Israel is a special country. Many of its citizens (especially people who are over 60-70) immigrated from other countries. People came here from Europe, Arab countries, Russia, Ethiopia and more. My grandmother from my father's side came from Romania, my grandfather from Turkey. My grandparents from my mother's side came from Iraq. With the people came their food, and Israeli cuisine today is a blended cuisine. It might be one of the only places in the world where you can find sushi and hummus on the same plate (with a large Greek salad on the side...).
One of the dishes that I love the most is a traditional Jewish-Iraqi dish, called kitchri, that I remember from childhood. It's a winning combination of rice (a must in every Iraqi meal) and lentils. At our house the kitchri was one of the favorites of all of us. It's not only super-delicious, but also an excellent dish for vegetarians and is considered to be a complete protein dish. Just add vegetables on the side, and you've got the full package, that even the kids love. And the best thing about it - it's really easy to make.
Want the recipe?
This is my grandma's recipe, after going through some tiny needed changes (like substituting the margarine in the original recipe with butter).
Ingredients (serves 4-6):
1 big onion, chopped
5 garlic cloves, minced
100 g (3.5 oz) butter
1 tsp cumin
2 tbsp. tomato paste
1 tbsp. salt
1.5 cups rice
3/4 cups red lentils
2 1/4 cups water
* You can use a pressure cooker or cooking pot *
Rinse the rice and lentils.
Saute onion and garlic in a little oil until tender.
Add butter, cumin, tomato paste and salt and stir for a minute.
Add water and bring to a boil.
Add rice and lentils.
If you use a pressure cooker, reduce heat to minimum and cook for 6 minutes (carefully follow the instructions of the manufacturer).
If you use a regular cooking pot, cover and reduce heat to minimum. Cook for 30 minutes.
Remove from heat and wait for 5 minutes.
Serve with -
2 tomatoes
1/2 onion
1 tbsp. finely chopped parsley
Chop a salad of tomatoes and onion, add parsley. Season with olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper.
You can also
Slice 2 onions, coat with flour and fry in oil until golden.
The real Iraqis I knew also added a fried egg on top...
Enjoy!
