Baby food: Dhal for Beginners

(8 months +)
Don't raise your eyebrows! This intensely coloured purée is packed with nutrients, and the ground spices provide flavour without heat. Let your older kids dip strips of naan, whole grain toast or pita in this as a snack.

Moudardara-Stuffed Peppers

Slow Cooker Vegetable Bean Soup

Mint and turmeric add a unique flair to this minestrone-esque soup.

Biryani-Inspired Vegetable Rice

Watch how Canadian Living's Senior Food Specialist Alison Kent prepares this fragrant dish in our Test Kitchen video: Biryani-Inspired Vegetable Rice.

Peasant Soup

Filling, nutritious and inexpensive, you can't go wrong with a meal made out of Peasant Soup served with fresh crusty bread on the side.

Middle Eastern Vegetable Stew

Za'atar is a Middle Eastern spice blend made from a combination of ground sesame seeds, thyme, sumac, marjoram and oregano. Exotic blends like this are becoming easier to find in most grocery stores. Serve over couscous.

Pork & Barley Bowls

Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie

Thanks to wholesome lentils and umami-rich mushrooms and soy sauce, even meat lovers will enjoy this vegetarian take on a traditionally meaty comfort-food classic. For faster prep, pulse together the mushrooms, onion and carrot in a food processor until they're finely chopped.

Harira

Pasta Shells in Double Cheese Sauce