Hey there, my name is Anna!
I am a Lebanese architect living in Dubai.
I am not a chef or a dietitian by profession,
but I have had a passion for cooking for years!
I started this ever-evolving blog in 2016, as a medium to openly and efficiently share all of the recipes I have been developing.
I hope that you will find here recipes that interest you, and that you will try them out, and enjoy them!
How it all started
My interest in cooking started at an early age when I trailed my stay-at-home mother in the kitchen as she prepared signature Lebanese dishes, following every one of her moves and learning by watching.
Years later, during the stressful years at university, I was left with no time to exercise or cook and had to rely on junk food takeouts. I gained considerable weight and started suffering from chronic pains. To avoid developing more serious health problems, my healthcare provider recommended regular exercise and a healthier diet. That led to a succession of disappointing experiences with different diets, such as strict calorie-counting, or complete deprivation of some foods labeled as bad.
Just when my relationship with food started turning sour, and a sense of failure and frustration started setting in, I decided to take matters into my own hands.
I did a lot of research, experiments, and mixing and matching to find the best ways to make recipes as healthy as possible, all the while tasting great. And this blog documents all of these tried and tested recipes!
I currently live in Dubai, and the price of fresh quality ingredients is considerably higher than in my home country, which adds another challenge to my experimenting, as I try to keep my meals money-conscious, but still delicious!
About the recipes
My background in architecture influences how I create and present my recipes very much. Science and art complement each other for the best outcome on all fronts, nutrition, presentation, taste, and texture.
Most of my recipes are Lebanese-inspired with a modern twist, fulfilling childhood nostalgia, but in a healthier form. So get ready for a decent dose of kibbeh, stews, kafta, and even burger recipes, as well as middle-east inspired dessert recipes like my date tart, Lebanese fruit cocktail.
Though most of the recipes are influenced by my Lebanese roots, you will find many recipes touching on flavors from all over the world, always with my wholesome health-conscious twist. My favorite cuisines to experiment in are Asian and Indian cuisines, such as my favorite Indian mac and cheese and my easy Asian brisket burger.
I am here to help you explore in the kitchen more and find your own version of tasty and healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s not a diet, it’s a lifestyle
Starting Anna Cooking Concept has changed my life for the better. It has taught me how to eat well and find balance in moderation.
I do not follow a specific diet, but most of my recipes are geared towards a healthy and wholesome lifestyle, sometimes falling under the vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free, or gluten-free labels.
My recipes do not guarantee that you will lose weight, but they will introduce you to simple and easy changes in your meals that will help you to sustain a healthy lifestyle in the long run, while indulging in delicious food, and without having to cut out all “goodies” from your diet.
I hope my recipes will get you exploring, experimenting, and finding your version of tasty and healthy!
Come cook with me as we embark on this culinary adventure towards a better, healthier, and happier version of ourselves!
Affordable, healthy, and fast!
I try to keep the ingredients for my recipes affordable and easy to find at local stores. Most of the recipes include information about alternative ingredients and substitutions, to cater to the widest possible variety of tastes and dietary restrictions.
The cooking techniques I use are also easy to follow and replicate, often including handy meal prepping ideas for our modern-day lifestyle. Check out these one-pot meal ideas, “10 ingredients or less” recipes, “30 minutes or less” recipes, and many more easy recipes.
Get in touch!
Finally, I would like to thank everyone who has inspired me, supported my blog, and gave me precious feedback. Subscribe to my blog to stay inspired, and do not forget to connect with me on social media platforms, to have a closer look inside my kitchen and share with me your experiments and reviews!