As we transition into life in Israel, one major cultural change is the cooking process.
There are no large grocery stores in Jerusalem that sell everything we need in one place.
Even if there was, I can't carry it all home.
I have to get selective about what recipes I use.
So, I developed a three tier system to help me find recipes that will work for life in Israel.
Level 1: Key words.
I now skim recipes for words like: packet, bacon, candy, or any specific brand that is key.
Why? They don't exist or are too hard to find.
Corn chips...that's a bus ride.
Level 2: Is it in season?
No?
Sorry, try again later.
Level 3: Can we afford it?
I check for items that exist, but are really pricey.
I mean, a bag of chocolate chips can set you back $6 if you're not paying attention.
A can of beans goes for around $3. Ricotta cheese? Forget it.
Actually, any cheese needs to be prayerfully considered.
If I find a recipe that passes the exam, it gets a gold star (aka pinned to my Food board)
Sometimes I am ok with going to 7 different stores or splurging on an item, but that's rare.
The nice thing about this is that we eat locally and seasonally, and almost nothing is pre-packaged.
(Kurt does love a good microwave pizza.)
I make things from scratch that we might be tempted to just buy in the states to save time.
All that being said, I made this soup this weekend and thought I would share it with you.
It passed the "exam" with flying colors and goes well with pita instead of naan bread.
Win!
10 comments:
I need to save this in some small corner of my brain for the possible day we end up over there, too. You better stick around for a bit over there, Mags. Also, we had apple & potato curry last night. Bet it'd pass the test, too.
Yum, I want to make this recipe this week! Totally fits the bill in our house of being vegetarian and inexpensive with ethnic flavors. Please share other recipes that meet your criteria!
beccagarber.com
Ok, I'm back again. Looking at your picture and Becca's comment about other recipes made me think of this:
http://www.artisanbreadinfive.com/2009/04/17/instant-gratification-the-indian-flatbread-naan
I want to try it. Like, yesterday.
Sounds like you are being forced to shop & eat the way we all should .....good for you! Your soup looks delicious.
yes! we love lentil soup. my favorite part is that it is so forgiving, you can add zucchini, nix the carrots, even add protein as you wish without ruining the soup. definitely a staple in our large grocery store-car driving life too!
that soup looks amazing!!! i'll have to try making that--i just bought some lentils :)
Ricotta in many local varieties at Basher's in shuk, ask them for it, they have to portion it. Corn chips at the health food store in Agrippas, bacon at mania on Agrippas(shhhh), but where did you get the lime?
Thanks for stopping by and saying hi on my blog :) Can't wait to read more of yours... I'm very intrigued by your life in Israel :)
That lentil soup looks awesome! I make a Persian version (my husband is from Iran), but I'm going to try that next time.
Where in Colorado are you from?
xoxo J
Hi Jessi! We used to live near Denver...some of our stuff still lives there too:) Thanks for stopping by!
sounds like how i have to cook even in switz, ha!
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