The best calamari are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. This requires a thin coating of the flour mixture and then quick-frying in oil at the proper temperature. Enoy it as is, with a squeeze of lemon or with Basil Aïoli Dipping Sauce.
Lasagna on a weeknight? We've made it possible with this skillet version, layered with cremini mushrooms, baby spinach and a creamy béchamel sauce. For the best texture, make sure to drain the mushrooms fully to get rid of any excess moisture, which will otherwise make the filling runny.
Ras el hanout offers great bang for your buck in the flavour department. Just a bit of this North African spice blend adds depth to everything from meats to grains to sauces. It can be purchased premixed from Middle Eastern grocery stores or in specialty spice shops. If you can't find it, you can easily make your own using spices you already have on hand.
Arctic char looks much like salmon, yet it boasts a milder, more delicate flavour; it's also a more sustainable choice. If you can't find it in stores, you can substitute with rainbow trout. Arctic char fillets can be quite large, so cut them into smaller portions, if needed, before coating them in the spice mix.
For crispier chicken skins, place the roasted legs on a single baking sheet and broil for a couple of minutes.
No party is complete without chips and dip. This dip has za'atar, a Middle Eastern spice blend, which can be found in most grocery stores. Check the expiration date on the walnuts you're buying to ensure they are fresh. Soaking them overnight gets rid of the astringency that some people don't like, so give this recipe a try – even if you think you don't like walnuts!
Combine beef and pork in these classic rolls or use all beef if you prefer. Save leftover green cabbage for braising or stir-frying.
The fragrant spices of North African cuisine come to life in this Moroccan-style tagine, which features sweet-tasting cinnamon. You'll find jarred preserved lemons in specialty grocery stores and the international section of many supermarkets.
This fun twist on chicken tikka masala packs the richly spiced flavours of the popular Indian-style meal into a fresh and easy salad. You can buy chicken breasts already sliced into cutlets or simply cut whole boneless breasts in half horizontally.
Pure Canadian maple syrup, pure fancy molasses and sweet mustard blend with the flavour of the two-pepper rub on pork tenderloin for an "mmm..." sweet and spicy finish. Casual entertaining proves far more enjoyable if preparation is fairly simple, allowing the cook an opportunity to benefit along with the guests. Pork tenderloin, properly skinned and cleaned, makes the perfect surface for a dry rub. Rubbed with a simple mixture of freshly ground pepper, cayenne and a dash of salt, the tenderloin can be prepared as far ahead as the night before or just before guests arrive. Initially grilled on high for 10 minutes, it is then brushed with a prepared glaze and finished grilling. Once done, it is removed from the heat and tented with foil for approximately 5-10 minutes. To serve, slice pork and fan around a platter. Drizzle remaining glaze over the meat. Serve with garlic mashed potatoes, steamed honey dill carrots and a fresh garden salad on the side. Alternately, plate individually (pictured).
