Palestinian Ramadan Recipes

Introduction

Ramadan, the holy month of fasting observed by Muslims worldwide, is a time for spiritual reflection, community, and sharing meals with loved ones. Palestinian cuisine boasts a rich array of dishes perfect for breaking the fast, featuring vibrant flavors and traditional ingredients. Explore these two authentic Palestinian Ramadan recipes to add a taste of the Levant to your iftar table.

1. Musakhan Rolls: Musakhan is a beloved Palestinian dish typically made with roasted chicken, caramelized onions, and sumac, all nestled atop a flatbread. This recipe offers a convenient twist by transforming the classic flavors into bite-sized rolls, perfect for sharing during Ramadan gatherings.

   Ingredients:

   • 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded
   • 2 large onions, thinly sliced
   • 2 tablespoons olive oil
   • 1 tablespoon ground sumac
   • Salt and pepper to taste
   • 8-10 large round flatbreads or tortillas
   • Chopped parsley for garnish
   • Yogurt or tahini sauce for dipping

   Instructions:

   1. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until golden brown and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes.
   2. Add the shredded chicken to the pan with the onions. Season with sumac, salt, and pepper, and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
   3. Place a spoonful of the chicken and onion mixture onto each flatbread or tortilla. Roll up tightly and secure with toothpicks if needed.
   4. Arrange the rolls on a serving platter, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve with yogurt or tahini sauce for dipping.
2. Ma’amoul Cookies: Ma’amoul are delicate, filled cookies that are a staple dessert during Ramadan in Palestinian households. These buttery cookies are traditionally filled with dates or nuts and are often enjoyed with a cup of Arabic coffee or tea after iftar.

   Ingredients:

   • 2 cups semolina flour
   • 1 cup all-purpose flour
   • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
   • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
   • 1/4 cup rose water
   • 1 teaspoon orange blossom water (optional)
   • 1/2 teaspoon ground mahlab (optional)
   • Date paste or chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pistachios) for filling
   • Powdered sugar for dusting

   Instructions:

   1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
   2. Add the semolina flour, all-purpose flour, rose water, orange blossom water, and ground mahlab to the butter mixture. Mix until a smooth dough forms.
   3. Divide the dough into small balls, about 1 tablespoon each.
   4. Using your thumb, make an indentation in each dough ball and fill it with a small amount of date paste or chopped nuts.
   5. Close the dough around the filling, shaping it into a ball or using a ma’amoul mold for decorative designs.
   6. Place the filled cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
   7. Allow the ma’amoul cookies to cool slightly, then dust them with powdered sugar before serving.

These delightful Musakhan Rolls and Ma’amoul Cookies will add a touch of Palestinian flavor and tradition to your Ramadan celebrations, bringing joy and sweetness to your iftar gatherings.