Maqbous Omani Chicken Saffron Chana Dal Spiced Rice

Maqbous Omani chicken saffron chana dal spiced rice

Maqbous is a chicken and rice dish packed with a legion of spices and a sweet rosewater-raisin tang that hails from Oman in the south-eastern corner of the Arabian peninsula. It’s a close cousin of the Saudi kabsa, the Yemeni mandi, and the Indian biryani and reminds us a lot of Gambian benachin. Oman is one of the … Read more

Arroz Chaufa Peruvian Cantonese Stir Fried Rice

Arroz chaufa Peruvian Cantonese stir fried rice

Think of a classic Peruvian dinner, and arroz chaufa might not be the first thing that springs to mind. You might instead conjure up a plate of ceviche or a barbequed cuy (guinea pig!) washed down with a pisco sour. Spend an evening in Lima, however, and you are just as likely to find yourself tucking into a hearty … Read more

Turkish Hunkar Begendi Lamb Eggplant

Turkish hunkar begendi lamb eggplant

Although we think that almost every dish we feature on Arousing Appetites is fit for a king, Hunkar Begendi was quite literally a royal favorite. Braised chunks of lamb swimming in a smoky eggplant puree is a Turkish dish that dates back to the days of the Ottoman sultans and their vast kitchens in the … Read more

Benachin Gambian One Pot Jollof Rice

Benachin Gambian One Pot Jollof Rice

WHAT IS BENACHIN? Benachin is a traditional Gambian dish consisting of rice, vegetables, and meat, all cooked together in a single pot. It is also known as thiebou-dienne, a Senegambian special jollof rice. Benachin translates to “one pot” in Wollof, referring to its cooking method. The dish is characterized by its aromatic flavours, thanks to … Read more

Austrian Esterhazy Rostbraten Braised Beef Sirloin Sour Cream Sauce

Austrian Esterhazy rostbraten braised beef sirloin sour cream sauce

Esterhazy Rostbraten – a braised beef sirloin in a rich creamy sauce – is a dish sent down to us mere mortals from the glory days of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. It was a time when a quality slab of meat was the height of dinner-time decadence and the family name Esterhazy was synonymous with luxury. With all the elements of a … Read more

M’battan Libyan Meat Stuffed Potatos

M'battan Libyan meat stuffed potatoes

M’battan  – small, deep-fried balls of potato stuffed with a seasoned minced meat – might just be your next finger food favorite. Compact, tasty and portable, this Libyan specialty makes a great snack, party platter or picnic item. Kept for special occasions in its home country, m’battan – also known as mubatan – is pretty … Read more