Cookbook:Hilbah (Fenugreek Condiment)

Hilbah, (Arabic: حلبة) also spelled holbah, is a condiment or dollop made from ground fenugreek seeds. It is typically consumed with a morsel of bread (sop), or added as flavoring to hot soups. Its preparation is mostly found in Yemen, Israel and other Middle-Eastern countries.

Ingredients

 * 3 tbsp ground fenugreek seeds
 * 1 cup water
 * Coriander leaves, finely chopped
 * Leeks, chopped
 * 1 lemon or citric acid to taste
 * 1 tsp salt
 * 1 tbsp zḥug (hot sauce made from red peppers, garlic, coriander leaves, etc.)
 * Grated tomato (optional)

Procedure

 * 1) Soak ground fenugreek in the water for 3 hours until expanded.
 * 2) Beat with a spatula until paste becomes light and frothy. Gradually add more water if necessary.
 * 3) Mix in coriander leaves and leeks.
 * 4) Mix in salt, lemon juice, and zḥug.
 * 5) Mix in grated tomato if using.