Egyptian Besboussa | A Sweet Semolina Cake Egyptian besboussa is a classic Egyptian semolina cake that’s sweet, tender, and full of comforting flavor. It’s made with simple ingredients like semolina flour, yogurt, and clarified butter (semna), then soaked in fragrant vanilla-lemon syrup that gives it its signature moist texture and golden finish. The name besboussa charmingly translates to “just a kiss” in Arabic — a fitting description for a dessert that’s soft, delicate, an

Stuffed Eggplant | Egyptian Mahshi Bitingan Mahshi bidingan, or Egyptian stuffed eggplant, is a beloved traditional dish made with tender eggplants filled with a fragrant mixture of rice, herbs, and tomato sauce. The eggplants are gently simmered in a seasoned tomato broth until the rice soaks up all the rich flavors. Each bite combines the softness of the eggplant with the freshness of parsley, cilantro, and dill, creating a comforting and flavorful meal that embodies the he

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls | Egyptian Mahshi Kromb  Mahshi kromb, or stuffed cabbage rolls, is a beloved Egyptian comfort dish made of tender cabbage leaves filled with a flavorful mixture of rice, herbs, and spices, then simmered in a light tomato sauce until perfectly soft. Each roll is packed with aromatic flavors that melt together beautifully as they cook. This recipe celebrates simplicity and tradition — and it can be made fully vegan by simply opting out of the butter and u

Egyptian Moussaka | Baked Eggplant with Meat Sauce Egyptian moussaka is a rich, comforting dish made with layers of eggplant, spiced ground meat, and a flavorful tomato sauce. It’s baked until the ingredients meld together into a warm, savory blend of textures and aromas. Served with rice or baladi bread, this dish is a true taste of Egyptian home cooking — simple, hearty, and full of depth. Ingredients (Seasonings should be added to taste.) For the Eggplant: 7 eggplants sea

Egyptian Style Stuffed Potatoes with Ground Beef & Tomato Sauce Stuffed potatoes are a comforting dish made by hollowing out potatoes, lightly frying them, and filling them with a savory meat mixture before baking them in a rich tomato sauce. The result is tender potatoes with a hearty, flavorful center that soak up the sauce beautifully. While variations of stuffed potatoes exist in different cuisines, this dish holds a special place in Egyptian culture, where it is especial

Stuffed Bell Peppers | Egyptian Mahshi Fil Fil Mahshi fil fil is a beloved Egyptian dish of bell peppers stuffed with rice, herbs, and a rich tomato sauce. Each bite is fresh, aromatic, and comforting, making it a staple at family gatherings and celebrations. Traditionally, this recipe is completely vegan, though in more recent times some variations include ground meat in the filling. This version honors the classic style, keeping it plant-based and true to its roots. Ingredi

Egyptian Rice Pudding vs. Milk Pudding Rice pudding and milk pudding are both beloved desserts that carry a sense of comfort and tradition in Egyptian culture. Rice pudding is made with soft, simmered rice that’s gently sweetened and enriched with milk until it becomes creamy and smooth. Milk pudding, on the other hand, is a silky dessert thickened with starch, creating a delicate and custard-like texture. Both puddings are often enjoyed at family gatherings, celebrations, an

Egyptian Sogo' | Beef Sausage Egyptian sausage, known as sogo’ is a flavorful street food staple made from spiced beef sausage cooked in a rich tomato-based sauce with onions, peppers, and garlic. It’s especially popular in Alexandria and Cairo, often served hot inside fino bread as a quick sandwich. At home, sogo’ can also be paired with roz bil shareya (rice with vermicelli) for a heartier meal, making it a versatile dish that captures the bold, savory flavors of Egyptian c

Egyptian Ful wa Ta'ameya | Fava Beans & Falafel Ful wa ta’ameya is the ultimate traditional Egyptian breakfast, loved for its rich flavors and satisfying simplicity. Ful, slow-cooked fava beans, is creamy and hearty, often topped with tahina, olive oil, and fresh herbs. Ta’ameya, the Egyptian original form of falafel, is made from split fava beans blended with herbs and spices, then fried until brown and crispy on the outside with a fluffy and green inside. Served together wi

Egyptian Pasta & Chicken Cutlets A traditional Egyptian dinner of pasta with chicken benne is the kind of comforting, home-cooked meal many Egyptians grew up eating. The pasta, often ditalini, is tossed in a rich tomato sauce seasoned with warm spices like coriander and cumin, creating a simple yet deeply flavorful base. Chicken benne, meaning “chicken cutlets,” is made from thinly sliced chicken breast fillets, marinated in spices, breaded, and shallow-fried until golden bro

Egyptian Freek | Young Wheat in Tomato Sauce with Eggs Egyptian freek (or freekeh) is an ancient grain made from young wheat that is harvested early, roasted, and then dried. It has a slightly smoky, nutty flavor and a chewy texture that soaks up sauces beautifully. In Egyptian cooking, freek is often used in hearty, comforting dishes— where it is simmered in tomato sauce and topped with eggs for a wholesome, satisfying meal that is both traditional and nourishing. Ingredient

Egyptian Fasolya | Green Beans & Beef Stew Egyptian fasolya is a traditional comfort dish made with green beans simmered in a rich tomato sauce, often cooked with tender beef for added depth. It's hearty, flavorful, and commonly served with vermicelli rice, making it a complete and satisfying meal. This dish is a staple in many Egyptian homes, especially during family gatherings, and showcases the warmth and simplicity of Egyptian home cooking. Ingredients (Seasonings should

Egyptian Goulash: A Crispy & Savory Phyllo Meat Pie Egyptian-style goulash is a savory, comforting dish that layers spiced meat and crispy phyllo dough for a delightful contrast of textures. This version of goulash is made with seasoned ground beef or lamb, combined with aromatic spices like coriander and nutmeg, all wrapped in golden, flaky phyllo dough. The result is a deliciously rich and satisfying pie, perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether served as a main

Egyptian Kishk | A Creamy & Savory Porridge Egyptian kishk is a traditional savory porridge made with a creamy base of flour, milk, and rich chicken broth. It's gently simmered to a smooth, velvety consistency and topped with golden fried onions for added depth and flavor. Often served with fried chicken and fresh baladi bread, kishk is a comforting dish that brings the warmth of Egyptian village kitchens to the table. Ingredients (Seasonings should be added to taste.)   For

Egyptian Kamounia | Beef & Cumin Stew Egyptian kamounia is a rich and flavorful beef stew simmered in a cumin-forward tomato sauce. It's known for its deep, earthy aroma and tender beef that melts in your mouth. Served over vermicelli rice, kamounia is a comforting dish that brings bold spices and warm, home-cooked tradition to every bite. Ingredients (Seasonings should be added to taste.) For the Beef and Tomato Sauce: 2 pounds beef sirloin roast clarified butter 1 yellow on

Egyptian Kofta | Meatballs in Tomato Sauce Egyptian kofta is a beloved comfort food made from spiced ground beef shaped into oblong patties. Unlike meatballs, kofta is traditionally mixed with minced onions, herbs, and Egyptian rice for added texture and flavor. It’s seared for color, then gently simmered in a rich tomato sauce until tender. Served over fluffy vermicelli rice with a side of pickled vegetables, this hearty dish is a staple of home-style Egyptian cooking. Ingre

Egyptian Loubia | Black Eyed Beans in Tomato Sauce Egyptian-style black-eyed beans, known as loubia in Arabic, is a comforting, home-cooked staple found in many Egyptian kitchens. This simple yet flavorful dish features tender black-eyed beans simmered in a rich tomato sauce infused with warm spices like cumin and coriander. Often served over a bed of fluffy Egyptian rice with vermicelli, Loubia is hearty, wholesome, and perfect for an everyday meal. It’s a classic example of

Egyptian Style Chicken Shawarma Chicken shawarma is a beloved Middle Eastern street food made by stacking marinated chicken on a vertical skewer and roasting it until tender and juicy. It's known for its bold spices, smoky aroma, and thin slices of flavorful meat. Typically served in warm pita bread with garlic sauce, tahina, pickled turnips, and fries, chicken shawarma delivers a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and creamy flavors in every bite. Ingredients (Seasonings shou

Egyptian Lift | Pickled Turnips Pickled turnips are a staple in many Middle Eastern and Mediterranean kitchens, known for their vibrant pink color and tangy, slightly spicy flavor. They get their signature hue from the addition of beets during the pickling process. Crunchy, refreshing, and full of zing, these pickles are often served alongside grilled meats, shawarma sandwiches, or simply enjoyed on their own as a snack. They add a burst of color and flavor to any meal. Ingre

Mish Cheese | An Ancient Egyptian Salty Fermented Cheese Mish cheese is one of Egypt’s oldest and most distinctive foods — a salty, fermented cheese that captures the bold, rustic flavors of traditional Egyptian cuisine. Made by aging cheese in a rich, spiced brine for years, Mish develops a deep, slaty taste that’s both intense and addictive. Often enjoyed with fresh pita bread and sweet fruits like watermelon, this ancient delicacy is a true taste of Egyptian heritage. Ingr