Zaytun Msabbah

Zaytun Msabbah Recipe - Authentic Saudi Arabian Green Olive Dish

Region / culture: Saudi Arabia | Preparation time: 3 days | Servings: 4

Introduction

Zaytun Msabbah is a traditional Middle Eastern recipe that features green olives marinated in a spicy brine. This flavorful dish is perfect for adding a kick to your meals or serving as a tasty appetizer.

History

Zaytun Msabbah has been enjoyed in Middle Eastern cuisine for centuries. The combination of green olives and spicy chilies creates a unique and delicious flavor profile that has stood the test of time.

Ingredients

1 kg fresh green olives
3 small dried hot chilies
water
rock salt

How to prepare

Either leave the chilis as they are, or cut 3 to 4 slits in each chili using a fine-bladed, stainless steel knife or razor blade.
Discard any damaged chilis.
Pack the chilis into sterilized glass jar or jars, and cover them with cold water.
Soak the chilis for 3 days, changing the water each day.
Measure the last amount of water.
Measure the same amount of fresh water into a pan and add rock salt in the proportion of 0.33 cup to each 4 cups of water.
Heat the mixture and stir until the salt dissolves.
Allow the mixture to cool.
Pack the chilis into the jar or jars, placing them amongst the chilis.
Pour the cool brine on top, filling the jars.
Remove any air bubbles and seal the jars with a plastic lid.
Store the jars in a cool, dark place for 5 months before using.
To serve, remove the required amount of chilis and rinse them under cold water.
Drain the chilis and place them in a bowl.
Squeeze the juice of a lemon and pour 0.25 cup of olive oil over the chilis.
Stir to blend and leave for an hour or two before serving.

Variations

Add garlic cloves or fresh herbs to the brine for added flavor.
Use different types of chilies for varying levels of heat.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use fresh green olives for the best flavor.

- Soaking the chilies in water for 3 days helps to mellow out their heat.

- Make sure to sterilize your jars before packing the chilies to prevent spoilage.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Zaytun Msabbah as a side dish or appetizer with fresh bread or crackers.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making Zaytun Msabbah is allowing the chilies to marinate in the brine for at least 5 months before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find fresh green olives, you can use canned green olives instead.

Make Ahead Tips

Zaytun Msabbah can be made ahead of time and stored in a cool, dark place for up to a year.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Zaytun Msabbah in a decorative jar or bowl for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Zaytun Msabbah pairs well with grilled meats, cheeses, and fresh vegetables.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Zaytun Msabbah in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Serve at room temperature.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Zaytun Msabbah contains approximately 80 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Zaytun Msabbah contains approximately 5 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Zaytun Msabbah contains approximately 7 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Zaytun Msabbah contains approximately 1 gram of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Zaytun Msabbah is a good source of vitamin E, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

Zaytun Msabbah contains olives and may not be suitable for those with olive allergies.

Summary

Zaytun Msabbah is a flavorful dish that is low in carbohydrates and calories, making it a healthy addition to your diet.

Summary

Zaytun Msabbah is a delicious and spicy dish that is perfect for adding flavor to your meals or serving as an appetizer. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a joyful one. It was a beautiful summer day in my hometown, and I was visiting my dear friend, Fatima, who was known for her incredible cooking skills. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I could smell the fragrant spices and herbs that she was using to prepare a traditional Middle Eastern dish called Zaytun Msabbah.

Fatima greeted me with a warm smile and invited me to join her in the kitchen. She explained that Zaytun Msabbah was a dish made with marinated olives and herbs, and it was a staple in her family's cooking traditions. She showed me how to mix together olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and a blend of aromatic herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary. The combination of flavors was intoxicating, and I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.

As we sat down to enjoy the Zaytun Msabbah together, Fatima shared the story of how she had learned the recipe from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through generations. She explained that each family had their own twist on the dish, adding their favorite spices and herbs to make it uniquely their own. I was inspired by the sense of connection and tradition that this simple dish represented, and I knew that I had to bring this recipe back with me to share with my own family.

When I returned home, I immediately set to work recreating the Zaytun Msabbah recipe that Fatima had taught me. I gathered the ingredients and carefully measured out the spices, making sure to capture the same flavors and aromas that had captivated me in Fatima's kitchen. As the dish marinated in the refrigerator, the scent of garlic and herbs filled my own kitchen, bringing back memories of that summer day with my dear friend.

When it was finally time to serve the Zaytun Msabbah to my family, I watched with anticipation as they took their first bites. Their smiles and nods of approval told me that I had successfully recreated the dish, and I felt a sense of pride in carrying on the tradition that Fatima had shared with me. From that day on, Zaytun Msabbah became a regular addition to our family gatherings, a symbol of the bond that food can create between generations.

Over the years, I continued to refine the recipe for Zaytun Msabbah, adding my own touches and experimenting with different combinations of spices and herbs. I shared the dish with friends and neighbors, who all marveled at the complex flavors and rich history that it represented. Each time I made Zaytun Msabbah, I felt a connection to Fatima and her grandmother, as well as to the countless other women who had passed down this recipe through the ages.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen, surrounded by the familiar scents of olive oil and herbs, I can't help but feel grateful for the gift that Fatima gave me that day. The recipe for Zaytun Msabbah has become a cherished part of my own cooking repertoire, a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and preserve traditions. And whenever I make it, I am transported back to that sunny summer day, learning from my dear friend and feeling the warmth of her love and generosity.