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Today’s dishes, from the headlines.

Sunday 16 August 2026

Last cooked 16:01


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Strait of Hormuz Sour-Pepper Salad

Based on:

The American president Trump says he plans to declare the Strait of Hormuz American territory after the war with Iran ends. He said this during a speech at a police academy on Long Island, in the…

TypeStarter

DateAugust 15, 2026

Sharp veggies and acid, a tension field on your plate, inspired by the Hormuz crisis.

A starter of crisp vegetables, pickled in sharp vinegar and chili, with a hint of Iranian lime. Two flavors pulling, just like the strait’s tension. Garnished with pickled red onion referencing the blockade.

Ingredients

  • 1 cucumber
  • 1 red bell pepper
  • 1 red onion
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1 red chili pepper
  • 1 lime (juice and zest)
  • 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp sumac (optional, for extra tang)
  • fresh coriander or parsley

Method

  1. Slice the cucumber and bell pepper into thin strips.
  2. Cut the red onion into thin rings and set aside.
  3. Finely chop the garlic and chili pepper.
  4. Combine cucumber, bell pepper, garlic, and chili in a bowl.
  5. Whisk together lime zest and juice, vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, and sumac for the dressing.
  6. Toss the dressing with the vegetables and let sit for 15 minutes.
  7. Place the pickled onion rings on top as garnish.
  8. Sprinkle with coriander or parsley and serve cold.

Serving notes

  • Serve on narrow, elongated plates to reference the strait.
  • Garnish with an extra lime wedge for the 'sourness of negotiations'.
  • Place a pepper grinder on the table for extra heat.