Ground cumin

Lenten buckwheat porridge with spicy vegetables is a fragrant and nutritious dish that combines the rich flavors of roasted sweet potato and eggplant with warm notes of Eastern spices. Buckwheat sautéed with onion and garlic takes on a nutty hue, while vegetable broth makes it soft and tender. This dish evokes cozy home evenings and is perfect for a lenten diet while remaining hearty and filling. Inspired by traditional Russian cuisine, the recipe has an exquisite authorial sound thanks to the addition of cumin, cardamom, and za'atar that infuse the porridge with Eastern charm. Serving it with cilantro adds freshness, while the spices highlight the depth of flavor, creating a harmonious and balanced combination. A wonderful option for those seeking a simple yet original idea for a healthy dinner.

Lula kebab made from lamb shoulder is a vibrant dish of Caucasian cuisine, filled with the rich aroma of spices and fresh herbs. This recipe has roots in the ancient traditions of nomadic peoples who cooked meat over an open fire, enjoying its juiciness and rich flavor. Finely minced meat, a fragrant mix of cumin, paprika, and black pepper, along with refreshing mint and cilantro create a harmony of flavors. The lula turns out tender with a thin crispy crust. They are cooked on hot coals for just a few minutes and served hot alongside fresh vegetables and herbs. This dish pairs perfectly with lavash and a yogurt-based sauce, adding an authentic touch to the meal. Lula kebab is a true feast of flavor for lovers of juicy meat and rich Eastern aromas.

Pork ribs in foil baked in the oven is a delightful dish of Russian cuisine that impresses with its juiciness and rich flavor. The tradition of baking meat in foil helps retain its tenderness, while the combination of spices adds zest and aroma. The ribs rubbed with a spicy mixture are soaked in a rich buttery sauce with hints of honey and brown sugar, creating a caramelized crust with a slight heat from cayenne pepper. After prolonged baking under the foil layer, the meat becomes incredibly tender, and the final roasting makes it golden and appetizing. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or festive table, where it can be served with greens and fresh vegetables to complement the rich flavor palette.

Sweet potato puree soup is an elegant and refined dish of European cuisine, where the delicate sweetness of sweet potatoes harmonizes with the rich flavor of cream and the aroma of spices. This soup draws inspiration from traditional creamy soup recipes popular in France and Italy. Its texture is velvety and silky, while the taste is rich and layered, with light nutty notes highlighted by cumin and coriander. Serving it with sour cream adds a slight tanginess, making the flavor even deeper. It is ideal for cold evenings when you want to warm up with something cozy and nourishing but also works as an exquisite appetizer at a dinner party.

Shrimp skewers are a true masterpiece of Pan-Asian cuisine, combining exotic aromas and the delicate taste of seafood. The dish's roots trace back to the street food traditions of Southeast Asia, where seafood is grilled over an open flame, infused with spicy seasonings and coconut notes. Shrimp marinated in coconut milk with lime and spices acquire a piquant depth of flavor, while the light aroma of grilling reveals their tender structure. Peanut sauce adds richness and balance, merging sweet, salty, and spicy tones. This is the perfect choice for summer evenings and friendly gatherings, served with fresh vegetables or rice. Shrimp skewers embody simplicity and sophistication in every bite.

Jerusalem mix is one of the most popular street food dishes in Israel, known for its rich aroma of spices and depth of flavor. Its history roots in the multicultural cuisine of Jerusalem, blending the traditions of Sephardim, Ashkenazim, and Middle Eastern peoples. The dish is based on tender chicken offal that is carefully processed to tenderness. They are sautéed with onions, garlic, and fragrant spices like cumin, coriander, paprika, and turmeric to create a rich and spicy flavor. Sumac adds a slight tanginess while chili pepper adds heat. The mix is cooked in an open pan, simmering in its own juices and traditionally served hot with lavash or fresh vegetables. This hearty, spicy dish is a true culinary symbol of Jerusalem.

An excellent option for those who are fasting and for those who want to limit themselves to plant foods. Bulgur, due to the fact that it is well saturated with everything that its neighbors give, becomes a bright, beautiful and very tasty cereal with characteristic Indian notes.

Chef Mikhron Ashurov shared the recipe from the Blau bistro menu with us.

Spicy pumpkin soup is an unusual blend of pumpkin sweetness and spicy heat from spices. This dish is inspired by Asian traditions where vibrant flavors come together in harmonious balance. The aroma of lime, lemongrass, and cilantro adds freshness to the soup, while coconut milk provides a creamy texture. Garlic, ginger, and Chinese spices make it rich and warming. Perfect for cool evenings or for those wanting to try something new. This soup is not only nutritious but also a true gastronomic symphony that awakens the senses. It’s best served hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves and chili pepper pieces to fully reveal its flavor and aroma.

Asian pumpkin soup is a harmony of tenderness and spice embodied in an aromatic dish of Pan-Asian cuisine. Its roots trace back to traditional recipes from Thailand and Vietnam, where pumpkin is combined with coconut milk to create a velvety texture and sweet undertone. The soup unfolds with a play of spices—lemongrass, cumin, and Chinese five-spice blend—giving it a deep and multifaceted flavor. The heat of chili pepper is balanced by the freshness of lime, while cilantro and coconut flakes add finishing notes of exoticism. This soup perfectly warms on cool days and refreshes in summer heat; it can be served as an exquisite light lunch or a spicy appetizer in small cups. Regardless of the occasion, it always brings a sense of coziness and a journey into the world of Eastern flavors.

Buckwheat with Middle Eastern schug sauce is a bold combination of Slavic culinary classics with vibrant Eastern notes. Buckwheat groats, known for their rich nutty flavor and nutrition, serve as the base of this dish. Schug, a traditional spicy sauce from Yemen, brings the freshness of cilantro, the heat of chili, and the spicy depth of cumin. A light lemon hint refreshes the taste while olive oil adds a velvety texture to the sauce. This dish is perfect for those seeking new gastronomic experiences as it combines the warmth of home-cooked food with the exoticism of Eastern spices.

Hummus with mushrooms and onions is an original variation of a traditional Middle Eastern dish deeply rooted in Jewish culinary culture. Creamy, velvety chickpea hummus enriched with the aroma of tahini and the freshness of lemon juice serves as the perfect base for juicy sautéed mushrooms and caramelized onions. Sumac adds a slight tanginess while cumin provides warm spice, creating a harmonious flavor balance. The finishing touch is olive oil that highlights the richness and depth of the dish. This hummus not only delights the palate but is also versatile: it suits both a hearty breakfast and a light dinner or appetizer for festive tables. It pairs perfectly with warm lavash or fresh vegetables, revealing a wealth of flavor nuances with each bite.

The recipe was shared with us by the chef of the Loomi restaurant.

Recipe taken from Victoria Rosenthal's "Fallout: The Official Vault Dweller's Cookbook.

The recipe is taken from the book "Cuisines of the World. Jewish cuisine.