People coming over. I fancy doing something vaguely middle eastern? Anyone want to give me some ideas?

[floorchid]

I'm thinking a big bowl of couscous with roasted courgette and baby toms etc.
Might have to do a quinoa alternative too because couscous not gluten free and one of the guests is.

Some sort of aubergine something? Or stuffed capsicum? Or.... maybe something with beans or cheese?

And most of the people are vegetarian so meat not really important but I'll probably roast a chicken with lemon and herbs for those who can't manage a meal without flesh.

I won't do a starter but I'll do a big mahamara dip or maybe fried halloumi for pre-dinner snacks.

And I suppose I should plan a desert.

Any suggestions?

Persian rice!

Yum. Harissa aubergines added to the list.

I'm supposed to be honing!

I look forward to it!

Gf couscous is the same and easy to get hold of!

I wonder what gluten free couscous is made from? I'll look into it.

I make a taboulleh with quinoa that's very loosely based on this recipe - it's amazing.

www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2009/aug/01/yotam-ottolenghi-vegetarian-tabbouleh

And I love falafels. Homemade are lovely.

This is great for veggies and a side for meat

www.heartfoundation.org.au/recipes/moroccan-chickpea-tagine

A nice yoghurt / mint tsatskiki style sauce.

Flatbreads with parsley butter

Pomegranate seeds and tonnes of fresh coriander always make it far nicer.

I would just do quinoa instead of couscous for everyone.

Lamb kofte so delicious!

Ottolenghi has some great slow roasted spiced carrots in the Simple book, something like that?

Get the recipe books persiana or olives, lemon and za'atar. So many good recipes. I would do two or three different salads ( and hope for some leftovers!).

My favourite aubergine recipe = or rather version of it - very tasty and can be served however you like

http://www.anulaskitchen.com/2016/10/afghan-aubergines-with-yogurt.html

There are a zillion versions of this recipe , this is basic, but really flavoursome , quick and easy