doebadie
Culinary Explorer
I recently tried making Yemeni Saltah, and it turned out to be a comforting and flavorful dish! This traditional Yemeni stew is hearty and aromatic, typically served with a dollop of fenugreek foam on top and a side of flatbread. The combination of spices and tender meat makes it a perfect meal for any occasion. Here’s how you can make your own Saltah at home:
Ingredients:
- For the Stew:
- 1 lb (450g) beef or lamb, cut into small pieces
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 2 cups beef or chicken broth
- 1 potato, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground fenugreek (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the Fenugreek Foam:
- 2 tablespoons ground fenugreek seeds
- 1 cup water
- For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Fenugreek Foam:
- Soak the ground fenugreek seeds in 1 cup of water for at least 2 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse the seeds, then beat them with a whisk or hand mixer until they form a light and fluffy foam. Set aside.
2. Cook the Meat:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until softened and golden brown.
- Add the meat pieces and cook until browned on all sides.
3. Make the Stew:
- Add the diced tomatoes to the pot and cook for a few minutes until they begin to break down.
- Pour in the broth and add the diced potato, zucchini, and carrot. Stir in the ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, and fenugreek (if using). Season with salt and pepper.
- Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the meat and vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
4. Assemble and Serve:
- Ladle the stew into bowls. Add a generous spoonful of the fenugreek foam on top of each serving.
- Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro.
- Serve the Saltah hot, with flatbread on the side for dipping.