Your Lebanon Chef Feature:

Spatulicious

Soumaya is behind the account Spatulicious, an account for tasty, easy dishes for anyone who wants a simple, quick home cooked meal. She hosts private cooking classes, and shares recipes for different dietary restrictions. Not sure what to make for dinner or for your next big gathering? Head over to her page for some inspirations and recipes in both Arabic & English!

Connect:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spatulicious/

Guest Recipe Features:

• Date Rice Pudding Recipe
• Soujouk Dip Recipe

Q & A with Soumaya

Please tell us about yourself:

I am a proud Lebanese, born in the States. I am happily married to a very picky eater, and a mother of 3 (2 amazing boys and one gorgeous girl). I studied business management in LAU, and to tell you the truth that major is probably my biggest regret! If I could go back in time I think I would have chosen something in hospitality. I started off my account as a mom blog called @justusmomz (tips and tricks, baby products,…) It was only a few pictures of kids friendly recipes. I changed the entire concept of the page and found more pleasure in food and started with @spatulicious

Where are you from:

I am from a beautiful village all the way at the end of Lebanon called “Yaroun.”

Where are you currently residing:

Chwyfat

What is your favorite Middle Eastern dish to make:

This might take a while! I can’t chose one but it is definitely my weak spot.  Lebanese mezza (batata hara, hummus, cheese rolls, makanik…)are things I enjoy making and eating

Soumaya’s Date Rice Pudding

Do you prefer traditional Middle Eastern dishes or modern/fusion Middle Eastern dishes:

I believe Middle Eastern dishes are perfect just the way they are, but just to be creative we tend to twist things every now and then.

What do you love most about cooking Middle Eastern cuisine:

It is healthy, super tasty, there is a huge variety of dishes more than enough to satisfy any kind of eater you are cooking for (vegan, healthy, meat lover, picky eater…) and it’s very forgiving (you mix it up to your preference)

What is your favorite Middle Eastern restaurant:

NASMA(with no hesitation), they are all about traditional Lebanese dishes with a modern twist. Oh my yumm it is my favorite place I eat at when I’m craving Lebanese food.

What is your favorite food blog:

@fatmee_kitchen, I have to tell you she can teach you, make you laugh and inspire you all at once! And I think that’s exactly what cooking is all about.

Soumaya’s Soujouk Dip

What is a must have tool in your kitchen for making Middle Eastern food:

Easy.. SPATULA! That’s why when I was coming up with a name I insisted on having the world spatula in it! I have spatulas all over my counter, in my drawers and always a few in the sink that already have been used. I think because it makes sure not to leave anything in the bowl!

What advice do you have for someone just starting to find their way around the kitchen:

Something I always say after I try and post a dish (especially if it’s for the first time): never ever be intimidated by a dish, it’s all in fresh ingredients, a little patience (which I have zero of) and a few techniques you learn along the way. After that the world is your pickle, you can get creative, come up with new recipes and twist up what you please. And practice makes perfect. I can say I never failed or messed up a dish but I definitely challenge myself to make it better and better every time I serve.

What nostalgic candy bar would you grab on walks to the local deken when you were a kid:

Tutti fruity, me and my sisters would play a game of trying to guess the fruit flavors, I think I never got one right or wrong (you’ll never know).

I just want to say thank you to my followers who have been my biggest supporter and my inspiration. And I am more than happy to gain so many true friends that I met through Insta, who also share the same passion and love for food (Fatina, Walaa, Yasmina, Balqees, Sara, Sara and another Sara).
And at the end of the day it’s all about the moments shared around the table with the ones you love most. If anything I have learned that life is too short to eat alone. – Soumaya