Fogaiyya (Stew from Gaza City)

May 23, 2023May 23, 20230 13
Fogaiyya: A Rich and Hearty Stew from Gaza City
in Stew

Prep

30 min

Cook

2 hours

Ready In

2.5 hours

Level

Easy

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

450 g lean stewing beef or 450 g lamb , trimmed of fat cut into small chunks ( 1lb )
1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
5 allspice berries
4 cardamom pods
1 cinnamon stick
2 cloves
1 bay leaf
2 pebbles mastic
1 small piece of cracked whole nutmeg ( or to taste , it has intoxicant properties so it is not halal )
8 cups cold water
1/2 cup medium grain rice , rinsed
2 teaspoons salt , divided
1 can chickpeas ( or 1/2 cup dried chickpeas , soaked 8-12 hours or overnight )
1 bunch chard leaves , thick stems removed ( approx . 8-1/2 c . )
5 garlic cloves
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup lemon juice , freshly squeezed

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
6-8
Calories
450
Sugar
4g
Fat
14g
Fogaiyya is a traditional stew that hails from Gaza City, a coastal city in Palestine. This rich and hearty dish is made with tender chunks of beef or lamb, rice, and a flavorful puree of chickpeas, chard, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice. The spices used in the stew, such as allspice, cardamom, and cinnamon, give the dish a warm and fragrant aroma that is sure to make your mouth water. If you're looking for a meal that is comforting, filling, and packed with flavor, then Fogaiyya is the answer!

Instructions

1.In a large pot, add the beef or lamb, yellow onion, allspice berries, cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, cloves, bay leaf, mastic, nutmeg, and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1-1.5 hours, or until the meat is tender.
2.Add the rice and 1 teaspoon of salt to the pot and stir. Simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is cooked.
3.Meanwhile, in a blender or food processor, blend together the chickpeas, chard leaves, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and remaining 1 teaspoon of salt until smooth.
4.When the rice is done, stir in the pureed chickpea mixture and simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve hot and enjoy!

PROS

This stew is a hearty and filling meal that is perfect for a cold day.

It is also packed with protein and fiber, thanks to the beef or lamb and chickpeas.

The chard and garlic in the pureed mixture add a delicious, earthy flavor to the dish.

CONS

This stew does require a fair bit of preparation, including soaking the chickpeas ahead of time if using dried.

The spices used in the stew may not be familiar to some people, and may be difficult to find in some grocery stores.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

This stew is a great source of protein and fiber, which can help to keep you feeling full and satisfied for hours after eating.
The chard and garlic in the pureed mixture also offer numerous health benefits, including supporting immune function and reducing inflammation.
However, as with any dish that contains meat, it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

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