Tel Aviv and Israel in general are known for their cuisine. People crave it, others rave about it, and I can now understand why. One of the most common dishes to start the day is shakshuka (pronounced shackshookah). This breakfast dish is a combination of tomatoes and spices, simmered into a stew, served with fried eggs cooked right into the savory sauce. I was fortunate enough to learn how to cook a vegan version with Tel Aviv’s chef and healthy guru Phyllis Glazer.
Not only was Phyllis prepping for all of the shakshuka ingredients, she was also making homemade tomato sauce and shared some of her homemade sprouted mung bean bread with ghee, a clarified butter. To get these recipes you might just have to take one of her cooking classes at Phyllis’ Kitchen or check out her Facebook page.
Phylllis’ website is lovely, full or recipes and cultural tidbits on Jewish culture and beyond. Here is actually a recipe for a baked, healthier version of falafel, an Israel staple.
Don’t worry as you can right click and translate the website into English. Also, you’ll notice that the text is shifted to the right. This is because Hebrew is read and written from the right to the left, so this is normal and not a website error, in case you were wondering. For other interesting facts on the Hebrew language and text, check out the article, 7 Things You Should Know About Hebrew.
While making the shakshuka, one little tip was to cut tofu into circles and cook with spices to mimic an egg, traditionally used in this dish. The recipe is relatively easy to make, and allows plenty of time to work on other dishes and enjoy conversation. Phyllis shared so many tips on healthy eating and unique ingredients used at home and in the classroom.
We even had time to make another healthy dish, and I shared my recipe for Cauliflower Egg-less Salad.
Take a look at the final results of the colorful and nutrient-rich recipe!
Shakshuka is only the beginning of the diverse and healthy cuisine found in Israel. Below explores some of the favorite dishes found in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
Main & Side Dishes
Harimeh is a common spicy fish dish, made with one of the many fresh fish options available from the coast in Tel Aviv. Mussar is the fish pictured below.
Sabikh is a pita sandwich made with fried eggplant, boiled then sliced potato, hard-boiled eggs, tahini, vegetables, and lastly hot sauce. This is an easy grab-and-go sandwich, found in little food stands in Tel Aviv.
Hummus in Israel promises to taste like none other, so smooth, so pure, almost a sauce rather than textured, thick hummus. This is quite possibly due in part to the tahini, which you’ll want to eat by the spoonful.
Tabouleh is comprised of mainly parsley surprisingly, instead of mostly the grain sprinkled with greens. It’s very refreshing and a healthier version.
Falafel in Israel is very green in color on the inside from the parsley and preparation method. Sometimes falafel can be dry or overly greasy, but not in Israel.
Bakery
Khala is a sweet, white pretzel bread that is only prepared for Fridays before the Sabbath on Saturday.
Bureka is a phyllo pastry often filled with cheese and spinach.
Sweets
Kanafeh is made with crunchy pastry shreds soaked in syrup with a white cheese center and pistachios on top.
Baklava is a phyllo pastry made of several layers of phyllo, chopped nuts, and drizzled with sweet syrup or honey.
Lokma are fried dough balls soaked in honey, readily available in shops in Jerusalem.
Rugelach is a pastry like a crescent with and omg good chocolate filling.
Halva not pictured, is a sesame, honey, and vanilla dessert, made from sesame seed paste.
Drinks
Arak is an anise-flavored liquor quite strong, and interestingly turns white when mixed with water.
Sweet Almond drink not pictured, is made with a sweet syrup, served at restaurants as a chilled beverage. It’s quite sweet, but a good non-alcoholic sipping selection.
There are many more dishes and interesting food found in Israel, but stay tuned for additional articles coming soon on where to taste some of these treats including the article, Israeli Eats: Your Guide to Great Food in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
-Stephanie Krubsack