Maryam's Culinary Wonders: Best Of MCW 501-600

Good bread and cheese is one of my weaknesses. The worst part of dieting is having to forgo them. Whether it were in the simplest forms, or an elaborate cheese board, they are a pleasure to eat and share. So I kick off Part 6 of the Best of MCW series with just that: bread and cheese.
However, this bread isn't just any old bread; it is one of the many adaptations of the no-knead overnight crusty bread recipe, forming stecca sticks flavored three ways: olive, tomato, and garlic.
See also part 1 and part 2, part 3 , part 4 , and part 5 of previous Best Of series.

My mother's elegant beetroot salad is one I make time and again, for family and for guests.

This roasted beetroot salad is another firm favorite.

I think this blackeyed bean salad is an Ottoman influence in Iraq, since bean salads are a staple in Turkey.

A definite highlight of this compilation is this Iraqi thareed bagilla, the breakfast of kings on weekends or even for Eid mornings.

But without a doubt, this Iraqi dolma takes the crown for the best of the best of.

I should make this Iraqi herbed fish stew more often. Such a complex and delightful combination of flavors.

Nothing beats the original bamia, but this vegetarian bamia does the trick to curb the craving very well.

When green beans are in season, it is immensely rewarding to make this Iraqi green bean stew. But don't let the seasons stop you when frozen beans are just as good.

The Lebanese were on to something when they decided to toss food in a garlic and pomegranate molasses mixture. Here are chicken wings tossed in this magical combination that will be your go-to for chicken wings.

This blog is in dire need for an Iraqi keema recipe, but here is an Indian version meanwhile.

I am a freak for freekeh. This version with nuts drives people nuts.

This cauliflower rice shrimp stir fry was one of my first attempts at subbing cauliflower for rice, and is a huge success.

Swedish meatballs served over spaghetti. A worthy meal.

This gourmet sandwich does take time and planning ahead, but a single bit will render all efforts rewarded.

Iraqi fast food looks like this: Egg Mango Pickle Sandwich, consisting simply of boiled egg and mango pickle

Spicy chicken sandwiches are welcome at any occasion.

The sweet chili in these sausage rolls transforms the plain classic completely.

Puff pastry was never one of those things I thought I'd be making, but here I am prefferring making it is under 10 minutes rather than using bland store bought versions. So many uses in both the sweet and savory worlds.