Ziva (dish) facts for kids
![]() |
|
Type | Meal |
---|---|
Place of origin | Israel |
Region or state | Tel Aviv |
Main ingredients | Laminated dough, cheese, olives, nigella seeds, sesame seeds. |
Variations | Tzfat cheese, Feta cheese, Emek Cheese stuffing as well as tomato sauce |
Ziva (Hebrew: זיוה) is a yummy Israeli dish that's like a special pastry. It's often eaten for breakfast or as a light meal. This tasty treat is made from a flaky dough, filled with cheese and olives, and topped with crunchy sesame seeds. You can find Ziva served in homes and restaurants all over Israel.
Contents
What is Ziva?
Ziva is a popular food from Israel, especially in the city of Tel Aviv. It's a type of baked pastry that's known for its delicious fillings and crispy outside. Think of it as a savory pie or turnover that's perfect for sharing.
What's Inside a Ziva?
Ziva starts with a special kind of dough called puff pastry. Imagine many super thin layers of dough that puff up when baked, making it light and flaky! Inside this amazing dough, you'll usually find a yummy cheese filling. Sometimes, people also add olives for an extra salty kick. On top of the pastry, before it's baked, lots of tiny, crunchy sesame seeds are sprinkled. These seeds give Ziva a nice texture and flavor.
Ziva's Tasty Variations
While cheese and olives are common, Ziva can have different fillings too! Some popular choices for the cheese include Tzfat cheese, Feta cheese, or Emek Cheese. You might even find Ziva with a bit of tomato sauce inside, making it taste like a mini pizza!
How Do People Eat Ziva?
Ziva is usually served warm, right out of the oven. It's often enjoyed with a few side dishes that make the meal even better.
- Hot Sauce: A spicy sauce called skhug (pronounced "skhoog") is a common partner for Ziva. It adds a bit of heat and flavor.
- Eggs: Many people like to eat Ziva with a hard-boiled egg or a fried egg on the side.
- Israeli Salad: A fresh Israeli salad is also a popular choice. This salad usually has chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, and sometimes other vegetables, dressed with lemon juice and olive oil. It adds a refreshing crunch to the meal.
Ziva's Food Family
Ziva is part of a bigger family of delicious pastries found in the Middle East. It's cooked in a way that's similar to a Malawach, which is another flaky, fried bread from Yemen. However, the ingredients in Ziva, especially the cheese filling, are more like a börek. Börek is a savory pastry that's popular in many countries, including Turkey and the Balkans. Both Malawach and börek are also very common and loved in Israel, just like Ziva!