Lebanese Dinner Ideas

There is nothing nicer then cooking a dish that reminds you of your childhood. That smell that takes you back to the moment you would come home and your mother would be cooking your favourite foods. That is the best food memories you can have as a child.

Kofta bi Siniyeh(in Pomengranate Molasses) is one of my favourite comfort foods, especially in the cooler weather.

Recipe for Kofta Bi Siniyeh (In Pomengranate Molasses)

Ingredients

• 1kg Kofta Mince from butcher

• 5 large potatoes cut into slices

• 3 tomatoes cut into slices

• 1/4 cup Pomegranate Molasses

• 3 tbsp tomato paste

• 5 cups water (2 cups of water for rice)

• 1 tsp Lebanese mixed spices

• 1 cup Jasmine rice

• 1/2 cup Vermicelli Noodles

• 1 tbsp Butter

• Salt to taste

• Cracked pepper to taste

Instructions

Preparing the Kofta

1. Preheat fan forced oven to 200 degrees Celsius

2. Make the kofta into small sized patties and then assemble them in between slices of potato and tomato alternating the whole way until the oven tray is full.

3. In a separate bowl, place your tomato paste, water, salt, pomegranate molasses and spices then mix well to make it a liquid consistency.

4. Pour the tomato paste mix onto the prepared tray of kofta.

5. Sprinkle some salt and spices on the top of the tray over the kofta mixture.

6. Cover the whole tray with foil ensuring no gaps. Place in the oven for 1.5hr lowering temp to 180 degrees after 1hr.

7. Serve!

Preparing the Lebanese Rice

1. You must rinse the rice to get rid of excess starch.

2. In a pot, melt the butter and crack the Vermicelli in your hands and put in the pot.

3. When the Vermicelli is golden, add the washed rice and about 2 cups of water to cover the rice about 1-2 cm.

4. Let it cook on low heat for about 20 min, till the rice is fluffy and not sticky.

5. Once the rice is fully cooked, let it rest for 10-15 minutes or so, then fluff it with a fork. This again helps keep the rice from becoming sticky or gluey.

Good luck!