Shanklish facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Shanklish |
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| Region | Syria and Lebanon |
| Source of milk | Cow or sheep |
| Named after | Lua error in Module:Wikidata at line 70: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value). |
Shanklish (Arabic: شنكليش shanklīsh or شنغليش shanghlīsh), also known as chancliche or sorke, is a special kind of cheese from the Middle East. It's very popular in countries like Syria and Lebanon. This cheese is usually made from cow's milk or sheep milk.
Shanklish is often shaped into small balls, about 6 centimeters wide. These cheese balls are then covered with delicious spices like za'atar or Aleppo pepper. After that, they are left to age and dry, which gives them their unique flavor.
How Shanklish is Made
The most common spice used on Shanklish is thyme. This spice gives the cheese a look that's a bit like a chocolate rum ball. Sometimes, Shanklish is sold in much smaller balls or even without being shaped at all.
In Egypt, a similar cheese is made by fermenting a type of soft cheese called Areesh cheese. This Egyptian version is usually known as mesh.
Different Kinds of Shanklish
Shanklish can be very different in how it feels and tastes. Fresh Shanklish is soft and has a mild flavor. But if it's dried and aged for a longer time, it becomes much harder. It can also get a very strong smell and taste!
To make spicier cheeses, other spices like aniseed or chilli can be mixed in. This happens before the cheese is rolled into balls. Spicy Shanklish often has a coating of red chilli, especially in Syria. This makes the cheese look red.
Some of the best Shanklish comes from the coastal area of Syria around Tartus and the nearby region of Akkar in northern Lebanon. These cheeses are usually hard, have a clean, strong flavor, and are almost white in color.
How to Enjoy Shanklish
Shanklish is often eaten with finely-chopped tomato, onion, and olive oil. This dish is called Shʿifurah or Jʿifurah. People often enjoy it with a drink called araq. It's a common meze dish, which means it's a small plate of food served before or with a main meal.
For breakfast, Shanklish can be mashed up with eggs. Or, it can be crushed and put into a pita bread with cucumbers, mint, and olive oil. It's a tasty and popular way to start the day!
See also
In Spanish: Shanklish para niños
