Topic: African and Middle Eastern Food and Cooking

Meatless Monday: Falafel-crusted potatoes with red sauce

Mashed potato patties are coated with the Middle Eastern staple falafel, baked and served with Italian red sauce.

Ancient and modern: Iran's lush cuisine

As talk goes nuclear, a journalist gets a taste of the culture.

Sarkozy pledges to 'save European way of life'

Six weeks ahead of elections, French President Nicolas Sarkozy is seeking to appeal to far right voters by vowing to crack down on immigration to France. 

The politics of meat and Muslims in election-year France

Conservative Marine Le Pen recently alleged that President Sarkozy had bowed to 'Islamic radicals.' It may be election-year gold, but restricting or demonizing Islamic practices could push disaffected youth toward those with radical agendas, says author Jonathan Laurence. 

Cookbook review: 'Food of Life'

'Food of Life: Ancient Persian and Modern Iranian Cooking and Ceremonies' by Najmieh Batmanglij is a treasured collection of classic Iranian recipes.

Iran keeps issuing threats, US keeps saving Iranian sailors

As Iran has been promoting its naval prowess and ability to shut the Straits of Hormuz, US naval assets have been busy rescuing Iranian sailors.

Meatless Monday: Festive couscous

A gorgeous, colorful dish that can be served as a side or main course.

Palestinian cooks know that pizazz doesn't always mean better food

At an annual Palestinian cooking competition, the most successful competitors know that more spices and fancier ingredients don't always translate to more success. 

Summer sandwich: Falafel on a roll

Make a summer sandwich of falafel in pita, tortilla, or on a bun.

African food prices: When they rise, why, who they impact the most

Rising food prices can prompt political and urban unrest. The potential for that is elevated in Kinshasa, the continent's third largest city.

Egyptian national dish: ful medames

The Egyptian revolution calls for a plate of ful medames, or Egyptian brown fava beans, Egypt's national dish.

Couscous with curried baked lamb

Couscous with curried baked lamb is tender and spicy.

Hummus wars: Israelis respond to Lebanon's world record dish

Lebanon took the title of world's largest hummus dish from Israel. But Israelis now say taste matters more than size.

Lebanon defeats Israel (at hummus)

Confirmed by Guinness World Records, Lebanon's 10-ton bowl of the mashed chickpea spread topped the previously held hummus record held by Israel.

France’s Foolish Idea About Hamburgers

France's new cultural battleground: bacon burgers

After fights over burqas and Muslim-rights and France's national identity, French politicians are taking on the burger. Because it's a symbol of American imperialism? Mais non! A French fast-food chain is dishing up a pork-free halal sandwich.

In Iraq, a shoe is not just footwear

"Stuff white people like": from blog to book

Stitch by stitch, they sewed quilts and friendships

The reason that the members of the group continued to get together was because of the close relationships that formed.

Reporters on the Job

Chinese Muslims join global Islamic market

They are forging economic ties with the Muslim world at a time when interest in Islam is also growing.

Throwing the perfect picnic

Instead of going for the usual favorites, try something more exotic.