Levantine cuisine · Vegetable Dishes

Qara bi Zeit

Pumpkin cubes braised soft in plenty of olive oil with onions and cumin, brightened with lemon at the end.

Ingredients · for 4 servings

• 1 kg pumpkin
• 2 onions
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1.5 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 lemon
• 6 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 bunch cilantro
• 1 pinch chili flakes
• Salt, pepper

Instructions

1. Peel and seed the pumpkin and cut into 3 cm cubes; cut the onions into fine half-rings and the garlic into thin slices.
2. Heat 4 tbsp olive oil in a wide pot and gently braise the onions over medium heat for 8–10 min. until soft and golden, without browning.
3. Add the garlic, cumin, ground coriander and chili flakes and toast for 1 min. until fragrant.
4. Fold in the pumpkin cubes, season with salt and pepper, add 100 ml water and cook covered over low heat for 20–25 min. until the pumpkin is soft but still holds its shape.
5. Remove the lid and let the liquid reduce uncovered for 5 min. until only the glossy oil coats the pumpkin.
6. Season with the lemon juice, drizzle with the remaining olive oil, sprinkle with chopped cilantro and serve warm with flatbread.