Sumaghiyyeh facts for kids
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| Type | Stew |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Palestine |
| Region or state | Gaza Strip, Palestine |
| Main ingredients | Sumac, sautéed chopped chard, pieces of slow-stewed beef, and garbanzo beans |
Sumaghiyyeh (Arabic: السماقية) is a special Palestinian dish. It comes from Gaza City and is often made for holidays and celebrations. The dish gets its name from a unique spice called sumac.
Contents
What is Sumaghiyyeh?
Sumaghiyyeh is a thick, tasty stew. It is known for its rich flavor and creamy texture. People in Gaza have been making this dish for a very long time. It is a big part of their food traditions.
Main Ingredients of Sumaghiyyeh
This stew uses several important ingredients to create its unique taste:
- Sumac: This is a reddish-purple spice made from dried berries. It gives the dish a tangy, slightly sour flavor.
- Tahina: This is a paste made from ground sesame seeds. It helps make the stew thick and creamy.
- Chard: This is a leafy green vegetable, similar to spinach. It is chopped and cooked into the stew.
- Beef: Pieces of beef are cooked slowly until they are very tender.
- Garbanzo beans: Also known as chickpeas, these add a hearty texture to the dish.
How is Sumaghiyyeh Made?
Making Sumaghiyyeh is a careful process. First, the ground sumac is soaked in water. This helps to bring out its flavor. Then, the sumac water is mixed with tahina, more water, and a little flour. This mixture becomes the base of the stew.
Next, chopped chard is lightly fried. The tender pieces of slow-cooked beef and garbanzo beans are added. Finally, the sumac and tahina mixture is stirred in. The stew is seasoned with dill seeds, chili peppers, and garlic. These spices are often fried in olive oil first to make them even more flavorful.
After cooking, the Sumaghiyyeh is poured into bowls to cool down. It becomes thicker as it cools.
How to Enjoy Sumaghiyyeh
Sumaghiyyeh is usually eaten with pita bread. People use pieces of pita bread to scoop up the thick stew. It is a comforting and filling meal, perfect for sharing with family and friends during special times.
