Persian Roasted Eggplant Dip
Mirza Ghasemi is a traditional Persian eggplant dish originating from the northern Iranian region of Gilan. Known for its rich aroma and smoky flavor, it combines roasted eggplant with garlic,...
https://www.chefspencil.com
Vegetarian
Pepper and Feta Saganaki
While many people know saganaki as Greece’s famous fried cheese appetizer, the term actually refers to the small pan traditionally used to prepare a variety of dishes. This Greek pepper...
Sweet Pea Soup
Few ingredients capture the arrival of spring quite like fresh sweet peas. Their delicate sweetness and vibrant green color make them a natural choice for lighter seasonal dishes, but in...
Cucumber Gazpacho
Created by Chef Giorgos Tsoulis, this cucumber gazpacho is a modern, refreshing take on the classic chilled soup. Built around crisp cucumber, aromatic herbs, and a touch of apple cider...
Easy High-Protein Banana Oat Pudding
This baked banana protein oat pudding is a simple, nourishing breakfast (or post work-out treat) that comes together in minutes. Made with ripe banana, oats, yogurt, and a boost of...
Spinach & Ricotta Pancake Casserole
This savory spinach and ricotta pancake casserole is a delicious baked dish made by rolling tender homemade pancakes around a creamy spinach and ricotta filling, then baking them with eggs...
Bouyourdi: Baked Feta w/ Tomatoes & Peppers
Bouyourdi is a spicy, traditional Greek meze made for sharing, the kind of dish that naturally brings people together around the table. Baked until hot and bubbling, it layers sweet...
Sweet Potato Pesto
This Sweet Potato Pesto blends soft roasted sweet potato with parmesan, garlic, and walnuts to create a velvety, flavorful sauce that feels both comforting and fresh. It’s an easy and...
Greek Beer & Cheese Dip
This creamy beer dip from Chef Giorgos Tsoulis blends the smooth richness of cream cheese with the foamy bite of blonde beer, creating a dip that’s both bold and comforting....
Potato Dauphinois: French Scalloped Potatoes
Few dishes capture the essence of French comfort cooking like Potato Dauphinois. This rich, creamy gratin layers thinly sliced potatoes with butter, garlic, and thyme, all baked slowly in heavy...
Mediterranean Chickpea & Eggplant Casserole
This wholesome Chickpea & Eggplant Casserole by Chef Giorgos Tsoulis is a celebration of Mediterranean simplicity and nourishment. Packed with fiber-rich chickpeas, roasted eggplants, and ripe tomatoes, it delivers a...
Halloween Pumpkin Cheese Balls
These adorable pumpkin-shaped cheese balls are a fun and flavorful appetizer that will steal the spotlight at any Halloween or fall gathering. Made with a rich blend of cream cheese,...
Halloween Cheesy Pretzel Broomsticks
Looking for a fun, no-fuss and super easy-to-make treat to celebrate Halloween? Chef Giorgos Tsoulis has you covered with these playful broom-shaped pretzels. Made with simple ingredients like pretzel sticks,...
Persian Layered Rice with Millet, Nuts & Fruits
This Persian layered rice with millet, nuts and fruits is a festive and aromatic dish that highlights the art of Persian rice-making. Layered with fragrant spices, dried fruits, nuts, and...
Sweet Corn Johnny Cakes w/ Honey & Peppers
We love making this recipe during corn season. Otto File is a variety of dried flint corn, usually harvested the year before, so we pair it with fresh sweet corn...
Garlic Rolls (Ukrainian Pampushki)
These garlic rolls (pampushki) are absolutely irresistible! Soft, fluffy dough with a golden, salty garlic crust and fragrant fresh herbs—just thinking about them makes my mouth water. A beloved staple...
Risotto alla Milanese: Risotto w/ Saffron & Sausage
Chef Giorgos Tsoulis cooks with us the most delicious Risotto alla Milanese with sausage—a dish so good it’s guaranteed to drive you crazy! This Northern Italian classic gets a hearty...
Megrelian Khachapuri
These Megrelian Khachapuri are absolutely irresistible. The warm, fluffy dough wrapped around rich, melted sulguni cheese is pure comfort food. A golden, crispy crust adds just the right crunch, while...
Roasted Potatoes with Tahini Yogurt Sauce
Roasted to golden perfection, this delicious potato dish combines the earthy sweetness of sweet potatoes with the comforting bite of baby potatoes, all seasoned with warm spices and herbs. It’s...
Turkish Pide (Turkish Pizza)
There’s something incredibly comforting about pulling a hot, cheesy Turkish pide straight from the oven. This recipe brings together a trio of cheeses—mozzarella, cheddar, and blue cheese—melted into a soft...
Roasted Eggplant with Harissa & Feta Mousse
Mediterranean flavors meet North African and Middle Eastern influences in this delicious roasted eggplant recipe by Chef Giorgos Tsoulis. Tender roasted eggplant, fluffy basmati rice, and a bold harissa sauce...
Adjarian Khachapuri with Chickpeas
This version of Adjarian khachapuri keeps all the things we love about the original — the rich, cheesy filling, the golden egg in the center, and that signature boat-shaped crust...
Cheese Focaccia w/ Green Onions, Za’atar & Sumac
This focaccia is where Italian comfort meets Middle Eastern flavor. The dough bakes up soft and airy, with a slightly crisp, golden crust. Topped with chunks of cheese, fresh green...
Potato Varenyky: Ukrainian Potato Dumplings
Traditional Ukrainian varenyky with potato filling are more than just a comforting dish — they’re a connection to home, heritage, and generations of shared meals. With soft, delicate dough and...