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.
Another delicious vegetarian supper from ” Cook as You Are” by Ruby Tandoh. It can be served with a salad and brad to mop up the juices, or as part of a mezze spread.
A comforting dal from Diana Henry, who credits the Raita to Nik Sharma. If you like , you could just use some plain greek yoghurt instead of making raita.
This dish from Damascus may not sound that enticing but I assure you it is most delicious. It’s from ” Sumac” by Anas Atassi. If you are vegetarian replace the chicken stock with vegetable stock.
A recipe from Rachel Roddy, one of my favourite food writers. For variety you can replace the cheese with some hard boiled eggs, sausages or roasted red peppers.
A very good lentil salad from ” The Really Helpful Cookbook” by Ruth Watson. The salad will benefit from being made ahead and sitting in the dressing for a day or two.The tapenade in this recipe does not include any anchovies so it is suitable for vegetarians. You could use ready made tapenade if you like or put anchoiade on the toast instead. Any leftover tapenade can be kept in the fridge for up to a week to serve with drinks .
