Top 5 Israeli Shabbat Meals
01
עוֹף וְאֹרֶז בְּסִיר אֶחָד - One-pan chicken and rice
Pronounced: oaf v'orez b'seer ehad
Shabbat meals are supposed to be delicious and filling, but that doesn't mean they have to be difficult. One-pan chicken and rice is an easy option for dinner -- all you need are a few key ingredients! The rice can go right at the bottom of the pan with the appropriate measurement of water, salt, and spices, then the chicken lays on the bed of rice. You can marinate the chicken in any sauce you like, or in something simple such as oil, paprika, turmeric, and the like. Add onion, garlic, and spices as needed! Bake, and in about an hour you have a delicious one-pan meal!
02
דָּג מָרוֹקָאִי - Moroccan Fish
Pronounced: dag morocai
Moroccan fish is a spicy and delicious option for Shabbat. Whitefish cooks in a sauce of onion, tomato, bell pepper, hot pepper, olive oil, and spices (paprika, turmeric, salt, pepper, cumin--whatever you like!) It's actually easier than you'd think -- and it's delicious served along with fresh challah!
03
מַרְק תֵּימָנִי
Pronounced: marak temani
There is nothing better on a cold Friday night than marak temani. This spin-on chicken (or beef) soup is rich in flavor and is said to be incredibly healthy. The base is usually chicken or beef stock, and then often a whole chicken (cut up) is added. Carrots, zucchini, potatoes, onions, and garlic are added too, along with a unique spice called hawaij that gives the soup its unique flavor. Cilantro is sometimes added at the end. If you like soup, this is a must-try for a Shabbat meal!
04
סַלְמוֹן וְקוּסְקוּס - Salmon and couscous
Pronounced: salmon v'kooskoos
Again, a meal that can be thrown together quickly. Salmon can be marinated in your favorite sauce --honey and soy sauce, for example, but it's also delicious with lemon, salt, and pepper. Making perfect couscous shouldn't take longer than 15 minutes, and it's a nice change from rice! It pairs well with just about anything.
05
חֲזֵה בָּקָר - Brisket
Pronounced: hezeh bakar
Brisket is a heartier choice for a Shabbat meal. You can get a nice cut of brisket from your local butcher or supermarket, and then spice it as you like. One such combination of spices is called "baharat" which has coriander, cumin, allspice, paprika, and more.! This is a quick way to get a lot of flavor at once. You'll want to roast it in some sort of liquid to keep it moist, but there are tons of different recipes you can explore to get an "Israeli-style" brisket.
