My favorite vegetarian dishes, the ones that I turn to for comfort during our long, cold winters, are mostly the same dishes we enjoyed as farmers in Saskatchewan during the Depression years. As poor country peasants we survived mostly on our garden vegetables. In those days, bologna and sardines were what I longed for – […]

(Updated January 25, 2022) Sex and good food go well together – this has been the case throughout history in most countries in the world. Indeed, they make for never-to-be forgotten sensory experiences; aphrodisiac food can be a special gift a man gives to his wife or a wife gives her husband. Try it on […]

Tahini, a food with the looks and consistency of peanut butter, has been a favourite food in countries bordering the eastern Mediterranean for centuries.

From the Vitality Food Feature 'Meat-Free Protein'. Adding the peppers to this traditional Middle East dip gives it a wonderful flavour and colour, but if you don’t like it spicy, omit the hot pepper. Serve with pita triangles or fresh vegetables. (Makes about 2 1/2 cups)  Recipe courtesy of Foodland Ontario. INGREDIENTS 1 roasted Sweet […]

From the Vitality Food Feature 'Meat-Free Protein'. One of the greatest examples of these dishes is mujaddara, made from lentils and bulgur or rice. It has been one of the basic foods of Middle Eastern peasants and labourers since the dawn of history. Even in the homes of the wealthy it is often eaten, but […]

(Updated July 1st, 2020) Through the centuries, people have either believed that garlic was divine or, with fanatical aversion, detested its very name. This well-known condiment with a unique flavour not found in any other vegetable has caused, and is still arousing, much controversy.  To admirers who adore the taste of garlic, it is the […]

Middle Eastern Condiment Adds Zing to Winter Meals (Editor’s note: According to The Plant Encyclopedia[1], the name Sumac can apply to any one of 250 species of flowering plants in the genus Rhus, in the family Anacardiaceae. Sumacs grow in subtropical and temperate regions throughout the world, especially in Africa and North America. This article […]

From the Vitality Food Feature 'The Tart Taste of Sumac'. Although rolling grape leaves is a tedious task, the end justifies the means. These are heavenly. (Serves about 6) Ingredients 1 cup brown or green lentils, soaked overnight and drained 1/2 cup olive oil 2 Tbsp dried sumac fruit 1 cup uncooked rice, rinsed 1 […]

From the Vitality Food Feature 'The Tart Taste of Sumac'. Easy and quick to prepare, this is a flavourful and smooth dip with an extra tart taste of sumac. It can also be drizzled over baked potatoes, adding a great tang to an otherwise boring vegetable. (Serves 4) Ingredients 1–1/2 pounds zucchini, grilled whole until […]

From the Vitality Food Feature 'The Tart Taste of Sumac'. For a new kick on olives, try marinating them in this mix. Ingredients 1 pound black olives, washed 1/2 cup olive oil 2 Tbsp za’tar 1) Mix all ingredients, then place in a jar. 2) Serve as needed, stirring the olives before each serving.

From the Vitality Food Feature 'The Tart Taste of Sumac'. This dish is excellent as a dip or a spread on toast. Ingredients 1/2 pound well drained yogurt (yogurt placed in a cotton bag and hung over a pot or sink for 48 hours), or cream cheese 1 Tbsp olive oil 1 tsp za’tar 1) […]

From the Vitality Food Feature 'The Tart Taste of Sumac'. This salad is best eaten right away and, although popular as a side salad, it works well as a meal on its own. (Serves 4 to 6) Ingredients 2 medium cucumbers (about 6 to 7 inches long), quartered lengthwise and thinly sliced 1 large tomato, […]

From the Vitality Food Feature 'The Tart Taste of Sumac'. For breakfast, lunch or snack, this is a quick and delicious dish. Ingredients 6 slices of regular bread (or gluten-free bread) 4 Tbsp za’tar 5 Tbsp olive oil 1) Place slices of bread on a cookie tray then toast in an oven under the broiler. […]

From the Vitality Food Feature 'The Tart Taste of Sumac'. Sumac is an important ingredient in this dish that is used to season other foods. As flavouring, it gives bread, olives, and yogurt an exquisite taste. Za’tar is found mixed and ready for use in almost all Middle Eastern markets located in every large city […]

From the Vitality Food Feature 'A HEALTHY VEGETARIAN FEAST'. Horchata is an exact replica of a Moroccan almond drink served to honoured guests. First prepared in Andalusia by the Moors, it was taken to North Africa by the expelled Muslims, and to the Americas by the Conquistadors. (Serves 10) Ingredients 1 cup blanched pulverized almonds […]

From the Vitality Food Feature ‘A HEALTHY VEGETARIAN FEAST‘.

Swiss chard, kohlrabi leaves, or other vegetable leaves may be substituted for the grape leaves. Also, the same stuffing used in cabbage rolls may be substituted. (Serves 8)