Almar's 'Syrian Lunch'

Homs, Syria

A simple lunch of a few classic Middle Eastern delights. Simple and easy to make and delicious to eat. 

RECIPE for BABA GHANOUSH

This is a famous starter dish in Syria.It is extremely healthy and is a popular option for those who are watching their weight. This salad is a mix of roasted aubergines, peppers, onion, and garlic tossed in an olive oil, lemon and pomegranate sauce dressing.
 

STEP 1: Chop the onion, peppers, and garlic into small pieces. Slice the aubergine into slices and roast in the oven until browned. Chop into pieces and mix with the other vegetables.

STEP 2: Add olive oil, lemon, salt, paprika, and pomegranate sauce and mix well. Finish with mint and walnuts. 


RECIPE for MANAKISH

In Syria, these are always bought freshly baked from the shop and eaten for breakfast. Manakish are pastries, which are often topped with zaa'tar or cheese. They are a reminder of Lebanon. where this dish is particularly famous; it is even sometimes eaten rolled up with salad in the middle; 'zaa'tar special'. People from Syria often go to Lebanon for shopping as it is just across the border.

Here in the UK, Almar has created her own version of manakish, which she makes about once a week.

STEP 1: Roll out the puff pastry and cut into small circular discs.

STEP 2: Mix zaa'tar and olive oil and spread onto some of the pastry. On the other pieces of pastry, sprinkle some cheese and spread some chilli pepper sauce topped with cheese or zaa'tar if desired.

STEP 3: Bake in a hot oven for about 15 minutes.


RECIPE for FALAFEL

STEP 1: Take a packet of falafel mix and follow the instructions!!!!!!!!!!!


RECIPE for SOUKSIH

An easy dessert, that can be made in advance, and eaten anytime!

STEP 1: Melt better and mix with cocoa powder. Add condensed milk.

STEP 2: Add the zest of a lemon, sugar, and crushed biscuits.

Step 3: Put the biscuit mix into cling film and roll into long tube. Freeze. 

STEP: Cut into slices to serve. Best eaten frozen.