Dilled purses with carrot coins (Ejjet al Shomar w jazar)
May 10, 2010 • Category: Main Dish
In Lebanese cuisine, egg fritters with chopped parsley, fried in olive oil are common and everyday meals; this one uses dill and according to Nada Saleh in her book Splendors of the Levant it is a very old Lebanese recipe used by mountain folks.
I made a modern version of these dill fritters by using less flour, cooking them in a crêpe pan and stuffing them with carrot coins.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 bunch of dill (80 g or 2 ounces)
- 1/2 cup of cake flour (or all-purpose, just use a couple teaspoons less)
- salt, white pepper
- 1 cup of water
- 3 Large eggs
- 1 medium white onion, chopped fine and fried in clarified butter or oil till translucent
- olive oil or clarified butter, as needed
- 3 cups of carrots, chopped like coins preferably, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
- 1 cup of yogurt, 1 teaspoon of turmeric, 1 mashed clove of garlic (for the dressing)
- 2 or 3 green onions (leaves only, green part)
METHOD:
- Wash, dry and chop the dill as fine as possible. Cook the carrots in a saucepan with 1/2 cup of water, one or two tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar. Simmer till carrots are done.
- Chop the onion fine and fry in oil or clarified butter, cover the skillet for 5 minutes till translucent
- In a mixing bowl, blender or food processor, place the flour, eggs, salt and pepper, dill, cooled onion; start the mixer and add the water gradually and two tablespoons of oil. When the mixture is well mixed and smooth, stop.
- Heat a crêpe pan or small skillet and add a teaspoon of clarified butter or oil, wiping it all over with a piece of wax paper to make sure all the pan is coated with fat.
- Pour about 1/3 cup of batter and swirl all around; flip it when the edges look brown and cook about 15 seconds on the other side.
- Set all the crêpes aside in a plate.
- Boil some water, set the green onion leaves on a deep skillet and pour the boiling water on them; they will get limp in a few seconds. Place about 1/3 cup of carrots on each crêpe, and enclose it with the help of a green onion leaf. Set on a plate and serve with the yogurt dressing if desired.
YOGURT DRESSING:
- Mix the yogurt, turmeric, salt, pepper and 3 tablespoons of olive oil with a fork till smooth.
Recipe from Nada Saleh Seductive Flavours of the Levant, adapted.
Comments
77 Comments • Comments Feed
The Gypsy Chef says:
These are absolutely the perfect dinner party food. They look so fussy, but the recipe and steps seem easy enough. great post!
Pam
On May 10, 2010 at 4:50 pm
Magdalena says:
Hello! They look absolutely great, and in addition their shape is simply tasty, like a little gift (forgive me my English). Next thing – it is nice to read, that you like dill, which is supposed to be an ancient and demode herb (dill plays an important role in Polish cooking). So many people dislike dill, it is a pity…Have a good day (or at least afternoon). It is late here, so I go to bed ….
On May 10, 2010 at 5:14 pm
Faith says:
This is such a clever idea — the little purses with coins inside! I bet it tastes just as fantastic as it looks!
On May 10, 2010 at 5:40 pm
A Canadian Foodie says:
These are gorgeous – and I love dill. Were they fragile to work with, or do they hold up to the bundling and tying. Most crepes are quite fragile, I find. I love this idea… and the carrot coins is a completely fresh and innocent idea adding texture, colour and a sweetness to the dish. I might be done at 8. About how many the size in your photo does this batch make?
🙂
Valerie
On May 10, 2010 at 6:31 pm
Joumana says:
Actually Valerie they were not fragile at all. This batch made 6 to 7 crêpes.
On May 10, 2010 at 6:34 pm
SYLVIA says:
Joumana
your smart choices, and creative dishes are satisfying and flavorful. the presentation on these beggars purses ,makes it impossible to try them. it is amazing, they make a great center pieces. You are a very gifted person Joumana, you should have your own show, and cookbook. Good luck in everything you do, many thanks. Sylvia
On May 10, 2010 at 6:33 pm
Turkish Food Passion says:
These cute pockets looks amazing, I bet they taste as good as they look. Very creative.
On May 10, 2010 at 7:00 pm
Stella says:
I would take these Lebanese beggar’s purses any day over the super fatty typical version-so healthful. I want to eat at your house, Joumana (smile)! Plus, that way I could watch you make the spaghetti cake…
On May 10, 2010 at 7:05 pm
kim says:
OH wow! If you didn’t tell me, this looks like the perfect dessert…expecting chocolate to ooze out. 🙂
On May 10, 2010 at 7:12 pm
peter says:
Lovely beggar’s purses…a fitting first course for company. I like that you use one whole bunch of dill. I may and I WILL say yum!
On May 10, 2010 at 7:38 pm
Susan says:
These look absolutely charming and must taste just as good as they look! They are truly beautiful.
On May 10, 2010 at 7:39 pm
Suman says:
WOW..that looks so elegant…superb pics…too good…love to try out the recipe sometime.
On May 10, 2010 at 7:40 pm
Anita says:
That looks fantastic. Very cute presentation, I love individually wrapped things :))
On May 10, 2010 at 7:55 pm
Oui, Chef says:
Joumana – I am so excited to find your lovely blog. As an avid cook who married into a Lebanese family a few years ago, I am always anxious to learn more about the country’s cuisine and traditions. I’ll be checking back here often for inspiration on what to cook for my new wife and in-laws. Cheers – Steve
On May 10, 2010 at 8:06 pm
Cara says:
So gorgeous, love the bright beautiful colors going on here!
On May 10, 2010 at 8:08 pm
rebecca says:
wow this looks amazing love the colors
On May 10, 2010 at 8:49 pm
Mary says:
Your food always has such glorious color. I love your little purses and think they would be a perfect first course for a fancy dinner. I hope you are having a wonderful day. Blessings…Mary
On May 10, 2010 at 9:47 pm
kristy says:
I’ll definitely stuff in more! haha…. This looks great! I’ll have to say you’ve a fantastic food blog with all those fabulous recipes. Will scroll around after this. Have a good day!
Cheers, Kristy
On May 10, 2010 at 9:52 pm
melrose says:
I adore dill!!!
On May 10, 2010 at 9:55 pm
noobcook says:
love the dill crepes … very pretty!
On May 10, 2010 at 10:29 pm
radia says:
belle recette joumana, cà à l’air très bon et moi qui adore les carrotes avec toute ses couleurs, je note ta recette, elle pme plait beaucoup.bisou
On May 10, 2010 at 11:42 pm
Sushma Mallya says:
It looks so cute and lovely colour combo….absolutely delicious…
On May 10, 2010 at 11:57 pm
MaryMoh says:
This is really creative. It looks like fun to make and fun to eat 🙂 I just love all your lovely creations.
On May 11, 2010 at 12:40 am
Rosa says:
Those purses are so cute and must taste delightful!
Cheers,
Rosa
On May 11, 2010 at 12:45 am
Heavenly Housewife says:
How beautiful, this is a great dish when you want to make a good impression. THe colours and the flavours are fantastic.
*kisses* HH
On May 11, 2010 at 1:13 am
Julie says:
Avec ton talent et imagination, tu n’as jamais du avoir de mal à faire manger de tout à tes enfants! C’est encore superbement présenté, sur la première photo à gauche, on dirait de la dentelle.
Gros bisous!
On May 11, 2010 at 2:22 am
tigerfish says:
We need some of these “purses” during the current recessionary times 🙂
On the same track, it is healthy eating to keep us stronger and resilient in these times, right?
On May 11, 2010 at 2:48 am
SathyaSrihdar says:
Haii!!! Gorgeous , How are you ter?.. wooow!! recipe looks sooo perfect n well decorated n presented dear purse looks soo great i like dil leaves now i came to know new recipe of dil from you..
On May 11, 2010 at 2:52 am
meredith says:
Those look delicious!
On May 11, 2010 at 3:00 am
gourmandelise says:
Elles sont magnifiques et très originales ces aumonières!!
BRAVO!!
On May 11, 2010 at 3:07 am
Sasa says:
Nearly too pretty to eat! …nearly ;P
On May 11, 2010 at 3:57 am
deana says:
That photo is spectacular! What colors. I love beggars purses and make the caviar ones frequently because I love that you just pop them in your mouth.. this is a great (and inexpensive alternative!
On May 11, 2010 at 4:29 am
grace says:
what a fun and unique creation! you don’t often see little purses like these, much less green ones! and the little orange coins inside are so lovely. these are truly magical, joumana!
On May 11, 2010 at 4:38 am
Sophie says:
Ooooooh Waw!!! These green pockets & the filling looks amazing & truly appetizing too!
You make such unqiue & lovely, tasty dishes!
I learn so much from you, every time I come over here, my friend!
On May 11, 2010 at 5:10 am
Maninas says:
They’re so much fun!
On May 11, 2010 at 5:43 am
Katie@Cozydelicious says:
These look like they’d be a great dinner party appetizer. They are adorable! And I love how light and colorful they are – a perfect starter. Yum!
On May 11, 2010 at 6:34 am
john@heneedsfood says:
This has to be one of the most beautiful dishes I’ve seen for a long time. So delicious!
On May 11, 2010 at 6:36 am
Priya says:
Wat a cute and beauitful dish, really elegant..
On May 11, 2010 at 6:45 am
Angie's Recipes says:
These purses look so lovely and sound truly healthy!
On May 11, 2010 at 6:46 am
Von says:
I love the presentation- it looks so cool!
And it looks delicious too!
On May 11, 2010 at 6:57 am
Cathy at Wives with says:
What a fantastic presentation! Guests at my table would oooh and aaah over this dish.
On May 11, 2010 at 6:58 am
Rachana Kothari says:
Awesome! These purses are so cute and am sure must have tasted great too 🙂 Absolutely brilliant, Joumana 🙂
On May 11, 2010 at 8:06 am
Doc says:
Love it! The last beggar’s purse I had was in Scotland stuffed with Haggis! This looks like a slightly more coronary friendly version!
On May 11, 2010 at 8:46 am
elra says:
I am definitely bookmarking this recipe, it looks so fresh and tempting.
On May 11, 2010 at 8:50 am
5 Star Foodie says:
I absolutely love the concept and it sounds absolutely delicious! Amazing recipe!
On May 11, 2010 at 8:52 am
The KitchenMasochsit says:
Very pretty presentation and I happen to love the color green!
They do same thing here but they use regular flour for the crepe and color the batter with purple yam.
On May 11, 2010 at 10:25 am
mylittleexpatkitchen says:
These purses look amazing. What an interesting recipe. I love the flavor of dill so I’ll definitely like these crepes. Beautiful photographs.
Magda
On May 11, 2010 at 11:12 am
Antonella says:
Cathy at Wives with
“… Guests at my table would oooh and aaah over this dish.”
Me too!!! 🙂
Davvero splendide!
Antonella
On May 11, 2010 at 11:16 am
Océane says:
j’adore ces crêpes vertes, c’est trop joli
On May 11, 2010 at 11:58 am
fimère says:
une présentation très originale, ces bourses doivent être très goûteuses
avec toi joumana on se régale de jours en jours
bonne soirée
On May 11, 2010 at 2:47 pm
Azita says:
these are truly stunning and creative!
On May 11, 2010 at 2:57 pm
zerrin says:
Wow I love the presentation. This is definitely an outstanding recipe. As I love the combination of dill and eggs, I will try this recipe. But I’m not sure if I can be as talented as you to present it like this.
On May 11, 2010 at 3:27 pm
Erica says:
Your food is so beautiful!!!This is an interesting and cute dish! Love the color, flavors and presentation.
On May 11, 2010 at 3:59 pm
Sarah Galvin (All Our Fingers in the Pie) says:
These look so good. And a beautiful presentation.
On May 11, 2010 at 4:56 pm
Joanne T Ferguson says:
Gday! I am VERY glad to have found your website via Google. This recipe IMMEDIATELY caught my eye and what a STUNNING presentation! I do hope to make these soon.
I was wondering about how many this would make from this recipe? Thank you in advance and hope you have a great day!
On May 11, 2010 at 8:15 pm
Patricia says:
Quelles jolies aumônières. Elles sont vraiment très originales et doivent être délicieuses avec les carottes et le yaourt accompagné d’épices…. une jolie recette très raffinée.
Bonne journée
Patricia – La Table de Pénélope
On May 12, 2010 at 6:39 am
lisa says:
Very creative and so pretty! Love the colors together. Always such beautiful and unique presentation. Such an artist. =)
On May 12, 2010 at 9:44 am
Simona says:
I love everything about this recipe: the ingredients, the combination, the final result. VEry nice!
On May 12, 2010 at 10:28 am
Brian says:
I really shouldn’t look at your blog before having lunch… because now I’m ready to eat my computer monitor.
On May 12, 2010 at 10:56 am
TastyTrix says:
SO cute! And so fancy! ; ) When are you going on Top Chef, hmmm??
On May 12, 2010 at 2:42 pm
yasmeen says:
Lovely little parcels and such an amazingly nutritious filling 😀
On May 12, 2010 at 4:46 pm
alwayswinner786 says:
Very creative! I love those little cute delicious bags filled with healthy treasure !
On May 13, 2010 at 12:06 am
Karolina says:
These are adorable! 🙂 Thanks for leaving a comment on my blog!
On May 13, 2010 at 7:13 am
sam's cook says:
wouah quelle couleur!! c’est très attrayant
On May 13, 2010 at 10:04 am
Arlette says:
VERY ELEGANT PRESENTATION…
GORGEOUS PHOTOS
On May 13, 2010 at 11:31 am
Amy @ cookbookmaniac says:
Lovely recipe and pictures! I have a cookbook from Nada Saleh and made a wonderful lebanese feast from it. I am bookmarking this recipe.
On May 15, 2010 at 6:34 pm