Afghan Tomato, Cucumber and Onion Salad (Salata)

“Salata is always light and crunchy, making it a perfect counterpoint to Afghan cuisine’s heavier dishes. Some Afghan cooks consider it a point of pride when the diced vegetables are small and uniform in size. The result reminds a little of a colorful bowl of confetti. For those in Afghanistan who can afford fresh vegetables, salata is a staple on the Afghan table. If you can’t get your hands on any decent tomatoes, hang onto the recipe until you can.” Modified recipe off http://www.afghancooking.net by Humaira Ghilzai and Katie Morford.

Algerian Date Pudding

From 70 Medecins de France Le Tresor De La Cuisine Du Bassin Mediterraneen and found in The Good Cook Classic Desserts. 1/2 lb dates is about 2 cups.

Mexican Rice

Are you craving that great Mexican rice from your favorite taco stand? Here it is. This is just like a good Mexican restaurant rice. Many recipes taste good… but the texture just isn’t right. You know how it is… you have prepared scores of Mexican rice recipes but always have been disappointed. It may be delicious but kinda “gloopy and wet.” Try this. Everything is pureed and cooked in. There are no chunks of anything… just dry fluffy rice with all the seasonings and just the tiniest hint of a tomato flavor. I will throw away all of my Mexican rice recipes- this is the one I have been looking for for years! I don’t own a rice cooker but some people have had disappointing results using one. You will also need to adjust your cooking time if you want to use brown rice. I recommend following the cooking instructions as directed. Proceed at your own peril if you stray. Enjoy.

Jamaican Healthy Meat “patties” (Low Calorie/Low Fat/Low Glycemic)

This recipe is an idea I came up with, to satisfy my craving for “the real thing” while on a no salt, no fat, no wheat, low glycemic, healthy eating plan! Of course, though not flakey like the traditional dough made with butter and shortening, these are made similar to an omlette or crepe, and have all the flavor without the fat! If not on salt restriction, you may add salt to taste.

Authentic Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken

I’m Jamaican and this is the way my Mama made brown stew chicken. It’s traditionally served with rice and peas, sliced tomatoes / avocado and fried ripe plantain. If you cut the chicken into very small pieces, you’ll need to reduce the cooking times. Enjoy!

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