Semolina porridge is common in Israel. Here we call it diysa, though that technically means any hot cereal. Semolina porridge is a wonderfully easy hot breakfast for cold winter mornings. It is also a nice change from oat meal. Growing up, my mom made a savory version. She cooks the semolina in a similar way …

Sahlab aka sachlav is a favorite cold weather drink in Israel. As soon as the air begins to turn crisp you can find it petty much anywhere. Traditionally, sahlab is made from the flour made from orchid tubers. However, since these tubers are becoming endangered, in common to use artificial flavoring or to use rose …

Hummus is an integral part of middle eastern food culture.  Here in Israel it is eaten on a regularly and at every gathering.  Serve as an appetizer with pita for wiping. I was so young the first time I ate hummus that I don’t remember the experience.  You may already know this but hummus is …

Pearl couscous or Israeli couscous is a traditional Israeli side dish.  Serve alongside a saucy main dish. I’ve eaten pearl couscous a lot when served as a side dish to hot lunch when I taught in Israeli schools.   I’ve even had it as part of an on flight meal leaving Israel. Needless to say, …

Moroccan carrot salad is a nice addition to any table or picnic.  Serve as part of a mezze or as you would any other salad. Moroccan carrot salad was brought to Israel through Jewish immigrants from Morocco.  Since then it’s become a popular addition to the Israeli mezze where “salatim” (salads) are served. A mezze …

Shawarma is Israel’s favorite street food along with falafel.  This version has all the classic shawarma flavor but is easy to make at home.  Serve with Israeli salad and mujadera or Israeli rice and beans.  In Israel you can find a shawarma shop just about anywhere you go.  In Jerusalem you cannot walk a block …

Mujadara is a popular side dish in Israel and throughout the Middle East made of rice and lentils topped with fried onions. Serve alongside chicken or meat. Mujadara is believed to have originated in modern day Iraq during the Middle Ages. It is also is said to have been inspired by lentil dish Jacob used …

Yellow chicken and potatoes are extremely popular in Israel.  You can find them made in homes, sold hot in stores, and even in children’s hot lunches.  Just add green beans as a side and it is ready to serve. Israeli yellow chicken is one of my family’s favorites.  This is because it is not only …

Israeli paprika chicken and potatoes makes for a quick, easy, and healthy meal.  Just cut up potatoes and chicken quarters, spice, and roast. This is my go-to recipe at the end of a long day when I have to make a meal. It takes less than an hour, and since it’s one pot, it makes …

Sufganiyot are Israel’s most popular Chanukah food.  These powdered jelly doughnuts are by far the best I’ve ever made and are even better than the bakeries’. Weeks prior to Chanukah, you can smell sufganiyot baking wherever you go in Israel tempting you to bite into the fluffy powered pastry.  Every bakery, pastry shop, mini market, …