Take a culinary tour of Israel right in your own home! Cooking and taste-testing with your family provides a great sensory learning activity and jumping off point to learn more about Israel and Jewish culture. Here are five popular foods from Israel that are sure to be a hit with your family.
Pomegranate Juice
Pom Wonderful may bring this delicious nectar to your local supermarket, but fresh-squeezed pomegranate juice can also be found on street corners all over major Israeli cities.
Chickpeas
These tasty little legumes are the darling of gluten-free eaters, and the nutrient-packed basis of many delicious comfort food staples like hummus and falafel. They are also a great healthy snack seasoned and toasted. Try one of our favorite recipes here.
Want to make your own hummus? Check out the video below! If you don't have a food processor, use some kid power with the help of a potato masher.
Rugelach
Made authentically, these small pastries have dough that is chewy on the inside and lightly flaky on the outside, lined with either gooey chocolate or sticky cinnamon paste. Get a look at Jerusalem's famous Marzipan Bakery and their chocolate rugelach.
Want to make your own rugelach? The Smitten Kitten offers an easy, tasty, recipe.
Shakshuka
Shakshuka is popping up on brunch menus all over the US. This vegetarian dish is usually served in a sizzling pan straight from the oven. At it's base, shaksuka is tomato sauce with cooked eggs on top. Although it's a popular brunch or breakfast dish here, it can be eaten any time of the day -- and it's a great way to get your kids to eat their veggies. Try adding cheese, spinach, or chili peppers to your own version of shakshuka.
Want a great shakshuka story and recipe? Visit Tori Avey's blog.
Israeli Couscous
Outside of Israel, ptitim is usually marketed as "Israeli Couscous." This small pasta was developed in Israel during a time when rice was scarce. While ptitim is popular with Israeli children, in the states the grain is often used in sophisticated salads and side dishes.
Looking for a recipe? Try this delicious Israeli Couscous salad.
Want to learn about other popular Israeli foods? Check out the following video from BuzzFeed. Parents, this video is made for fellow grownups rather than younger audiences.
May 10, 2016