It’s this time of month again. It’s the Recipe ReDux challenge… November’s theme is:
It’s the perfect theme for this month. Except for the fact that I didn’t grow up with Thanksgiving! I love November Thanksgiving sides, but none of them come with a story of my grandmother, mother, or old recipe card.
This dish does. My grandmother is famous for it. I don’t remember eating it with a big feast or on a special occasion. It was one of those comfort meals that put a smile on my face and warmed my heart when I stepped into my grandmother’s kitchen and found it there. When I visit my grandmother’s, I still check her fridge and pantry to see what she’s been whipping up lately. Anyone else does that?
The name of the dish is Habbet Rummaneh. Ask me not what it means. Rummaneh stands for a pomegranate, and the recipe calls for pomegranate molasses. Other than that, I’m clueless where the name came from.
This dish is best at room temperature with a piece of pita bread. You can serve it with any kind of bread. Even better, skip the bread. Lentils have carbs as is, making it a healthy carbohydrate (with protein and fiber) option.
A note about the pomegranate molasses: it’s sweet and tangy. If you’ve used it before and love it, go for the full 1.5 tablespoons. If this is your first time, go easy. Start with 1 tablespoon and add the remaining if you can’t get enough of it!
Learn how to identify the REAL causes of your gut problems.
My son helped me with the mixing and whisking. Encourage the kids around you to help out!
| Arabic Lentils with Eggplants–Habbet Rummaneh |
- 1.5 c brown lentils, washed
- 1 large eggplant, peeled and cubed into 1/2 inch cubes
- 1 garlic clove
- 1-1.5 tbsp pomegranate molasses (read note above)
- juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 tbsp flour
- 1/4-1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Place the lentils and eggplant in a medium-size pot. Cover with at least 2 inches of water. Bring to a boil. Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 20-30 minutes until the lentils and eggplant are completely cooked. Keep checking the water as lentils absorb it very quickly–and you can burn them and your pot!
- Meanwhile, crush the garlic clove in a mortar and pestle. Combine with pomegranate molasses, lemon juice, flour, and salt in a small bowl. Whisk to make sure there are no flour lumps. (a child can help with this step)
- Mix the pomegranate molasses mixture into the lentils and eggplant.
- Remove from heat immediately. Drizzle the olive oil, and mix again.
- Pour in a serving bowl or dip bowl. Allow to cool to room temperature before serving.
