Al-Sit Zabqi – Recipe for Al-Sit Zabqi – How to Prepare Al-Sit Zabqi Dish

Al-Sit Zabqi – Recipe for Al-Sit Zabqi – How to Prepare Al-Sit Zabqi Dish

Al-Sit Zabqi is a delicious and famous dish in the Levant, especially in Syria, and across the Arab world in general. This dish has ancient roots in Syrian cuisine, said to be around 200 years old.

It is popular with both adults and children due to its easy digestion and is considered a main dish, often served at family gatherings or with friends as a lunch meal.

The name "Al-Sit Zabqi" translates to "Run, Grandma," and it’s said that the dish was named because it’s eaten quickly due to its flavorful appeal.

This dish requires 30 minutes to prepare the ingredients and 1 hour to cook. The recipe serves three people.

Ingredients for Al-Sit Zabqi:

 

• 1 cup of brown lentils, rinsed
• 6 large cups of water
• 3 medium-sized onions, chopped
• ¼ cup olive oil
• ½ kilogram lamb, washed and cut into medium-sized cubes
• ¼ tablespoon ground cumin
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• 200 grams of pasta
• ½ cup mashed garlic
• 1 bunch fresh cilantro, finely chopped
• 1 bunch Swiss chard, chopped into medium-sized pieces
• Lemon juice to taste

How to Prepare Al-Sit Zabqi:

1. Cook the Lentils:
   After washing and cleaning the lentils, place them in a large pot with 6 cups of water. Leave them to cook on low heat until the lentils are tender.

2. Prepare the Meat:
   In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they soften. Wash the lamb cubes and add them to the onions. Stir the ingredients together and cook the meat until it’s browned. Add the cumin, salt, and black pepper to taste, stirring to coat the meat in the spices.

3. Add the sautéed meat and onion mixture to the pot with the lentils. Let it simmer on low heat.

4. Cook the Pasta:
   Once the lentils and meat are nearly done, add the pasta to the pot and cook until tender.

5. Prepare the Garlic and Cilantro Mixture:
   In another pan, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the mashed garlic and chopped cilantro. Stir and cook for a few minutes until fragrant, then add this mixture to the pot with the lentils and meat.

6. Add the Swiss Chard:
   Chop the Swiss chard into strips and add it to the dish. Stir the ingredients and allow the pot to continue cooking on low heat until the Swiss chard is fully cooked.

7. Final Touches:
   Once done, remove the dish from the heat and transfer it to a serving plate. You can garnish it with some fresh parsley, toasted pine nuts, or walnuts, depending on your preference.

The dish can be served alongside yogurt or fresh vegetables. Enjoy this flavorful traditional meal!