Jerusalem Platter

The Jerusalem Platter is a harmonious blend of Middle Eastern flavors that capture the rich culinary traditions of Jerusalem, a city at the crossroads of diverse cultures and histories. Influenced by Jewish, Arab, and Christian heritages, this dish brings together a remarkable selection of ingredients and spices, making it a true feast for the senses. With elements like hummus, falafel, shawarma, and tabbouleh, the Jerusalem Platter serves as a cultural and historical representation of the city's vibrant and diverse culinary ethos.

History of the Jerusalem Platter

The city of Jerusalem has been a melting pot of various civilizations for thousands of years. Its cuisine has absorbed influences from the Ottoman Empire, Middle Eastern neighbors, and Jewish diaspora across the globe. Traditional foods from each culture have melded into a unique culinary experience that is distinctly Jerusalem. This platter celebrates the city's multicultural identity by combining several popular dishes into one.

Ingredients

• Hummus
• Falafel
• Shawarma (chicken or lamb)
• Tabbouleh
• Pita bread
• Tahini sauce
• Pickles
• Olives
• Tomato slices
• Cucumber slices
• Lemon wedges
• Fresh parsley

Preparation

1. Preparing the Hummus

Start by blending chickpeas with tahini, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and salt until smooth. This creamy spread is a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine. It's enjoyed as a dip or a component in various dishes such as our Jerusalem Platter.

2. Crafting the Perfect Falafel

Falafel is made by grinding chickpeas or fava beans with spices like cumin and coriander. Formed into small balls or patties and fried until crunchy, they add a delightful texture and flavor to the platter.

3. Cooking the Shawarma

Savor the aromatic spiced shawarma by marinating chicken or lamb in a mix of Middle Eastern spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and paprika. Roast or grill it until juicy and tender. For accurate timing, refer to your cooking timer frequently.

4. Making Tabbouleh

Tabbouleh is a refreshing salad made with finely chopped parsley, mint, tomatoes, cucumbers, and soaked bulgur. Toss it all together with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper for a zesty accompaniment.

Assembling the Jerusalem Platter

Arrange each component neatly on a large plate or platter for an inviting presentation. Start with a generous scoop of hummus on one side. Surround it with golden falafels and juicy slices of shawarma. Add a mound of tabbouleh next to these.

Lay out warm, soft pita bread for scooping. Fill the gaps with tangy pickles, briny olives, fresh tomato slices, and crunchy cucumber slices. Finally, drizzle some nutty tahini sauce across the top and garnish with fresh parsley sprigs and lemon wedges.

Enjoying Your Jerusalem Platter

This platter is perfect for serving family-style to allow everyone to dig in and create their own combination of flavors in each bite. Scoop some hummus with a piece of pita, wrap some shawarma with a bit of tabbouleh in a pita pocket, or stack a falafel with a slice of tomato and cucumber. The variations are endless!

Pair the meal with a side of refreshing mint tea or enjoy with a glass of dry white wine to complement the fresh herbs and spices. This dish not only fills the belly but also brings a little piece of Jerusalem's history and culture to your dining table.

Remember, the key to a successful Jerusalem Platter is to use fresh ingredients and balance the flavors. The interplay of textures, from the creamy hummus to the crunchy falafel and moist, flavorful shawarma, makes each bite a new adventure.