Baba Ghanoush (Eggplant with Tahini)
30 minutes
In Israel, it is not unusual for guests to drop in for a visit without prior notice. In such cases, they are likely to get a light snack or impromptu meal. In anticipation of such contingencies, one such prepared dish is baba ghanoush, which can be found in virtually every Israeli refrigerator.
1 large eggplant
1 medium onion
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 bunch parsley
1/2 cup tahini
2 garlic cloves, crushed
2 teaspoons water
1 teaspoon salt
dash of cayenne pepper
Techina (Sesame Seed Dip)
Brought to Israel by Jewish refugees from Arab countries, techina is a thick dip with sesame seeds as its base.
1 cup pure tahini (sesame paste)
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1/2 cup water
dash of hot pepper (red)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 bunch chopped parsley
juice from 2 lemons
pickles
3 tablespoons olive oil
Hummus (Chickpea Dip)
Like techina, or sesame paste, hummus was brought to Israel by Jews from Arab countries, though today it is everyone's favorite. It tastes best when eaten with fresh, warm pita bread.
2 cups canned chickpeas
Juice of 2 lemons
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cumin
3 tablespoons pure tahini paste or 1 cup techina
2 garlic cloves, mashed
2-3 tablespoons oil
Parsley (for garnish)
Falafel (Chickpea Patties)
Falafel is sold on street corners in every city and town in Israel.
16 ounces canned chickpeas, drained
1 large onion, chopped
2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped
1 egg
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 to 1 cup breadcrumbs or fine bulgur
1 teaspoon ground coriander or cumin
1 teaspoon dried hot peppers
1 teaspoon garlic powder
vegetable oil (for frying)
Moroccan Chicken Kebabs
Whether served as part of an assortment of mezes, or small plates, or laid on a bed of couscous as part of a Moroccan meal, kebabs can be found throughout the Middle East and North Africa.
1/2 medium onion, diced
2 tablespoons lightly-packed chopped fresh mint
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 large clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 pound boneless chicken breasts
