Zena Kashat

Michigan summers are ~the~ best When it’s nice out, the last place you’ll find me is inside in front of the stove. You can find me, however, at the grill most summer days🌞 get you a girl who can do both🥰 On the menu tonight: grilled coffee pork loin using @freshjax Sunrise Cowgirl’s Rub. Smoky, earthy, and slightly sweet I mean hey, there’s more uses for coffee for your average cup o’ joe. I’ll be using this rub on repeat this summer🌝 For 15% off Fresh Jax spices, use the link in my bio! I seriously love all of their spices and blends http://freshJax.refr.cc #detroitmichigan #michigansummers #paleo #grilling #grillingseason #pork #grilltime #grillingandchilling #coffeerub #feedfeed #paleo #summerrecipes #detroitfoodie #healthydinner #thekitchn #iamwellandgood #glutenfreefood #healthyfoodshare #foodvideo

summer peach cobbler with melty vanilla ice cream 🍦👅💦✨ - Peach Base: * 6-7 medium fresh peaches, sliced * 1/4 cup white sugar * 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom * 1/2 tsp cinnamon * 2 tablespoons butter, melted
 Cobbler Topping: * 1 cup white AP flour * 1/2 cup white sugar * 1/4 cup brown sugar * 1 teaspoon baking powder * 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom * 1/4 teaspoon salt * 1/2 teaspoon vanilla * 1/2 cup butter (melted) * 1/4 cup turbinado sugar (Sugar in the Raw) * Vanilla bean Ice cream Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 - 35 mins. Cobbler should be juicy and bubbly around the sides Sprinkle with coarse sugar/turbinado sugar for the last 10 mins and then broil on low for a few more minutes to get the top a nice golden brown Let cool for 10-15 mins before digging in (good luck with that 😅) and eating with vanilla ice cream 🍨 - #peachcobbler #peach #cobbler #peachrecipes #dessert #baking #feedfeedbaking #f52grams #feedfeed #summerrecipes #iamwellandgood #mindbodygram #eatgoodfeelgood #nourish #eatrealfood #pantryrecipes #flexitarian #lunchrecipes #foodvideo #simplerecipes #huffposttaste #epicurious #detroitblogger

When I just want a hug from my mama but can’t, eating her Chicken Biryani comes in as a close second The warm spices make me feel all cozy inside, just like her hugs😩🥺 - Iraqi Chicken Biryani: * 1 package of chicken thighs/pieces * 4 cups broth and/or water * 1.5 cups basmati rice * 1 medium russet potatoes, cubed and deep fried OR roasted in advance * 1 medium onion, peeled * 2 cloves of garlic * 1/2 cup vermicelli noodles * 1 bay leaves, one dried lime (black lime), 4 pods of cardamom * 1 T baharat/allspice seasoning (or make your own: 1 teaspoon, grounded, of each: cinnamon, turmeric, clove, black pepper, cardamom, cumin, coriander) * 1 tsp saffron or turmeric * 1/4 cup golden raisins * 1/3 cup halved almonds, toasted * Salt and pepper to taste
 In a dutch oven or pot, sear seasoned chicken thighs (salt & pepper) in oil until crust forms. Add onion, garlic, bay leaf, lime, and cardamom De-glaze the pot with broth &/or water. Braise the chicken for about half an hour, covered on medium to medium-low In a separate pan, fry the vermicelli noodles in neutral oil. When it turns golden brown, pour in 1 cup of water, bring it to a boil, and then let it simmer over low until water is gone and vermicelli is soft. Add the cooked potatoes, raisins, spices, and salt & pepper to taste to aand allow flavors to get to know each other for ~5 mins. Reserve to side Back to the chicken. Once done, take out chicken with a slotted spoon and put off to the side. Take out the whole spices (bay leaf, lime, and cardamom) Use the reserved broth in the pot to cook the rice. Add in saffron or turmeric, and stir rice to ensure even color distribution. Cook per box instructions Optional: while rice is cooking, you can shred the chicken and fry in butter/ghee to crisp it up…or just leave it as is! You’ll be mixing it with the rice anwways Once rice is done, add in potato-vermicelli mixture + shredded chicken to the rice. Mix and fluff. Top with more golden raisins, slivered almonds, and herbs! Mint or parsley are classic Middle Eastern combos❤️ #biryani #chickenbiryani #iraqifood #middleeasternfood #chickenandrice #arabicfood #dinnerideas #ethnicfood #momscooking #homechef

Finally getting back into some sort of routine...my summer internship just started! Virtually though😔 In the meantime, I’m still trying to have fun with my cooking French Toast Waffles: Prepare your french toast using your go-to recipe. Use any toast you have on hand, day-old/stale bread is best! Prepare your french toast batter/custard. For about 5-6 pieces of toast I whisk together: 2 eggs, ~1/2 cup milk, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp vanilla extract, pinch of salt, and 1 T of sweetener (honey, sugar, maple syrup, etc. this helps form a nice caramelized crust🤤) Dip your bread in the batter and coat on both sides, but don’t let the bread become soggy! Here comes the fun part…instead of cooking your french toast in a skillet, put it in a waffle maker to make the “waffles” ‼️ Once done, dust with powdered sugar or even some cinnamon sugar. Warm maple syrup too - #EEEEEATS #breakfastideas #frenchtoast #brunch #kitchenhacks #waffles #frenchtoastwaffles #feedfeed #f52grams #vsco #vscofood #kitchn #food52 #nytcooking #epicurious #huffposttaste #foodphotography #homechef #detroitblogger

Summer salads are my ish No matter what we’re having for dinner, my mom’s go-to side dish is this Chopped Iraqi Cucumber Salad I grew up eating this and will never get tired of eating it🤤 The one thing about my mom and Nana’s cooking, and Arab cooking in general, is that we eyeball everything A pinch of this and a dash of that. No exact measurements, just tailor to your preferences! Ingredients: -persian cucumbers -roma tomatoes -chickpeas -red onion -red radishes -boiled/roasted beets (add them in at the end to make sure everything doesn’t turn purple) Dressing: -lemon juice -red wine vinegar -dried mint -sumac -fresh chopped parsley -touch of honey -touch of dijon to emulsify -minced garlic -sour salt/citric acid if you have -lots of extra virgin olive oil -salt and pepper to taste! #saladrecipe #iraqifood #cucumbersalad #summersalad #arabicfood #arabfood #easymeals #atxblogger #thekitchn #feedfeed #thenewhealthy #quickmeals #wellandgoodeats #glutenfreefood #makesmewhole #goodmoodfood #todayfood #detroitblogger

I’m on a coronacation with some friends (that I’ve already been seeing/quarantining with, don’t worry) One meal that never fails to be a crowd pleaser is a ~make your own taco bar~ 🌶💃🏽🌽🌮 Cauliflower Lentil Tacos with Garlic Cashew Cream and Fire-Roasted Corn. Used the lentils as taco “meat” - I cooked the lentils in broth, bouillon, salt and pepper Once cooked until soft, I sautéed shallot and garlic in butter in a separate pan, added the lentils, and seasoned with: *smoked paprika *cumin *coriander *oregano >Then mashed in< *chipotle peppers in adobo sauce *a little bit of water/broth I let it all simmer on low until the flavors got to know each other Meanwhile, I charred some cauliflower and sweet corn, heated up the tortillas (I used @latortillafactory low carb tortillas), and prepared my toppings Garnished with red cabbage, thinly sliced jalapeños, avocado, and leftover garlic cashew cream (see my last post…I used it in pasta. It’s super versatile!) Super tasty, super filling, and definitely has a kick🔥💃 Head to my highlights to see how I made it! #feedfeedvegan #epicurious #cashewcream #corn #tacos #lentils #vegantacos #memorialdayweekend #veganrecipes #plantpowered #cookingathome #easyrecipes #eeeeeats #healthylifestyle #plantbasedrecipes

Jambalaya inspired summer skillet✨This is great to feed a crowd too! 1 - 1.5 cups of rice (I used @eatbanza chickpea rice!), colored with turmeric or saffron for the bright yellow color While rice is cooking, sauté sliced andouille or kielbasa sausage on medium until just starting to turn brown. Add in minced onion, garlic, chopped red bell peppers, a pat of butter & cook until onion becomes translucent and garlic is fragrant Add in cleaned raw shrimp + season to taste w: *salt & pepp *cajun seasoning (paprika, garlic powder, ground black, pepper, ground white pepper, onion powder, dried oregano, cayenne, thyme) stir in al dente rice and let everything in the pot “get to know each other” for a few mins Top with parsley and/or cilantro leaves, a little more salt and pepp to taste! - #banza #skilletmeals #jambalaya #andouillesausage #shrimpfriedrice #mywilliamsonoma #thekitchn #feedfeed #feedfeedglutenfree #quickmeals #mindbodygram #healthyish #glutenfreefood #makesmewhole #todayfood

How to make boujee peaches and cream toast🍑🍞 -toast (i used @daveskillerbread) -ricotta cheese (i used @belgioiosocheese) -a juicy peach -honey (use #localhoney if you can!) -fresh thyme -freshly cracked black pepper -flakey sea salt #toast #toasttuesday #peaches #peachesandcream #foodvideos #foodvideo #feedfeed #thefeedfeed #ricottacheese #ricottatoast #foodiesofinstagram #foodforfoodies #foodgawker #cooking #homechef #cookingathome #pantrystaples #healthyfood

classic middle eastern combo that I’ve been enjoying lately: labne, zaatar, extra virgin olive oil, sea salt, and warm bakery “samoon” bread ✨ - #EEEEEATS #breakfastideas #f52grams #middleeasternfood #labneh #zaatar #samoon #arabfood #vsco #vscofood #food52 #foodgawker #gloobyfood #huffposttaste #feedfeed #healthyish #foodphotography #chefsofinstagram

The only lifting I’ll do 🍪🥛🏋️‍♀️ Doubled this batch of brown butter chocolate chip cookies for a cookie drop-off for some of my friends. Only this time, I added homemade toffee bits and used EXTRA dark chocolate for something really rich Who wants? Brown Butter Chocolate Sea Salt Cookies: -2 sticks unsalted, cultured butter -2 cups AP flour -1 teaspoon baking soda
-1 teaspoon kosher salt
-1 cup packed dark brown sugar
-1/4 cup granulated sugar
-2 large eggs room temperature
-1 teaspoon vanilla extract -1 tsp vanilla bean paste -1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
-2 dark chocolate bars (I used @ghirardelli 86%) -1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (reserve about 1/4 cup for topping off the cookies before baking) -1 cup toffee bits, optional
-flaky @maldonsalt Slowly brown the butter in a small saucepan on low to low-medium heat (watch and monitor carefully!) Transfer to a big mixing bowl and let cool slightly, ~10 mins. While butter is cooling, measure flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a separate mixing bowl Back to the bowl with brown butter🧈 Add in the sugars and vanillas and whisk until thoroughly combined. Add eggs in 🥚, one at a time and whisk until fully incorporated before adding in the next egg. Mix Slowly add in the dry ingredients and fold with rubber spatula until just combined. Fold in chopped chocolate bar and ~1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips. Mix until cookie dough has formed. Using a mix between a chopped chocolate bar and choco chips really is key here for a rich flavor in every bite Cover bowl with plastic wrap, with the plastic touching the cookie dough + let rest in the fridge overnight, preferably for 2 days! 🌬❄️ When ready to bake, allow batter to come to room temp by leaving bowl out ~ 1 hour Preheat oven to 375F. Scoop out 1 oz portions on parchment lined cookie sheet. Decorate with remaining choco chips & bake for 9-11 mins When done baking, sprinkle with flakey sea salt immediately Transfer to wire cooling rack and cool! - #feedfeed #foodvideo #chocolatechipcookies #2daycookies #brownbuttercookies #brownbutter #baking #feedfeedbaking #EEEEEATS #f52grams #vsco #vscofood #kitchn #food52 #foodgawker #gloobyfood #huffposttaste

Pancake cereal can be cute and all, but this bowl isn’t cute, it’s zesty (sexy?)🍋 - Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, for 1: * 1/3 cup flour * 1/2 tsp baking powder * 1/4 tsp baking soda * 1 T sugar * Pinch of salt * 1/4 cup milk * 1 T melted butter * 3 generous T ricotta cheese * 1 egg * Splash of vanilla * Juice of 1 small lemon + zest, plus more for garnish * Butter for cooking Whisk dry in a bowl and wet in another. Add dry to wet, and mix until just incorporated. Cook in a buttered cast iron skillet, + top with more butter, lemon zest, and honey while still hot🔥💧🍯 - #pancakecereal #pancakes #pancakeart #lemonricottapancakes #ricottapancakes #EEEEEATS #breakfastideas #f52grams #vsco #vscofood #kitchn #food52 #foodgawker #gloobyfood #huffposttaste #feedfeed #healthyish #chefsofinstagram #detroitblogger

My hair isn’t the only thing that needs to be trimmed during this lockdown. The mint in my garden is starting to grow like weeds…a sign that I know warmer days are coming!🎊🎉 If you have an abundance of herbs growing, or even a bundle sadly sitting in the fridge, use it to make pesto! I used my fresh mint in this pantry pasta, which is legit just spring in a bowl🌸🐣☀️ It’s super customizable—leave out the peas, add in some greens like spinach or arugula, switch out mint and parsley for chives and basil, swap almonds for walnuts. You get the drill Creamy Mint and Parsley Pesto Pasta with Peas (serves 4-6) Pesto: * 1/2 cup fresh or frozen/thawed green peas * 1 cup packed fat leaf parsley * 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves * 3 Tbsp. toasted nuts (whatever you have on hand! I used walnuts) * Juice and zest of 1 large lemon * 1/2 cup pecorino romano or parmesan cheese * 2 medium garlic cloves * ½ tsp. salt and pepper, or to taste * 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes * 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil Pasta: * 1 box of your favorite shape of @eatbanza (a shape that is good at holding sauces like shells, rotini, casarecce, etc.) + salt to salt your pasta water * 1/2 cup of thawed peas to mix in * 1/2 cup reserved pasta water * Garnishes: more lemon zest, a squeeze of lemon juice, parmesan, chopped mint + parsley, cheese, red pepper flakes, black pepper, etc. Combine all pesto ingredients in a food processor or blender until sauce has formed. If using a food processor, drizzle in the oil slowly with a steady stream while motor is running until smooth. Season with more salt or pepper to taste. Cook 1 box of Banza water until al-dente, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water. Drain and add in reserved 1/2 cup of peas and the pesto sauce. Gently mix while adding in pasta liquid until pasta is glossy and well-coated with the pesto! Garnish with more cheese (obviously) and if you want, top with more lemon zest, a squeeze of fresh lemon, chopped mint + parsley, black pepper, and red pepper flakes! #banza #chickpeapasta #pantrypasta #noodlegram #carbs #pastagram #quarantinerecipes #pestopasta #mint #peas #mintandpeas #pesto #springrecipes #f52grams #feedfeed #realfood #iamwellandgood

Exactly 1 year ago, I was studying abroad in Europe living my best life and eating the. BEST. food. So reminiscing on that, I tried re-creating authentic Italian pies for Mother’s Day Homemade dough, lots of love & labor & patience, a few minor cuts and burns, and well-thought out combinations🍕 The only thing I think my mother ~didn’t~ appreciate was how many dishes I made😅😂 - Barbecue Chicken Pizza: * Foil-packet chicken breast (seasoned with salt, pepper, & onion powder, and also added 2 cloves of garlic and a pat of butter to the packet), then shredded. Cooking it this way makes it SO juicy and flavorful * @ghughessugarfree barbecue sauce * Low-moisture mozzarella (@traderjoes) * @kerrygoldusa dublinercheese * Gouda (@traderjoes) Once out of the oven, topped with: *crumbled parmigiana reggiano * Homemade pickled red onions * Cilantro * Red pepper flakes
 Neapolitan Pizza: * Buffalo mozzarella * San Marzano tomato puree (I just added a little bit of salt to the can and used an immersion blender to make a simple puree!) Once out of the oven, topped with: * Crumbled parmigiano reggiano * Drizzle of extra virgin olive oil * Fresh Basil White Truffle Mushroom Pizza (Pizza Bianca): * Low-moisture mozzarella * Shiitake and baby bella mushrooms sautéed in lots of butter with salt, pepper, onion powder, and minced garlic * Sprinkle of minced garlic and cubes of butter
Once out of the oven and still SUPER hot, topped with * Whole milk ricotta * Goat cheese * Flakey sea salt & black pepper * White truffle oil from @plummarket * Fresh Thyme I baked all of my pizzas on @bakingsteel pizza stone! Out of all of the flavor combos, the truffle mushroom one has to be my fav. Truffle anything for me, really. As soon as I took my first bite, it was like I was eating my way through the bustling streets of Florence again💔 #pizza #margheritapizza #neapolitanpizza #truffleoil #homechef #cheese #feedfeed #homemade #italianfood #chefsofinstagram #traderjoeslist #vscofood #food52 #bonappetit #tasty #bbqchicken #feedfeed #quarantinecooking #mothersday

Imagine having a private chef cook for you during quarantine. That’s literally what I am to my brother at this point😐😩 Been making this Cinnamon French Toast with a Banana Foster-esque sauce for him this past week. If you’re tired of baking banana bread during this lockdown, but still have overripe bananas, this one’s for you. The sauce comes together soooo quick and you can top it on top of french toast, pancakes, waffles, ICE CREAM…the list goes on Brown Sugar Caramel Banana Sauce: 2-3 T butter 2-3 T packed dark brown sugar 1 tsp vanilla 1/4 cup heavy cream (or whole milk if that’s what ya have on hand!) Dash of cinnamon A pinch of salt (more salt if you want it to taste like salted caramel) 1 sliced banana Melt butter in saucepan on medium to medium-low. Add brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt and cook until syrupy and just starting to bubble, about 1-2 minutes. Add in heavy cream and mix until combined. Add in bananas and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes. Spoon over any and everything, or your go-to french toast recipe :) - #frenchtoast #bananafoster #caramelizedbananas #bananarecipes #EEEEEATS #breakfastideas #f52grams #vsco #vscofood #kitchn #food52 #foodgawker #huffposttaste #feedfeed #foodphotography #chefsofinstagram #detroitblogger

I’m pasta-tive that noodles for dinner will never fail me. Really been on a pasta kick lately. I apologize if this recipe is pasta due @eatbanza shells, kale and broccoli sautéed in garlic and butter, and grilled chicken breast all tossed in Roasted Garlic Cashew Cream. Thinned out with a little pasta water and lemon juice + added more parmesan & red pepper flakes on top, because why not! Roasted Garlic Cashew Cream (DF): 1.5 cup raw cashews, soaked in water for at least 2 hours 1 cup water Juice and zest of 1 lemon 1 whole bulb of garlic, roasted Drizzle of extra virgin olive oil Salt & pepper to taste Optional: nutritional yeast for a “cheesier” flavor Soak the cashews in a bowl for at least 2 hours and set aside before making the sauce. In the meantime, roast your bulb of garlic Cutting it in half to expose each clove (cross-sectional), drizzle with olive oil & season with salt and pepper. Wrap in foil and roast on 375F for roughly ~1 hour, or until cloves are soft like butter! The cloves should be able to pop out easily :) Once ready to make the sauce, blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth and creamy #pastagram #noodles #roastedgarlic #cashewrecipes #homemade #pasta #homechef #f52grams #vsco #vscofood #kitchn #savory #foodgawker #gloobyfood #huffposttaste #feedfeed #healthyish #foodphotography #chefsofinstagram