Ekmek Kataifi is a delicious chilled dessert recipe from Greece made with layers of syrupy shredded pastry, creamy custard, whipped cream and chopped nuts. An easy make-ahead dessert that will feed at least 8 adults or in our case, two sweet-toothed adults for 4 days 😄 

Keema naan with homemade yeasted dough stuffed with a spicy raw minced meat filling, toasted on a tawa, brushed with yoghurt, sprinkled with nigella seeds and then lastly, baked in a hot oven. This recipe makes 5 hearty keema naan that 2 hungry humans can eat for lunch or dinner. You may serve it with yoghurt, mint chutney or any curry but we prefer to eat as is like a pizza while watching Netflix. Reel video included. 

As we wrap up 2021, let me share with you the 10 most popular recipes on But First Chai since the start of this blog. 

Call it a nightingale nest or bracelet, these are light and crispy bite-sized baklavas that are easily addictive. Bulbul Yuvasi can be filled with your favourite nuts or chocolate or spreads. They look so pretty that you would think it is tricky to make, but trust me - these are so easy to shape and bake. 

As promised in my Dawood Basha recipe post, here is how I make Riz bi Sharieh, the staple Lebanese style rice with vermicelli with just four simple ingredients! This traditional rice with butter toasted vermicelli is a great alternative to the regular rice dish. The lovely contrast in colour and texture makes it stand out and goes well with any Middle Eastern stew or main course. Did I tell you this is super easy to make too?