Jameed

When I think of traditional Middle Eastern dishes, Jameed is always one of the first that comes to mind. This exquisite dish is composed of thick sheep's or goat's yogurt, which is then sun-dried until it forms hard brittle flakes. The flakes are then crushed into a powder, and traditionally served with za'atar and olive oil.

Jameed


As someone who loves exploring different cultures through their cuisines, I was instantly intrigued by Jameed's unique texture, flavors, and its deeply embedded cultural history. Years of preparation, innovation and practice have shaped this ancient dish into something quite remarkable.

Jameed has a texture unlike anything else, almost like glassy stones of ice and snow. It is subtly salty, with undertones of sharp and sour. The za'atar and olive oil give it an extra dimension of flavor, as well as a beautiful presentation, with the yogurt flakes contrasting against the vibrancy of the herbs and oil.

It may look simple, but Jameed has a storied past and tradition. It's believed that it dates back to the time of the Prophet Mohammed, and has been enjoyed by generations of families in Levantine countries such as Jordan, Syria, and Palestine. Jameed is also said to be known for its ability to sustain and nourish people for long periods, making it the perfect companion for hard times.

The process of making Jameed is a labor of love, and involves a meticulous fermentation process to create the perfect flavor and texture. Home cooks use traditional ingredients such as sheep's or goat's milk and salt, while some commercial producers refine the process with modern techniques.

All in all, Jameed is an incredibly unique dish, with a complex flavor profile and respected cultural heritage. Whether you're a fan of Middle Eastern cuisine, or are just looking to branch out and try something new, I'd highly recommend giving Jameed a try.

Jameed recipes

Amazing Jameed recipes sourced from the web.

The origin of Jameed

The dish known as Jameed has a long and complex history, beginning in the Middle East over two centuries ago. It is believed that Jameed was invented by the Bedouins, a nomadic ethnic group who flourished in the desert regions of what is now Israel, Palestine and Jordan. The dish is believed to have originated as a way to preserve and transport food on long journeys across the desert.

Jameed is a dish made from dried, salted and pounded mutton or goat's milk. The process of preserving the milk involves boiling it in a large pot with salt and herbs, then pounding the mixture into small pieces until it forms a hard, dry paste. These pieces would be stored for later use, usually during extended travel.

Today, Jameed is still popular in Middle Eastern cuisine, often served as a dip or spread for breads, flatbreads and pancakes. It can also be added to soup or stew for additional flavour. While the ingredients have changed over time, the process of making Jameed remains traditional. The salted, dried pieces are first rehydrated and then mixed with fresh garlic, spices and herbs. The mix is then left to sit overnight before being spread onto warm flatbreads or rolled into balls and fried.

Jameed is a reminder of the many unique and delicious dishes that have evolved out of the Middle Eastern region. Despite its long history, the simplicity of this salty dish continues to be a popular and beloved part of Middle Eastern culture. Its comforting flavour and affordability make it a staple in everyday life and an essential accompaniment to many dishes. So next time you're looking for an interesting Middle Eastern appetizer, give Jameed a try!

FAQs about Jameed

How to make jameed?

Making jameed is a process that takes some preparation and patience, but the reward is well worth the effort. To make jameed, you will need 2 cups of dried sheep’s milk, 1 cup of whole wheat flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper, and 1 tablespoon of dried thyme.

1. Begin by soaking the dried sheep’s milk in four cups of lukewarm water for several hours, until it thickens and has the texture of a thick soup.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, and thyme.

3. Add the oil to a large pot over medium heat.

4. Slowly add the flour mixture into the oil, stirring constantly to create a roux.

5. Once the roux has turned a golden brown, slowly add the soaked sheep’s milk while stirring continuously.

6. Lower the heat and simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring frequently.

7. Finally, pour the jameed into a dish or pan, and cool for about an hour before serving. Enjoy!


What does jameed taste like?

Jameed is a traditional dried, salted yogurt that has a slightly tangy and salty flavor. It is usually served with pita bread and other Middle Eastern dishes.


What is jameed made from?

Jameed is a dried form of laban, which is a yoghurt-like product made from goats' or sheep's slightly soured milk. It is then sun-dried until it has a hard texture and a mild salty flavor.


What is jameed used for?

Jameed is a hard, dry, salty form of goat or sheep's milk that has been sun-dried until it forms into small hard pellets. It is commonly used in Middle Eastern cuisine, particularly in the Levantine region. It is often crumbled and added to soups and stews, sometimes as a thickening agent, or rehydrated and blended with garlic and herbs to make a sauce called jameed hamud. It can also be blended with tahini to make a dip called taratour.


Types of Jameed

If you're looking to explore the tantalizing realm of Middle Eastern cuisine, then you simply can't go wrong with Jameed - a traditional dish found in countries such as Palestine and Jordan. Although it may initially appear deceptively simple, Jameed comes in several different forms. Let's delve into some of the most scrumptious types of Jameed to tantalize your taste buds!

First up is the classic dried Jameed. This variation is made by drying out a thick yogurt composed of local sheep's or goat's milk. It is usually spread on flatbread or slathered over traditional dishes such as mansaf. The savory taste of dried Jameed is so widely beloved, it has been dubbed the ‘national delicacy’ of Palestine.

Another form of Jameed is the dried yogurt known as 'Lebanese Jameed'. It has all the salty flavor of its predecessor but comes in an almost mummified form; it is cut into small cubes and then sun-dried. This allows it to be stored for up to a decade without the need for refrigeration. Lebanese Jameed is most often added to a variety of salads, soups, and mezze platters.

Finally, there's liquid Jameed. As its name implies, this type of Jameed is still soft and liquidy, making it perfect for pouring onto traditional meals. The yogurt itself is made from dry crusts of Jameed that are soaked in warm water to rehydrate them. The result is an incredibly thick, almost gelatinous sauce with a tangy, sharp flavor.

Whether you choose the classic dried, Lebanese, or liquid variety, Jameed is sure to tantalize your taste buds. This traditional Middle Eastern dish is an ideal accompaniment to a variety of meals and desserts. So don't be afraid to venture outside the box and explore the different types of Jameed. You won't be disappointed!