Jordan (12/2/13)
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Recipes contributed by Wendy Merdian.
As in many cultures, meal time gathers people together in Jordan. It is an affordable way to enjoy good food and the company of others in a place where other entertainment may not be affordable for many people. Jordan is a complicated country, but these recipes offer a simple way to get a little taste of its culinary treasures. Click here to download these recipes. |
Fasuulia Khadra Ma Lamah (Green Bean Stew with Meat)
This recipe can easily be modified for a vegetarian dish - actually the more common version among most middle class Jordanian families, for whom meat is a pricey treat and eaten about once a week. Simply leave out the meat and add chopped tomatoes.
Ingredients:
1lb hamburger (or beef chopped into toe-sized pieces – in Arabic the size cut is called Ras Al Asfoor, or Head of the Bird)
2T olive oil
1 large or 2 medium onions, diced
two pounds green beans, fresh, canned or frozen (let thaw)
one small can tomato paste
2T cinnamon
1T salt
1t pepper
Method:
In large heavy pan, brown hamburger, drain fat, remove.
Add olive oil and sauté onions until transparent.
Add green beans, stir for a few minutes to coat.
Add water to cover, add tomato paste and spices.
Simmer 45 minutes, checking water level, adding only enough to be the consistency of spaghetti sauce. Taste...don't be afraid to add tons more cinnamon. Serve over white rice.
Ingredients:
1lb hamburger (or beef chopped into toe-sized pieces – in Arabic the size cut is called Ras Al Asfoor, or Head of the Bird)
2T olive oil
1 large or 2 medium onions, diced
two pounds green beans, fresh, canned or frozen (let thaw)
one small can tomato paste
2T cinnamon
1T salt
1t pepper
Method:
In large heavy pan, brown hamburger, drain fat, remove.
Add olive oil and sauté onions until transparent.
Add green beans, stir for a few minutes to coat.
Add water to cover, add tomato paste and spices.
Simmer 45 minutes, checking water level, adding only enough to be the consistency of spaghetti sauce. Taste...don't be afraid to add tons more cinnamon. Serve over white rice.
Zayt oo Zater
Wendy calls this the "cheaters version," because in Jordan (or Lebanon), you would never use pre-made crust, but buy the dough fresh or make your own. Whichever you choose to do, this is pretty tasty!
Brush a pizza crust generously with olive oil (zayt), sprinkle with special oregano/sesame/herb mix (zater), and warm in oven.
Optional: serve with additional olive oil and herbs for dipping.
Brush a pizza crust generously with olive oil (zayt), sprinkle with special oregano/sesame/herb mix (zater), and warm in oven.
Optional: serve with additional olive oil and herbs for dipping.