Hilbah (Fenugreek Condiment) Recipe
Lebanon
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
- Soak ground fenugreek in the water for 3 hours until expanded.
- Beat with a spatula until paste becomes light and frothy. Gradually add more water if necessary.
- Mix in coriander leaves and leeks.
- Mix in salt, lemon juice, and zḥug.
- Mix in grated tomato if using.