In Eastern Orthodox tradition, Christmas is celebrated January 6-7th. My sweet little daughter insisted that the "real Christmas" was yesterday (January 7), and as my Lebanese family loosely observes the Orthodox tradition; she solidified our celebration!
Orthodox Christmas is celebrated quite differently from its western cousin. It is common to fast on the eve; creating space to meditate on the many blessings of the season. Christmas day, light, natural foods are favored: dried fruits and nuts, slow cooked porridges, and "lenten," meatless dishes that are often the necessity, when meat is too expensive, or unavailable.
Inspired by my daughter, I whipped these delicious "meatballs" up and baked them in the oven. They would be so great with a tomato sauce, cream sauce, or any dressing. They are also super yummy and savory, just by themselves!
Ingredients:
2 cups (cans) of baby corn (look for the super low sodium varieties)
1 cup hearts of palm
1/2 red onion
1 cup dried shitake mushroom
1 T pomegranate concentrate
1 T bouquet garni herbs
1 t dill
1 t alleppo chillies
1 T garlic paste
1/4 t French 4 and more spice blend
just a squeeze lemon juice (I use meyer lemons)
1 t walnut oil
salt and black pepper to taste
for vegan: use egg substitute; the equivalent of 3 eggs
if you like eggs, 4 egg whites and 1 egg suffices (experiment with ratio of yolk-whites)
Grind up the baby corn, onion, hearts of palm and mushrooms (I did this all plus the garlic, in my juicer, using the squishing attachment)
mix in pomegranate, spices, oil, and a squeeze of lemon
mix in egg substitute or eggs
blend it all together well and spoon onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper. (just like drop cookies;)
Cook at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp on the outside; the inside stays juicy ;)
For a really really great flavor and texture, marinate the mixture overnight and bake the next day.
I know some of the spices might be hard to find, but you can substitute, or email me if you want to know more about them.
Eid al Milad Saeed Ya iNas!
