Palestinian Shaddeh

Palestinian Shaddeh: A Traditional Palestinian Dish from Um Arbaeen Spice, prepared and served by my dear mother.

The ingredients of this dish are simple yet rich in flavor. It is primarily made from date molasses and crushed wheat. After preparing the molasses from grapes using the well-known method, the wheat is roasted, then ground using a traditional hand-powered stone mill. Once the wheat is ground, it is placed in a large pot with cumin and cooked for an appropriate period. Next, the date molasses is added, along with a suitable amount of extra virgin olive oil, as my mother calls it. The mixture is stirred continuously.

In the final stage, we add the Um Arbaeen spice mix, which is a well-known blend of forty different spices. The dish is then cooked over low heat, continuously stirred, until it becomes thick and firm. This takes about five to six hours of cooking, and it is ready to be served at any time of the year.

Every year, my mother prepares enough of this dish to feed the entire family, the neighbors, and anyone who asks for it. It is said that if a person eats this dish, they can go without food for two days, in addition to the other important benefits it provides for growing children and strengthening their bones.