RECIPES from My SPOONFUL JOURNEYS

Explore the world through the flavors of my Uzbek home and global travels

I grew up in sunny Uzbekistan, where food is more than just a meal—it’s a way of life, deeply rooted in family, hospitality, and tradition. When I moved away from home, I started missing that warmth, and found myself cooking family recipes just to feel close to it again. Over the years, I began collecting recipes from everywhere I traveled—taking culinary classes with local chefs, wandering through markets, learning what grows where, and how people bring their culture to the plate.


While I’ve spent years eating mostly plant-based, I follow the Planetary Health Diet now, which lets me stay mindful and still taste everything the world has to offer. Sometimes I recreate traditional meat dishes in plant-based versions, and sometimes I experiment with ingredients that surprise me.


This is my evolving recipe journal: a blend of home and away, of tradition and curiosity. I invite you to cook with me and explore the flavors of the world, one spoonful at a time.

Comfort and Classics, Soups BlackOrange Design Comfort and Classics, Soups BlackOrange Design

Dutch Erwtensoep… But Make It Vegetarian

Traditionally, erwtensoep is cooked with smoked pork and served with slices of smoked sausage. But the heart of the dish isn’t the meat—it’s the peas themselves, slowly breaking down into a rich, velvety soup that feels almost like a stew. This vegetarian version I made stays true to the character of traditional erwtensoep—thick, hearty, and deeply warming…

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