Out of Helen's kitchen

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Out of Helen's kitchen - Isreal

Details: Published on Saturday, March 31, 2018

Helen Drysdale
Neepawa Banner & Press

I took a trip one weekend this winter without packing my suitcases. Friends and I travelled to Israel; I did the cooking and they provided the pictures and travelogue. Great way to travel! I am sharing two of the recipes I used for the meal. Try them and enjoy your adventure.

The flavors in this Kofta (spiced meatball) are delicious. The little oval meatballs are juicy and packed with taste.

Kofta

1 1/2 -2 lbs. of ground beef
1 small onion, very finely diced
2 large garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp. allspice
3/4 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper
3/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

Sauce:
1 cup of Tzatziki dip/sauce
2 Tbsp. lemon juice
1 clove garlic, crushed

Garnish:
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
1/4 cup toasted slivered almonds
paprika

Put all the Kofta ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Shape into little torpedo shaped fingers about 3 inches long. Place on a platter in the fridge until ready to cook. Place on a cooking sheet and bake in a 375° oven for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through. You do not want them over cooked as it will dry them out. Mix the sauce ingredients and place on a serving tray. Place the meatballs on the sauce. Put them back in oven for 2-3 minutes for the sauce to warm up a bit. Garnish with the cilantro, slivered almonds and a dash of paprika.

Root vegetable slaw

3 medium beets, cut into match stick size
2 medium carrots, cut into match stick size
2 cups Jicama, cut in match stick size
5 large radishes, cut in match stick size
1 cup celery, cut in matchstick size
1/2 cup of cilantro or parsley, chopped

Dressing:
5 Tbsp. olive oil
4 Tbsp. lemon juice
3 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
1/2 Tbsp. fresh lemon zest
1 Tbsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper

Prepare the veggies. Mix the dressing ingredients together. About 1 hour before serving mix together and refrigerate until ready to serve. If you have a mandolin the match stick size of veggies are much easier to make.