A Popular Dish in Israel
Jachnun is a traditional Yemenite pastry that is popular in Israel, particularly on Shabbat mornings. This delicious dish has a unique flavour and texture that cannot be found in any other pastry.
How to make Jachnun
To make Jachnun, you need to start the night before by preparing the dough made of flour, water, and salt. The dough needs to be kneaded for a long time until it becomes smooth and elastic. Once the dough is ready, it is rolled into a thin sheet and brushed with margarine. The sheet is then folded several times and left to rest overnight in the refrigerator.
The next morning, the dough is removed from the refrigerator and rolled out again. It is then brushed with more margarine and rolled up tightly into a cylinder. The cylinder is placed in a baking dish and baked in a low-temperature oven for several hours until it becomes golden brown and crispy.
Serving Jachnun
Jachnun is usually served with a side of fresh tomato dip called schug, hard-boiled eggs, and a hot cup of Yemenite-style coffee. The pastry is typically eaten with your hands, and you can pull apart the layers to reveal the delicious, buttery goodness inside.
The Origin of Jachnun
The origin of Jachnun is unclear, but it is
believed to have been brought to Israel by Yemenite Jews who immigrated to the country in the early 20th century. Today, Jachnun is a popular dish in many Israeli households and can be found in restaurants and cafes throughout the country.
Some people like to experiment with the traditional Jachnun recipe by adding different fillings, such as cheese or honey. However, purists argue that the original recipe is perfect as is and shouldn’t be messed with.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Jachnun is a unique and delicious dish that has become an important part of Israeli cuisine. Its distinct flavour and texture make it a favourite among locals and tourists alike. If you ever find yourself in Israel on a Saturday morning, be sure to try a freshly baked Jachnun and experience the true flavours of Yemenite cuisine.
How to Make the Israel Jachnun Dish Recipe
Ingredients:
500g flour 2 teaspoons sugar 2 teaspoons salt 1 packet dry yeast 1/2 cup vegetable oil 1 1/2 cups warm water Sesame seeds for topping Butter or margarine for serving
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and dry yeast.
- Add the vegetable oil and warm water to the bowl, and mix until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Cover the bowl with a clean towel, and let the dough rise for at least 3 hours in a warm place.
- Preheat the oven to 200°C.
- Grease a baking dish with some oil.
- Punch down the dough, and divide it into small balls.
- Roll out each ball into a thin, elongated shape.
- Place the rolled-out dough onto the baking dish.
- Brush the top of each jachnun with some oil, and sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
- Bake for about 1 hour, or until the jachnun turns golden and crispy.
- Serve hot with butter or margarine.
Enjoy your delicious Israel Jachnun dish!