Zahra Mekhla Roasted Cauliflower Middle Eastern Recipes

MAKLOUBEH - CAULIFLOWER

Steps:

• Saute onion and meat together in butter.
• Add salt and spices. Add broth or water and cover. Let meat simmer over moderate heat until tender.
• Break cauliflower into medium size florets. Sprinkle with salt. Fry in deep, hot oil until dark brown, the darker the better. When it looks almost burnt to me, I know its right. Drain on paper towels.
• Add cauliflower on top of meat. Add uncooked rice on top of cauliflower. Make sure that all are covered by broth. Add more if necessary to cover.
• Bring to a boil and reduce heat. Simmer for 40 minutes, or until rice is tender and broth/water is absorbed.
• Traditionally, this dish is allowed to cool for 30 minutes and then the pot is turned upside down in a large platter. It is then garnished with pine nuts and served with plain yogurt. I just dish it from the pot because my family can't wait 30 minutes now that the whole house smells so yummy.

EM SHAAT (MIDDLE EASTERN CAULIFLOWER FRITTERS)

Steps:

• Boil cauliflower until tender but not mushy.
• Once cauliflower is done drain, put in a large bowl.
• Separate the floret, keep it somewhat chunky. So cut it into half or fourths.
• Meanwhile chop garlic and hot pepper together in a mortar or food processor well.
• Add hot pepper,garlic,chopped parsley,1 beaten egg,flour,milk, and salt to taste.
• Batter should be thin, a tiny bit thinner than pancake batter.
• If batter is too thick, add a bit water. If batter is too thin, add more flour.
• Mix well together with a spoon.
• Meanwhile let oil get hot enough to fry.
• You can make the fritters large or small.
• Add mixture to oil with a tablespoon.
• Two tablespoon full of mixture will make a large fritter.
• Let fry until golden.
• Squeeze lemon on top (optional).
• Enjoy!