Crispy Rice Cakes with Three Sauces
Jewish food traditions are inspired by the regions throughout the world. Sephardic Jewish cuisine, including North African Jewish dishes, is influenced by neighbors along the Mediterranean. Rice cakes are traditionally included in North African Shabbat meals, with aromatic spices including turmeric, saffron, ginger, cumin, and cinnamon.
RICE CAKES
3 Cups basmati rice, cooked and cooled
½ Teaspoon turmeric
½ Teaspoon sweet paprika
Salt, to taste
1 whole lemon
2 eggs
4 Tablespoons cooking oil
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PARSLEY POMEGRANATE HERB SAUCE
1 bunch fresh parsley, curly or flat leaf
2 garlic cloves
1 pomegranate
1 lemon
¼ Cup extra virgin olive oil
Salt, to taste
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CUCUMBER MINT YOGURT
1 Cup plain yogurt, preferably Greek
1 English cucumber
2 garlic cloves
1 lemon
2-3 sprigs fresh mint
Salt and pepper, to taste
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MATBOUCHA
2 Tablespoons cooking oil
3 garlic cloves
1 small yellow onion, chopped
½ Teaspoon cumin
½ Teaspoon sweet paprika
2 roasted red bell peppers (from a can or jar), sliced
28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
Salt, to taste
1 Tablespoon red pepper flakes
The Frozen Persian: A Boozy Purim Treat
Purim is a happy holiday that affirms Jewish survival and continuity throughout history. This frozen drink, named for the place where the Purim story occurs, is pure decadence. L’chaim!
½ oz. Baileys
½ oz. Kahlua
½ oz. vodka
2 oz. half & half cream
2 scoops vanilla ice cream
1 cup ice, crushed
1 oz. chocolate syrup
The Shushan Slammer: A Boozy Shot for Purim
Purim is a happy holiday that affirms Jewish survival and continuity throughout history. This nutty nightcap is named for the city where the Purim story takes place. L’chaim!
½ oz. coffee liqueur
½ oz. amaretto
½ oz. Irish cream liqueur
½ oz. 151-proof rum
The Persian Fling: A Purim Cocktail
Purim is a happy holiday that affirms Jewish survival and continuity throughout history. This cocktail, named for the place where the Purim story occurred, is luscious, warm, and cozy. L’chaim!
¾ oz. Grand Marnier
¾ oz. amaretto
2 ½ oz. steamed milk
1 ½ oz. espresso
Dash of nutmeg
The Groggy Grogger: A Purim Cocktail
This cocktail, named for the noisemakers we use to drown out Haman's name on Purim, serves as a bit of a pick-me-up, packed with a punch. L’chaim!
4 oz. pineapple juice
1 ½ oz. vodka
½ teaspoon curry powder
½ teaspoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon cream
2 dashes Tabasco Sauce
4 oz. crushed ice