Loading ...Father’s Day Brunch with an Arab Touch
By: Habeeb Salloum/Arab America Contributing Writer
Father’s Day is that special day in June designated to honour our fathers. During Father’s Day almost every family tries to make their father feel special. Most times, this means a good meal in a fine restaurant. However, for me at least, a good home-cooked meal takes precedence over making reservations and waiting in a crowded restaurant for the meal to be served. Instead, I prefer something right out of my kitchen where I can sit with my family and enjoy homecooked tasty dishes in the environs of our home.
These three dishes, ideal for a Father’s Day brunch, will provide proof that each one was made for the father who is honoured, respected and loved.
Fried Vegetable Dish – Shakshuka
Serves about 6
4 tablespoons olive oil
5 medium firm tomatoes, chopped
2 medium onions, finely chopped
2 medium sweet green peppers, seeded and finely chopped
1 small hot pepper, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, crushed
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground caraway seeds
1/2 teaspoon cumin
6 eggs
Heat oil in a frying pan then stir in all ingredients except eggs. Cover and cook for 15 minutes over medium-low heat, stirring a few times. Break eggs over top, then recover and cook over medium-low heat for further 5 minutes. Serve hot.
Chickpeas Topped Pies – Fatayir- Hummus
Makes 12 fatayir
1 1/2 pounds frozen or handmade dough
4 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 1/2 cups dried chickpeas, soaked overnight and drained
Prepare the dough then set aside.
In the meantime, combine remaining ingredients then set aside.
Form dough into 12 balls then place them on a floured tray. Cover with a cloth then allow to stand in a warm place for 30 minutes.
Roll balls into 1/8-inch-thick rounds then place on well greased cookie tray. Stir chickpea mixture then press firmly the chickpeas into the rounds, a handful of chickpeas on each pie. Sprinkle remaining oil from the mixture evenly over the chickpeas.
Bake in a 400° F preheated oven for 20 minutes or until edges of rounds turn light brown.
Place under broiler for 2 minutes or until top lightly browns, then serve preferably hot. If not to be eaten immediately, brush lightly with olive oil then just before serving heat.
Almond Butter – Amalou
1 cup blanched and pulverized toasted almonds
2 tablespoons pulverized walnuts
1/2 cup olive oil
5 tablespoons honey
Thoroughly combine all ingredients; then serve as a spread on toasted or hot crusty toasted bread.
