, 1 tablespoon saffron water, and a pinch of salt; swirl the pot until the bottom and lower sides are coated with the oil mixture. Tightly overlap potato slices in a single layer covering the bottom of the pot to create the tahdig layer.
  6. 6 Gently scatter rice-noodle mixture over the tahdig in a pyramid shape, making sure potatoes are completely covered and moving noodles away from the sides of the pot. Gently poke the handle of a wooden spoon into rice and noodles a few times, being careful not to hit tahdig; this will allow steam to escape while cooking. Cover and cook until you see steam escaping from the sides of the lid and tahdig starts to set, about 10 minutes.
  7. 7 Meanwhile, combine 1/4 cup boiling water with 2 tablespoons melted butter and remaining saffron water. Lay a kitchen towel out on a heatproof surface.
  8. 8 Test tahdig by quickly tapping the side of the pot with a wooden spoon. When the pot sizzles, remove it from the heat. Remove the lid and place it on the kitchen towel, being careful that none of the condensation drips into the pot. Wrap the towel around the lid and secure the ends at the top by the handle so they will not hang near the heat source. Drizzle butter mixture over rice and cover with the towel-wrapped lid.
  9. 9 Place a heat diffuser on a burner over low or medium-low heat and return the pot to the stove. Cook until crispy, rotating the pot a few times, about 35 minutes. Remove from the heat and place on a damp kitchen towel; let sit, uncovered, for 5 minutes so tahdig will release easily.
  10. 10 Meanwhile, melt 3 tablespoons butter in a small pan over medium heat. Add dates, raisins, and cinnamon; sprinkle with a little salt. Cook and stir until dates are glistening and soft, 3 to 5 minutes.
  11. 11 Gently scatter rice on a platter and remove potato tahdig pieces and serve on the side. Sprinkle raisin-date sauce over top.

By Naz Deravian

Mahi Sorkh Shodeh (Persian Fried Fish)

Mahi Sorkh Shodeh (Persian Fried Fish)

5.0

Prep
20 min
Cook
15 min
Total
35 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Crush saffron threads to a powder with a small mortar and pestle. Transfer to a small bowl and stir in boiling water. Cover and set aside.
  2. 2 Mix flour, salt, turmeric, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder together on a large plate and spread in an even layer.
  3. 3 Dry fish well with paper towels. Cut into 3-inch-long pieces and season with salt. Dredge fish in flour mixture until all sides are coated.
  4. 4 Heat oil in a large pan over medium to medium-high heat. Add fish and fry on one side until nice and golden, about 7 minutes. Flip fish, drizzle saffron water over top, and fry the other side until golden and fish flakes easily with a fork, about 5 more minutes.
  5. 5 Transfer fish to a serving platter. Drizzle orange juice over top and serve with orange and lime wedges.

By Naz Deravian

Air Fried Falafel

Air Fried Falafel

5.0

Prep
15 min
Cook
15 min
Total
150 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Dry chickpeas on paper towels. Place onions and garlic in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade. Add parsley, scallions, cilantro, cumin, salt, and red pepper flakes. Process until blended, 30 to 60 seconds, then add the chickpeas and pulse 2 to 3 times until just blended, but not pureed. Sprinkle in flour and baking powder, scrape the sides of the bowl down with a spatula, and pulse 2 to 3 times.
  2. 2 Transfer to a bowl and refrigerate, covered, 2 to 3 hours.
  3. 3 Form the falafel mixture into 12 balls; if mixture is too sticky add some flour to your hands and your work surface.
  4. 4 Preheat an air fryer to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) according to manufacturer's instructions. Spray falafel with cooking spray.
  5. 5 Cook in the preheated air fryer until golden brown, about 14 minutes, turning halfway through.

By Glenn6870

Chef John's Harissa Sauce

Chef John's Harissa Sauce

4.9

Prep
20 min
Cook
15 min
Total
45 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Preheat the oven's broiler and set the oven rack at about 6 inches from the heat source. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place red bell peppers with cut-sides down onto the prepared baking sheet. Cook under the preheated broiler until the skin of the peppers has blackened and blistered, 5 to 8 minutes. Place blackened peppers into a bowl and tightly seal with plastic wrap. Allow the peppers to steam as they cool, about 20 minutes. Remove and discard skins.
  2. 2 Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add Fresno and habanero chiles and cook uncovered over medium heat until vegetables start to soften, about 3 minutes; drain and set aside to cool. Remove seeds and membranes from chiles (wear gloves); set aside.
  3. 3 Shake coriander and caraway seeds in a skillet over medium heat until you start to smell the spice, about 2 minutes. Use a mortar and pestle to crush toasted seeds; add cumin, mint, and salt, and crush until finely ground. Transfer spices to a blender and add roasted bell peppers, chiles, garlic, lemon juice, and vegetable oil; puree until smooth. Drizzle in extra-virgin olive oil at the end, blending for only a few seconds.

By John Mitzewich

Sabzi Polo (Green Herb Rice)

Sabzi Polo (Green Herb Rice)

5.0

Prep
35 min
Cook
80 min
Total
180 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Place rice in a medium bowl and cover with lukewarm water. Gently swish rice around with your finger to activate starches, then tip the bowl to drain water. Repeat this process until water runs clear, about 7 rinses. Cover rice with cold water, add 1 tablespoon salt, stir gently, and soak for 1 hour. Drain rice without rinsing.
  2. 2 Crush saffron threads to a powder in a small mortar and pestle. Transfer to a small bowl with 2 tablespoons boiling water. Stir, cover, and set saffron water aside.
  3. 3 Fill a 5-quart nonstick pot with 12 cups water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Add 4 tablespoons salt and stir until dissolved. Add rice, stir once gently, and watch carefully as it cooks so water does not boil over. Taste for salt and add more if needed. Cook rice until the first piece pops up to the surface. Set a timer for 4 minutes and cook, scooping off any foam from the surface, until the timer goes off. Test rice and continue to cook until tender on the outside but still firm to the bite on the inside, 6 to 8 minutes more.
  4. 4 Drain rice in a colander and rinse quickly with lukewarm water and a spray faucet to rinse off extra starch. Taste rice and gently rinse again if too salty. Set aside to drain completely. Wash and dry the pot.
  5. 5 Combine parsley, cilantro, fresh dill, chives, and dried dill in a large bowl. Gently stir in rice, taking care not to break grains.
  6. 6 Place the clean pot over medium heat. Add oil, 1 tablespoon saffron water, and a pinch of salt; swirl the pot until the bottom and lower sides are coated with oil mixture. Trim or tear lavash bread and cover the bottom of the pot to create the tahdig layer.
  7. 7 Gently scatter rice-herb mixture over the tahdig in a pyramid shape, making sure lavash is completely covered. Place garlic stalks on top at the outer edges of rice. Gently poke the handle of a wooden spoon into rice a few times, being careful not to hit the tahdig; this will allow steam to escape while cooking. Cover and cook until you see steam escaping from the sides of the lid and the tahdig starts to set, 10 to 13 minutes.
  8. 8 Meanwhile, combine 1/4 cup boiling water, melted butter, and remaining saffron water in a small bowl. Lay a kitchen towel out on a heatproof surface.
  9. 9 Test the tahdig by quickly tapping the side of the pot with a wooden spoon. When it sizzles, remove the pot from heat. Remove the lid and place it on the kitchen towel, being careful that none of the condensation drips into the pot. Wrap the towel around the lid and secure the ends at the top by the handle so they will not hang near the heat source. Drizzle butter mixture over rice and cover with the towel-wrapped lid.
  10. 10 Place a heat diffuser on a burner over low or medium-low heat and return the pot to the stove. Cook until crispy, rotating the pot a few times, about 45 minutes. Remove from heat and place on a damp kitchen towel; let sit, uncovered, for 5 minutes so the tahdig will release easily.
  11. 11 Serve rice on a platter, garnish with garlic stalks, and remove the tahdig whole or in pieces and serve on the side. Or, invert carefully but quickly (like a cake) onto a serving platter.

By Naz Deravian

Best Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Best Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

3.9

Prep
30 min
Cook
90 min
Total
120 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Stir in 4 teaspoons salt. Remove loose, outer leaves from the cabbage and place in the boiling water for 1 minute. Remove from the water and set aside.
  2. 2 Remove core from the cabbage and carefully place the head in the boiling water. Cook for 5 minutes, removing the outer leaves one at a time as they loosen every minute. Set aside 12 large leaves and reserve inner portion of the cabbage for another use.
  3. 3 Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Set aside 2 tablespoons minced onion for cabbage rolls; add remaining onion to the hot oil. Cook, stirring often, until translucent, about 2 minutes. Stir in tomato sauce, undrained diced tomatoes, water, vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon salt; bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and cook for 10 minutes.
  4. 4 Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  5. 5 Prepare cabbage rolls: Mix sirloin, rice, garlic, reserved minced onion, remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, remaining pepper, and allspice together in a bowl until well combined.
  6. 6 Place a softened cabbage leaf on a cutting board and remove the bottom, tough portion of the stem. Place about 3 tablespoons meat filling into the center of the leaf. Fold the sides inward and roll the leaf up tightly, like a burrito or spring roll. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.
  7. 7 Pour 1 cup tomato sauce mixture in a bottom of a 9x13-inch or 11x7-inch baking dish. Place cabbage rolls, seam-side down, in the baking dish and pour remaining sauce on top. Cover tightly with foil.
  8. 8 Bake in preheated oven for 1 hour. Lightly squeeze a wedge of lemon over each serving and garnish with parsley.

By Nicole McLaughlin

Kubbe

Kubbe

4.3

Prep
45 min
Cook
45 min
Total
90 min

Instructions

  1. 1 Place bulgur in a large bowl. Stir in the flour, 6 tablespoons of vegetable oil, red pepper flakes, salt, and cumin. Gradually mix in the cup of water to make a stiff but not crumbly dough. Knead for a few minutes to fully bind the ingredients. If it is too mushy, let it sit for a while, and the bulgur will absorb some of the water.
  2. 2 For the filling: Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions and cook until browned. Remove from the skillet. Crumble the ground beef into the skillet, and cook until evenly browned, stirring frequently. Drain excess grease. Season with allspice, salt, and cinnamon, and stir in the cooked onions and pine nuts. Allow to cool enough to handle.
  3. 3 Form the dough into walnut-sized balls. Press your thumb into the ball while it is enclosed in your other hand to form a tube. The cylinder should be about 2 inches long, and the thinner the walls are, the better they will cook. Fill the cavity with as much of the meat mixture as you can, then seal the end to form a torpedo shape. Repeat with remaining dough and filling. At this point, the kubbe may be frozen. Freeze on baking sheets, then transfer to freezer bags when solid.
  4. 4 Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy saucepan to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). If the oil is not hot enough, the kubbe will fall apart. Carefully place the kubbe into the hot oil, and fry until nicely browned, about 1 minute. Remove with tongs to paper towels to drain. Serve with tahini.

By Cindy