Mnazzalet Zahra

A distinctive and special Syrian dish: fried cauliflower with minced meat, onions, and chickpeas – an unforgettable flavor.

🥄 Ingredients

• Ingredients
• 2.1 kg cauliflower
• 0.5 kg lean ground beef
• 2 medium onions (300 g)
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp vegetable seasoning powder
• Vegetable oil for frying the cauliflower
• 2 cups boiling water
• 100 g soaked and peeled chickpeas

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Preparation method:
2. The day before, soak the chickpeas with 0.25 to 1 teaspoon of baking soda and plenty of water. The next day, wash the chickpeas and peel them by pressing them between your fingers. This will separate the skins and create two halves, which is ideal. Place the chickpeas in a pot and boil them until they are half-cooked or fully cooked, according to your preference.
3. Cut the cauliflower into large florets by cutting them at the root end only. Wash and dry them on kitchen paper, then fry them until they turn light brown.
4. While frying the cauliflower (since it takes a long time), peel and finely chop the onion. Sauté it in 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil until it turns golden. Then add the ground meat and break it up. Reduce the heat to medium and let it cook for 1.5 hour, or until the meat is cooked through and the water has evaporated.
5. Now add the cooked chickpeas to the meat and stir for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Then add the cauliflower, the seven-spice mix, and water. Cover and cook for 15 minutes.

🌹 Decoration

Garnish the cauliflower with parsley leaves, fresh mint, and lemon wedges. Serve the cauliflower casserole with rice and vermicelli.