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Showing posts from March, 2025

Baked kofta with vegetables

After a long day of fasting from sunrise to sunset, nothing feels better than a homemade meal that brings everyone together. Kofta bi Seniyah, which means “Kofta in the pan”, is one of those dishes that fills the house with warmth and the most amazing aromas. Juicy kofta patties, golden roasted potatoes, sweet tomatoes, onions, and peppers all simmer together in a rich, flavourful tomato sauce. It’s hearty, comforting, and full of memories. The best way to enjoy it is with fluffy rice or fresh pita bread, just like we always do. I hope one day, when you make it, it reminds you of our family iftar table and the love that goes into every bite. Ingredients For the Kofta: Plant-based mince beef (or mince beef)  ½ onion, grated ¼ cup breadcrumbs (I prefer to use Sainsbury's Cranberry, Orange & Chestnut Stuffing for added flavour) 2 cloves garlic, crushed 2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander For the Vegetables & Sauce: 3 potatoes, peeled & sliced into ¼-inch rounds 3 bell peppers,...

Cultivating calm: The therapeutic benefits of gardening and nature

Gardening has become such a vital part of my healing journey, and it all started during the COVID lockdown. With not being able to go out and socialize, I found myself growing vegetables and fruits in my garden and greenhouse, a way to feel connected to nature and find some peace amidst all the uncertainty. When I moved to Brighton and was diagnosed, the journey took another turn. Through the Macmillan Horizon Centre, I found the Macmillan Community allotment , and it quickly became my Wednesday morning refuge. My chemo treatments were scheduled every other Wednesday, but once I joined the volunteer team at the Community allotment, those Wednesdays were no longer about treatment, they were about the gardening. It became my therapy, my community, and my lifeline during treatment. Growing and sharing organic produce from the allotment with fellow patients became an act of kindness that brought me immense joy and purpose. It was such a beautiful way to connect with others who were on thei...