Bamyan

1 large zucchini or 500g okra (fresh or frozen) 2 large tomatoes, diced 1 yellow onion, diced 1 green pepper, diced 3-4 cloves garlic, finely chopped juice of 1 lemon olive oil salt, pepper, pinch of cinnamon In a large skillet, heat olive oil. Add garlic and onions at the same time. Cook over medium heat until onions are translucent. Add tomatoes, cook until they heat, and then add green pepper. Cover and cook for about 5 mins. Add zucchini (or okra), salt, pepper, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Add a generous amount of water (about 1 cup). Mix well, cover and reduce heat to simmering or a low boil. Cook for approx 30 mins until vegetables are soft. Serve with rice pilaf.

Turkish Rice

2c. white rice 2 and 1/4c. water 1 tsp salt 2T butter Rinse the rice in cold water, then soak in hot water for about 15 mins. Drain and rinse again in cold water. Melt butter over medium heat until it starts to bubble. Add the rice and stir continuously for 2-3mins. Add the water and salt, stir. Reduce heat to simmering, cover the pot, and cook for approx 10 mins, or until the water has been absorbed. Remove rice from heat. Cover with a tea towel and lid. Let stand for 10 mins. Fluff with a fork and serve warm. Best rice ever!!!

Roti

2c. wheat flour 2/3c. water 1/2tsp salt 4 Tb oil Mix well, add more water until its slightly wet and sticky. Knead dough for 5 mins. Form balls with the dough and roll out on a floured surface. Heat skillet to med-high (6). Put roti on one side for 5-10 sec and flip. Using a paper towel, press down on the roti in various places helping it to puff up. It should be done after about 1 min of cooking, or when it starts to turn brown in places.

Sooji Halwa

1.5c milk
1/4c. water
1 dash cardamom
1/4c (or a little less) sugar
saffron- few strands

Combine these in a saucepan, bring to a boil, stir and turn off.

1/4c. Ghee
handful cashews
handful raisins
1/2c. sooji or rava

Melt ghee in a skillet, add cashews and stir until they begin to turn golden, add raisins. Add sooji and continue stirring for a minute or two, then add in milk syrup from saucepan. Be careful as the milk will splatter when added to the sooji. Reduce heat to low-med and stir for another minute or two until the mixture begins to thicken. Remove from heat and try not to eat the whole batch in one sitting!

Salty Oatmeal Chocolate Chippers

Add a pinch of sea salt on top of these delicious Oatmeal Choc Chip Cookies before baking. Oh, yum!

Quinoa, Kale, Butternut Squash Salad

http://www.tarteletteblog.com/2011/11/recipe-gluten-free-quinoa-butternut.html

Shortbread Cookies

2c. butter
1c. brown sugar
4 and 1/2 c. all purpose flour
pinch of salt

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Cream butter and sugar, add in flour. Knead dough for a few minutes, then roll into logs. Cut slices 1/4-1/2" thick. Dust with salt. Bake for 20-25 mins.