Yakhne helwe (potato and chickpea stew) recipe

This recipe is considered one of the 2 main dishes that were traditionally served during wedding ceremonies in Northern Bekaa, especially in the village of Aarsal where chickpeas are one of the major cultivated field crops. The other two recipes are “Shekriyye” or “Laban emmo w rez” and “Fasolia w rez” or bean stew. This “sweet” recipe rich with starch is served with rice.

Total Servings: 5

490 calories / serving

Preparation Time: 1 hour

Ingredients:

300g of chickpeas, soaked overnight

1 big onion, cut in julienne

500 g of potato, coarsely diced

500g of lean meat, cubed

2 liters of water

Black pepper and salt to taste

Preparation:

1. Boil the meat, chickpeas and onion in 1.5 liter of water for 30 minutes
2. Add the remaining water quantity and the diced potatoes and cook on low fire until the potatoes are done
3. Add salt and black pepper according to taste
4. Serve hot with rice on the side
5. Garnish with chopped parsley leaves