Kibbeh. Israel. Olympic Food Challenge

 You didn't think that was it did you?

The challenge continues until all 204 Olympic nations are researched, eaten and blogged, the proverbial flame has been taken up by a few hardcore bloggers and hopefully we will get all the remaining countries up for your enjoyment.

Apart from my remaining 4, I was given another 2 to blog, one of these being Israel.

Result!! This is one of my favourite cuisines that I really need to eat more of. Israeli food is getting more and more popular in this country thanks to Mr Yotam Ottolenghi, one of my favourite chefs. I visited his Islington Deli/Restaurant last year and the food was amazing so he was my natural go to point for a quality Israeli recipe.

The recipe I opted for was his version of Kibbeh.

Traditionally this dish is made from Bulgar wheat, minced onions and minced red meat. Usually they are torpedo-shaped fried croquettes stuffed with minced beef or lamb. This is an open version and is more like a pie.

Recipe available here: Kibbeh

The result from the recipe is a very tasty layered pie like dish. It consisted of a wide variety of textures, soft Bulgar wheat, crispy pine nuts and smooth tahini paste. The flavours all compliment each other but they lack that smack round the head, so I would recommend you do as the serving suggestions say and serve it with something sharp. I simply made a lemon dressing over a green salad which worked very well.

Israel didn't pick up any medals in the Olympics but they have picked up a couple of silvers and bronzes in the Paralympics.