Middle East Recipes for Entertaining

Middle East Recipes for Entertaining

Fried Tomatoes with Garlic

Ingredients:

• 4 cloves garlic, crushed
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 small hot pepper, very finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 2 large, firm tomatoes, thickly sliced

Preparation:

Thoroughly mix the garlic with the pepper, salt, and hot pepper; then stir in the parsley and set aside. Heat the oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the tomato slices and cook for about a minute on one side; then turn and sprinkle slices with the garlic, hot pepper, and parsley mixture. Continue to cook for another minute, shaking the pan occasionally; then turn the slices again and cook until they are done, but not mushy. Slide the tomato slices onto a plate, and serve immediately.

Note: Do not try to cook more than two servings at a time or the tomatoes will end up overcooked. This type of tomato appetizer is great scooped up onto Arabic bread.

Serves 4.

Chickpea and Olive Appetizer

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried chickpeas, washed and soaked overnight in 8 cups water
• 1/2 cup black olives, chopped
  
• 1/4 cup scallions, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh coriander leaves (cilantro)
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• salt to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/8 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Preparation:

Place the chickpeas with their water in a saucepan, and bring to a boil, then cook over medium heat for about 2-1/2 hours, or until the chickpeas are tender. Drain; then place the chickpeas in a salad bowl and allow to cool. (Or, substitute half a 19 oz. can of chickpeas, drained.) Add the remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly. Serve immediately.

Serve with warm pita bread for dipping. Serves 4-6.