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Baked Kofta with Vegetables

After a long day of fasting from sunrise to sunset, there’s nothing more comforting than a homemade meal that brings everyone together. Kofta bi Seniyah; which translates to “Kofta in the pan” is one of those dishes that fills the house with warmth and mouth-watering aromas. Juicy kofta patties, roasted golden potatoes, sweet tomatoes, onions, and peppers all simmer in a rich, flavourful tomato sauce. It’s hearty, nostalgic, and best enjoyed with rice or fresh pita bread! Ingredients For the Kofta: Plant-based mince beef (or mince beef) ½ onion, grated ¼ cup breadcrumbs (I prefer to use Sainsbury's Cranberry, Orange & Chestnut Stuffing for added flavour) 2 cloves garlic, crushed 2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander For the Vegetables & Sauce: 3 potatoes, peeled & sliced into ¼-inch rounds 3 bell peppers, sliced 2 onions, sliced 3 tomatoes, sliced 3 tbsp tomato paste 2 cloves garlic, crushed 1 tbsp pomegranate molasses 2½ cups vegetable broth 1 tsp salt ½ tsp black pepp...

Cultivating Calm: The Therapeutic Benefits of Gardening and Nature

Gardening has become such a vital part of my healing journey, and it all started during the COVID lockdown. With not being able to go out and socialize, I found myself growing vegetables and fruits in my garden and greenhouse, a way to feel connected to nature and find some peace amidst all the uncertainty. When I moved to Brighton and was diagnosed, the journey took another turn. Through the Macmillan Horizon Centre, I found the Macmillan Community allotment , and it quickly became my Wednesday morning refuge. My chemo treatments were scheduled every other Wednesday, but once I joined the volunteer team at the Community allotment, those Wednesdays were no longer about treatment, they were about the gardening. It became my therapy, my community, and my lifeline during treatment. Growing and sharing organic produce from the allotment with fellow patients became an act of kindness that brought me immense joy and purpose. It was such a beautiful way to connect with others who were on thei...

Chicken Tagine with Preserved Lemons and Olives

This dish holds a special place in my heart. I first learned how to make it from my Algerian friend’s mum, and from that moment on, I was hooked. There’s something magical about the way the warm spices, tender chicken, tangy preserved lemons, and briny olives come together... it’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with the most incredible aroma and makes you want to gather around the table. Of course, I couldn’t resist adding my own little twist. I like to throw in a handful of raisins for a hint of sweetness. It’s not exactly traditional, and my friend gave me a sceptical look the first time I did it, but I love how the subtle sweetness balances the bold flavours. If you’ve never made a tagine before, don’t worry. you don’t actually need a special tagine pot to enjoy this dish. A good heavy-bottomed pan or Dutch oven works just as well. At its core, a tagine is really just a slow-cooked stew, layered with rich spices and sometimes a touch of dried fruit or nuts. So, whethe...

Navigating Work and Life While Managing Breast Cancer

When cancer enters your life, it feels like a sudden storm, disrupting every aspect of your existence with its demands and emotional toll. Yet, despite the overwhelming nature of such a diagnosis, it doesn't have to completely define your existence. Maintaining some semblance of normal life, be it through work, relationships, or hobbies, can be a source of strength and continuity. However, everyone's experience with cancer is uniquely theirs. While some might find their daily routines and priorities wholly transformed, others, like myself, strive to weave treatment into an existing tapestry of responsibilities. The role of a support system, mental health resources, and personal perspective cannot be understated in navigating these challenges. My own journey took a dramatic turn right before my surgery for breast cancer, requiring me to step back from a demanding job as Head of Delivery at the Greater London Authority. It wasn't just about taking time off; my role demanded a...

Shish Barak – A Comforting Twist on a Classic

Shish Barak has always been one of my favourite Middle Eastern comfort meals. Traditionally, it’s made with homemade dumplings stuffed with spiced meat, then simmered in a garlicky yogurt sauce; warm, creamy, and full of nostalgic flavours. But let’s be real, making dumplings from scratch takes time, and sometimes you just want that delicious taste without all the effort. That’s why my version is a little different; I swap the homemade dough for pasta and use plant-based mince instead of meat. It’s a simplified take on the classic, but still packed with all the comforting flavours I grew up loving. If you’re looking for a cosy, flavourful meal that comes together more easily, this twist on Shish Barak might just become your new favourite too! Ingredients: For the Yogurt 1 tub of Greek Yogurt 1 tbs Corn-starch Salt 3 Garlic cloves 1 red onion Water For the pasta stuffing Conchiglie rigate pasta Plant-Based Mince Beef (or mince beef) 1 tbsp Olive oil 1 tsp ground coriander 1 t...

Redefining Life After Cancer: My Journey to a New Normal

In 2023, my world - and my family’s - was completely turned upside down with my breast cancer diagnosis. It was the year my biggest dream came true when we bought our house. And it was the year my worst nightmare became reality when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Two life-altering events, colliding at the same time. But it wasn’t just life that changed... I will never return to the person I was before cancer. Sometime I grieve that version of me, the one who lived without this constant awareness of mortality. I thought I understood that life was finite, but there’s a difference between knowing it in theory and feeling it in your bones every day. The fear of recurrence or the cancer spreading isn’t just an abstract worry; it’s a shadow that lingers, a rational dread because cancer doesn’t play by the rules. It can return or spread at any time. And that reality is something I have to learn to live with. The idea of a “happily ever after” shattered in an instant. Moving into our new ...

Aubergine Maqluba

If you’ve ever had Maqluba (or Makloubeh, you know it’s more than just a meal... it’s an experience. This beloved rice dish is a showstopper, perfect for family gatherings or special occasions. Maqluba is all about layers... fluffy, spiced rice, chicken or tender lamb, and perfectly roasted vegetables (aubergine, tomatoes, cauliflower or potatoes). My favourite part is when you flip the pot onto a platter and reveal the beautiful layers underneath. That’s where the name comes from - Maqluba; literally means “upside down.” It might seem intimidating at first, but trust me, it’s easier than it looks and absolutely worth it. The combination of flavours and textures is simply irresistible. If you haven’t tried making it yet, now’s the time! In this recipe I swapped the traditional meat or chicken with Isn't Beef plant-based mince. Ingredients For the Rice: 1 cup basmati rice 1 tbsp olive oil 1 tsp 7-spice blend ½ tsp salt ½ tsp black pepper 2 ¼ cup boiling vegetable broth For the Beef ...