A fragrant and colourful lentil salad which will serve two to three as a main course or four to six as part of a mezze. The recipe is from one of my books of Palestinian recipes, ” Zaitoun” by Yasmin Khan. The cheese can be left out for a Vegan version .
Here is another Palestinian recipe to make the most of the asparagus season. It’s from “Zaitoun” , a book of Palestinian stories and recipes by Yasmin Khan. It will serve up to six people as part of a mezze style spread with other dishes. The quality of the Za’atar is important, so go for the best you can find, and preferably a Middle Eastern brand.
This dish is thought to have originated from the coastal shores of Jaffa, but is popular in the Gaza Strip, where it was introduced by the Palestinian communities displaced from the northern shores. Now they are being displaced from the Gaza strip, facing mass murder , starvation and total destruction of homes and communities which will take decades to rebuild if a ceasefire and lasting solution is ever agreed.
This Palestinian name for this dish is Rummaniyya. I found it in ” Zaitoun” by Yasmin Khan which contains Palestinian recipes and ” a chorus of stories from those who live, love and cook with Palestine in their hearts”. I’m going to post a few Palestinian recipes and as you cook them I hope you will keep the plight of the Palestian people foremost in your heart and mind . If you would like to donate here is a link .https://www.actionagainsthunger.org.uk/gaza-israel-crisis-appeal
This dish would traditionally be served with flatbreads and olives, but can also be served with plain steamed rice which soaks up the juices nicely.
My most recent new cookery book purchase ( and i do try to resist) is “Falastin” by Sami Tamimi and Tara Wigley. They are part of the Ottolenghi team, but this book celebrates the people and the food of Palestine. This is the first recipe i have tried and it’s very good.