Qarymutah facts for kids
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| Alternative names | qrmuta, krmouta, qirymutuh |
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| Place of origin | Syria |
| Region or state | Salamiyah |
| Associated national cuisine | levantine cuisine |
| Main ingredients | bulgur, onion, grape leaves, parsley, cucumber, lemon juice, olive oil |
| Ingredients generally used | sumac, lettuce, tomato |
| Similar dishes | tabbouleh |
Qarymutah (القريموطة) is a special vegetarian dish from the countryside of central Syria. It's made from a mix of bulgur (a type of cracked wheat) with fresh vegetables and tasty spices. This mix is then carefully wrapped in grape leaves.
Some people in Salamiyah, where Qarymutah first came from, believe its name might be linked to an old group of people called the Qarmatians. Long ago, this dish was sometimes called "poor man's food" because it was simple and affordable to make. You might also hear it called farifa, muqrita, or mniqiah in different places.
What is Qarymutah?
Qarymutah is a unique and healthy dish. It's completely vegetarian, which means it has no meat. The main part of the dish is bulgur, which is a grain made from wheat. It's a bit like couscous but has a different texture. This grain is mixed with lots of fresh ingredients to make a flavorful filling.
How to Make Qarymutah
Making Qarymutah is a fun process that brings out fresh flavors. Here are the steps:
- First, you need to finely chop some onion, cucumber, tomato, and parsley.
- Next, gently cook the chopped onion until it turns a nice golden color.
- Then, add the washed bulgur and some water to the pan. Cover it and let it cook until the bulgur is soft and ready.
- Once the bulgur is cooked, take it off the heat. Mix in lemon juice, fresh mint (called na3na in Arabic), and a spice called sumac. Sumac adds a tangy, slightly sour taste.
After the Qarymutah mixture is ready, the final step is to wrap it.
- Take a small amount of the mixture with a spoon.
- Carefully fill grape leaves with the mixture, folding them into small "sachets" or packets.
- If grape leaves are not available, you can use lettuce leaves or even red cabbage leaves instead.
See also
- In Spanish: Crimuta para niños
