vegan

These baked falafels represent Middle Eastern cuisine at its healthiest. By using the oven instead of the deep-fryer, you preserve the integrity of the olive oil while dramatically reducing unnecessary fats. Chickpeas are true nutritional champions, offering a remarkable combination of plant protein, resistant starch that feeds your beneficial gut bacteria and soluble fibre that helps regulate cholesterol levels. The abundant fresh herbs aren’t mere garnishes; they’re concentrated sources of antioxidants and chlorophyll, which supports your body’s natural detoxification pathways. When paired with the tahini-rich hummus, you create a complete protein profile comparable to animal sources, making this an ideal dish for those transitioning to more plant-based eating patterns.

This tasty eggplant and tomato borani is a vibrant, flavour-packed dish loaded with nourishing ingredients to support good health.

This Lebanese moussaka is a wonderful twist on the traditional Greek version — lighter and absolutely bursting with nutritional benefits. The humble eggplant is the unsung hero here, offering compounds that support blood sugar regulation and impressive amounts of fibre for gut health. Cinnamon isn’t just a warming spice; it’s actually a powerful blood sugar stabiliser that helps prevent those post-meal energy crashes. The combination of roasting and gentle simmering preserves the nutritional integrity of each ingredient while creating depths of flavour that belie the dish’s simplicity. This is comfort food that genuinely comforts your body’s systems, not just your taste buds. It’s perfect for those evenings when you crave something substantial but nourishing.

This vegan Lebanese rice pudding is a creamy, plant-based take on the traditional dessert, infused with fragrant spices and coconut milk for a rich, indulgent flavour. Elevate this nourishing treat with crunchy pistachios packed with prebiotic fibres that nourish beneficial gut bacteria and support digestive health and immune function.

Chia seeds are little nutritional powerhouses, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation, support heart health and are vital for good memory and brain function. Chia seeds are also an excellent source of fibre, which aids digestion, promotes a feeling of fullness and helps regulate blood sugar levels. They also provide good-quality plant-based protein, supporting muscle repair and maintaining healthy blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity.

Oven-roasted sweet potatoes with fresh salsa and sweet onion jam for creamy, crunchy, and flavour-packed carbs.

Lentils, sweet potato, turmeric, and ginger for heart, joint, and immune health, plus sustained energy and digestion support.

Orange and beet salad with feta, walnuts, and vitamin-rich goodness for heart, brain, bone, and immune health.

These adorable puff pastry squares are topped with a medley of seasonal vegetables, creating a breakfast that’s as nutritious as it is delightful to look at. The combination of butternut pumpkin, asparagus, zucchini and red capsicum offers a variety of textures and flavours, while the touch of rosemary adds an aromatic element. These tarts are perfect for a weekend brunch or a grab-and-go breakfast option.

This vibrant spicy quinoa and pomegranate salad is packed with nutrients
to nourish and energise your body.

This Middle-Eastern-inspired cauliflower salad is a nutritional treasure chest, combining the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric with protein-rich tahini. The roasting process transforms humble cauliflower into a caramelised delight while preserving its impressive vitamin C content. I love how the pomegranate seeds add a burst of antioxidants and the herbs bring a fresh dimension to this hearty dish. It’s perfect for those seeking a satisfying meal that supports digestive health.

From my latest book ‘Nature’s Way to Healing: A Long Covid Guide’, my roasted capsicum pasta is a clever way to transform a traditional comfort food into a nutritional meal. The vibrant capsicums are veritable vitamin factories, containing more vitamin C than oranges while also providing impressive amounts of vitamin A for eye health. The nutritional yeast delivers a cheesy flavour without dairy and adds valuable B vitamins, including B12 for those following plant based diets. The coconut milk creates a silky texture while contributing medium-chain triglycerides that support brain function. This dish proves that comfort food can nourish both body and soul without compromise.