Recipes

Tzimmes

Tzimmes is any kind of sweet stew. It usually is orange in color, and includes carrots, sweet potatoes and/or prunes. A wide variety of dishes fall under the heading tzimmes.

Malawach

Malawach is one of a number of dishes brought to Israel by the Jews from Yemen. The popularity of this versatile dish, which may be served with a variety of fillings and toppings, testifies to the love for Yemenite food which Israelis have acquired.

Shishlik

The simple method of preparing meat on an open grill goes back to ancient biblical times. To this day, Israelis tend to prefer their meat prepared in this manner. Shishlik is one of the most popular dishes requested at restaurants.

Vegetable Salad

The idea of salad for breakfast is probably a little strange to North Americans. But this trademark Mediterranean salad is enjoyed by Israelis three times a day -- breakfast, lunch, and dinner -- regardless of whether they are from Russia, Morocco, Yemen, or the United States.

Meat Borscht

Meat borscht comes from Russia and is a winter favorite. It is cooked for several hours on a low flame and its pungent aroma penetrates every corner of the home. It has become popular to serve hot borscht at parties at the stroke of midnight. No one wanting to miss this treat will go home before that hour. The influx of thousands of newcomers from the former Soviet Union in recent years has reinforced the popularity of the various types of borscht in Israel.

Zucchini Pritti

Zucchini was mentioned in the Bible (Book of Leviticus), and until this day has remained part of the fare in Israel and neighboring lands.

Kichlach

The word kichlach is Yiddish for cookies and derived from central Europe. Israeli soldiers enjoy getting parcels with sweet things from home; and mothers are very efficient in keeping them well-supplied with cakes. The popular kichlach are to be found in many of the packages destined for these young soldiers.

Keftes de Prasa (Leek Patties)

This is a traditional food used to celebrate Rosh Hashanah and is also as a sign of spring.

Lekach (Honey Cake)

This freshly baked traditional honey cake is served with apples, honey, and challah for a sweet new year.

Honey Cake

Honey cake is the traditional cake of the "Land of Milk and Honey," the biblical name for Israel. Honey cake is a must for the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, since its sweetness symbolizes the wishes for a good year ahead.

Fruit Salad

The abundance of fresh fruit in Israel, ripe from the fields and orchards, makes fruit salads a natural choice. After a good meal, nothing is more refreshing than this cool dessert.

Tehina

A typical dish of the Orient brought to Israel by Jewish refugees from Arab countries. Tehina is a thick dip with sesame seeds as its base. It is often used as a topping for falafel and other dishes.