A fun, flexible and flavourful way to give
Action Syria Recipes, our monthly newsletter subscription service, offers an exclusive Middle-Eastern recipe straight to your inbox at the start of each month for a regular donation. No contribution is too small and each monthly donation supports Syrian communities with education and medical care as they rebuild in this hopeful yet significantly challenging time.
Sign up to get new benefits – for 2 weeks only
This month, we’ve got some special perks for any new subscribers!
Over the next two weeks (13-27 September), if you sign up to Action Syria Recipes you’ll be in with a chance of winning a Borough Kitchen Cook School voucher worth £125 (T&Cs apply). You’ll be able to attend a class in London to refine your culinary skills in any cuisine of your choice! Check out all their classes on their website.
What’s more, you’ll receive a bonus recipe, Minced Beef with Hummus, from Dorina Cretzu, upon signing up. We sat down with Dorina to find out more about her journey to becoming a recipe creator and her inspiration behind this special recipe.
An interview with Dorina
How did your journey to becoming a recipe creator begin?
It began with cooking meals for my family, but the root of it goes all the way back to my childhood, when I used to cook alongside my mum. Those early moments sparked my love for experimenting in the kitchen and created a deep connection to food that stayed with me ever since.
Who or what has had the biggest impact on your cooking style?
The biggest impact on my cooking style has definitely been my mum. Cooking with her as a child taught me not just techniques, but also the importance of love and care in every dish. Her influence shaped the way I approach flavours and recipes, blending tradition with my own creativity.
When creating a new recipe, where do you usually start—an ingredient, a memory, a craving?
I usually start with an ingredient that inspires me. Sometimes it is a memory tied to a particular flavour, and other times it is a craving I would like to satisfy. From there, everything comes together naturally as I experiment and build the dish around that initial spark. I also take into account that my son is a picky eater, so I try to balance flavours and textures in a way that everyone at the table can enjoy.
Is there one ingredient you always keep in your kitchen?
Garlic. It is incredibly versatile and adds such depth and warmth to almost any dish, no matter the cuisine.
What’s an underrated ingredient or technique home cooks should know more about?
As a technique, I would say mastering the art of deglazing a pan is a game-changer. It is such a simple step, but it unlocks incredible flavour by lifting all those tasty browned bits and turning them into a delicious sauce or base.
What is the story behind the recipe you are sharing with us?
In my family we all love hummus, but sometimes we like to experiment and try new flavours and textures to keep it exciting. This recipe was born out of that desire to put a twist on a classic favourite everyone enjoys.
What do you hope people feel or experience when they make this dish?
I hope people feel a sense of comfort and joy when they make this dish, like sharing a warm moment with family and friends. I want them to enjoy the process of creating something delicious that brings a little bit of creativity and love to their table.
Why are you happy to contribute to Action Syria Recipes?
I am happy to contribute to Action Syria Recipes because I truly love helping people in need. Food has the power to bring us together and offer comfort, and being part of something that supports a meaningful cause means a lot to me. It is a way to share my passion for cooking while making a positive impact.
Watch her recipe come to life over on our Instagram. You can receive this recipe by signing up to Action Syria Recipes. We’ve also got lots more in our bank of past recipes, with many vegan and vegetarian options so there’s something for everyone!
Keeping supporters clued up on our work is important to us. Sign up to keep up to date with where the funds go and the impact they have, and how you can support us.
