Msabbaha facts for kids
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| Alternative names | Musabbaha, mashausha |
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| Course | [Breakfast dish] |
| Place of origin | Levant |
| Main ingredients | Chickpeas, Tahini, parsley, lemon juice, Garlic |
Msabbaha (also called musabbaha or mashausha) is a yummy dish from the Levant region. It's a bit like hummus, but with a special twist! The name "msabbaha" means "swimming" in Arabic, which might describe how the chickpeas look in the sauce.
What is Msabbaha?
Msabbaha is a popular breakfast food in countries like Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Palestine. It's made mainly from chickpeas, which are a type of bean. People often eat it with fresh pita bread, using the bread to scoop up the delicious mixture.
How Msabbaha is Made
The biggest difference between msabbaha and hummus is how the chickpeas are used. In hummus, the chickpeas are mashed into a smooth paste. But in msabbaha, the chickpeas stay whole! This gives msabbaha a different texture that many people love.
Main Ingredients
The main part of msabbaha is called balila. This is made by cooking whole chickpeas until they are warm and soft. Then, they are mixed with their cooking water, a little bit of cumin (a spice), chopped parsley, and fresh lemon or lime juice.
Other important ingredients that give msabbaha its unique taste include:
- Tahini: This is a creamy paste made from ground sesame seeds. It adds a rich, nutty flavor.
- Minced garlic: For a strong, savory kick.
Fun Variations
Sometimes, people add other tasty things to their msabbaha:
- You might find hard-boiled eggs mixed in.
- Some recipes pour warm olive oil or samneh (a type of clarified butter) over the top.
- To make it extra special, people sometimes add fried pine nuts or pistachios. These add a nice crunch and flavor.
In Damascus, a city in Syria, they make a version with melted butter and pomegranate juice, or extra lemon juice, along with pistachios or pine nuts. In Lebanon, it's often served with a hot sauce on the side, so you can make it as spicy as you like!
See also
In Spanish: Msabbaha para niños
