Ketzitzot, Tumeric Rice And Hummus Masabacha: An Israeli Dish Sure To Turn Out Better Than Trump's Trip

Donald Trump has officially embarked on his first big overseas trip abroad as President of the USA -- checking in on three major world religions. He's starting off in Saudi Arabia by giving a speech to all the Muslims on how to better practice their faith. Then it's off to Israel to talk about how Jared Kushner can solve all of their problems. God only knows what kind of offense he has planned for the Vatican. It seems certain that, when all is said and done, we will all intone, solemnly, That Could Have Gone Better .

In honor of Trumplethinskin's trip, it seems fitting to feature the food of a country he is visiting. We've focussed on Italian food with Osso Bucca , and featured food traditionally found in a Muslim majority country with Syrian Chicken Thighs , so it seems appropriate that we look to Israel this week. And, you're gonna like what we found. Today, we're doing

Taste Of Home, Israeli Edition

Ketzitzot w/ Tahina Sauce (Israeli Meatballs), Turmeric Rice w/Fried Mint Leaves, Hummus Masabacha, Pita Bread and Olives. Add a salad, and you've got a pretty good meal!

There's a lot to do, so let's get to work! Hummus first, as it will only be helped by some time for the flavors to marry, then the rice, since it needs no attention while it cooks, and will be fine if it sits for a few minutes, if necessary, while we finish up the meatballs.

1) Hummus Masabacha

WHAT YOU NEED!

• ½ pound dried chickpeas (250 g) (Or use 2 cans, if time is short)

• 1 tablespoon baking soda

• 7 large garlic cloves, unpeeled

• ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil

• ¼ teaspoon ground cumin, plus more for garnish

• ½ cup tahini, at room temperature, be sure to stir the sesame paste thoroughly before measuring (alternate recipe below, with Ketzitzot)

• ¼ cup, plus 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice

• Salt

• Paprika, for garnish

• ¼ cup chopped parsley

• Pita bread, for serving

WHAT TO DO WITH WHAT YOU NEED!

Ingredientses for Hummus

• In a medium bowl, cover the dried chickpeas with 2 inches of water and stir in the baking soda.

• Refrigerate the chickpeas overnight.

The preceding steps don't apply if using canned chickpeas.

• Drain the chickpeas and rinse them under cold water.

• In a medium saucepan, cover the chickpeas with 2 inches of fresh water.

• Add the garlic cloves and bring to a boil.

• Reduce heat to medium low, simmer until the chickpeas are tender, about 40 minutes.

• Drain, reserving 10 tablespoons of the cooking water and 2 tablespoons of the chickpeas. Rinse the chickpeas under cold water. Peel the garlic cloves.

• In a food processor, puree the chickpeas with ½ cup of the reserved cooking water, 1/4 cup of the olive oil and 6 of the garlic cloves.

• Add the cumin along with 1/4 cup each of the tahini and lemon juice and process until creamy.

• Season the hummus with salt and transfer to a serving bowl.

• Wipe out the food processor.

• Add the remaining ¼ cup of tahini, 1/4 cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of reserved cooking water, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and garlic clove and puree.

• Using a ladle, make an indent in the center of the hummus.

• Spoon in the tahini-lemon mixture.

• Sprinkle the hummus with the cumin and paprika.

• Garnish with the reserved whole chickpeas and the parsley, and serve with pita bread.

2) Turmeric Rice with fried mint leaves

Eating yellow snow: no. Yellow rice? Very yes!

WHAT YOU NEED!

• 4 1⁄2 cups vegetable stock

• 2 cups basmati or long grain rice

• 1⁄4 cup olive oil

• 1 tablespoon ground turmeric

• 2 teaspoons ground ginger

• 1 teaspoon salt

Fried Mint Leaves

• 1 bunch mint leaves

• 1 tablespoon coconut oil

WHAT TO DO WITH WHAT YOU NEED!

Not much to it, really.

• Follow instructions for the rice you are using, substituting stock for water. When time to add rice, also add all other ingredients in list.

• Heat the coconut oil in a small saucepan and place the mint leaves in the hot oil. Fry for 2 minutes on each side until crispy.

• Top the turmeric rice with the fried mint leaves and serve.

3)Israeli Meatballs (Ketzitzot)

Shut. Up.

WHAT YOU NEED!

1. 1 1/2 pounds of ground Lamb or beef

1. 1 cup freshly chopped parsley

1. 1 onion, minced very fine

1. 4 large garlic cloves, minced

1. 1 large egg

1. 3-4 tablespoons bread crumbs

1. salt and ground pepper to taste

1. 1 teaspoon ground sumac berry

1. 1 teaspoon cumin

For tahini:

• 1 cup tahini paste

• 4 cloves garlic

• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

• 3/4 cup water

• 1 cup chopped parsley

• salt to taste

WHAT TO DO WITH WHAT YOU NEED!

Ingredientses

1. Combine all ingredients for meatballs and then shape into oval balls.

1. Heat a few tablespoons of vegetable oil in a frying pan.

1. Fry on high until firm and golden brown. Flip frequently to cook evenly.

1. Put all the tahini ingredients except for the parsley in the food processor and process until smooth. Thin with water if necessary.

1. Add in the roughly chopped parsley after processing.

1. Plate the meatballs, then drizzle with tahini. Garnish with additional parsley.

This was magical. The three dishes, with olives for palate cleansing, partnered perfectly. The rice was light and bright, the fragile, flaky mint leaves adding a delightful sweetness; the Hummus bringing an earthy note, kept from being too weighty by the Tahini and copious amounts of parsley; the delicately textured Ketzitzot anchoring the plate with its rich meatiness.

This plate is all about subtlety. While the air in the kitchen is redolent with rich spices as it cooks, the actual dishes are quite delicately flavored, encouraging the diner to savor every bite and relish the way the dishes complement one another.

Make this. You'll be glad you did.

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