Boil the washed chicken and skim the surface with a straining ladle.
Add bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, lemon slices, onion and cardamom seeds.
Add the washed peeled wheat.
Boil for an hour.
Strain the chicken then remove the skin and bones.
Continue to boil the wheat with the flavors for another 3 to 4 hours until it’s well done.
Add the salt, white pepper, caraway, and cumin.
Add the chicken back to the boiling ingredients and stir well on low heat until well combined.
Remove the solid flavors.
Serve the Hrisseh hot in a deep plate. Add a pinch of cinnamon for garnishing.
TIPS: Constant stirring is advised to keep the Hrisseh from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Contributor: Zaina / Em Eli Alhayek Ibrahim, 60
Place: Serba- Kadaa El Nabatie-South of Lebanon
Personal Background:
Housewife, she was invited to a festival in Europe specialized in traditional food and she was recognized for her Hrisseh recipe.
Recipe’s Personal Background
How did you learn this recipe?
This recipe is inherited in our community
and is considered to be the oldest traditional recipe of all times. I learnt
it from my mother who learnt it from my grandmother.
Is there some memory/historical event connected to this recipe?
We used to eat Hrisseh during the harsh days of winter to get more energy and warm
Personal reference to tradition transmitted by relatives (preparing together, sharing, eating together etc.)?
Since Hrisseh takes a long cooking time and needs constant stirring, all family members, women and men, take turns in a joyful cooperative atmosphere.
Mediterranean Background
Any tradition this receipe is connected to? If yes, which one? Can you describe it?
We used to eat Hrisseh during new year’s eve. it is believed that its white colour brings luck to the new upcoming year.
Any Festivity this recipe is connected to? If yes, which one? Can you describe it?
Back in the old days, we used to eat it during new year’s eve. But nowadays, it is prepared in Lebanese villages during festivals and traditional celebrations in big
quantities to be served to guests as a part of the national heritage.
Is your recipe connected to the territory you live in? Is it strictly linked to the specificity of the agricultural environment?
Yes. You must, specifically, use local wheat if you want to maintain the originality of the recipe.
Season (season this food is linked to)
It is best to be prepared in winter, and during the village’s summer celebrations at the nice cool
evenings.
Ingredient
Nutritional Importance
Health Benefits
Wheat
Rich in vitamins, minerals. Good source of carbs and energy
Provides energy, good for digestion
Chicken
Rich in proteins and Iron
Support muscle growth and development
Additional information
Is it suggested to eat this meal if you suffer from some disease? If yes, for which one?
No
What is the primary base with which your food is prepared? Is this a derivative of oil or another base?
Wheat from plant origin
What nutrition related illnesses or deficiencies are common in your area? Are there holistic or nutrition based remedies connected to these aliments?
