5 Ways to Recreate Palomar's Famous Recipe at Home

Embarking on the culinary journey to recreate the iconic dishes of a renowned restaurant like Palomar can be both an exciting and daunting task for home cooks. Known for its Middle Eastern cuisine with a contemporary twist, Palomar has captivated food lovers around the world with its inventive flavors and vibrant presentations. Here, we dive into five of their signature recipes, breaking them down so that you can bring the taste of this celebrated eatery into your own kitchen. Let's explore how to make these mouthwatering dishes at home.

Braised Lamb Kebabs

One of Palomar's standout dishes is their Braised Lamb Kebabs, known for the succulence of the meat and the depth of its spices. Here’s how you can replicate this sumptuous dish:

• Ingredients: Lamb shoulder or leg, onions, garlic, cinnamon sticks, allspice, black peppercorns, dried rosebuds or petals, salt, olive oil, and pomegranate molasses.
• Method:
  1. Season the lamb generously with salt.
  2. In a heavy-bottomed pot, heat olive oil, brown the lamb, then remove it.
  3. Add spices, onions, and garlic, cooking until caramelized.
  4. Return the lamb, add water to cover, then braise at a low temperature for several hours until tender.
  5. Add pomegranate molasses towards the end to give a tangy note to the dish.

🔍 Note: Ensure to use cuts of lamb that are suited for slow cooking to achieve the right texture.

Spicy Kofta

The Spicy Kofta at Palomar is a treat of minced meat seasoned with exotic spices, offering layers of flavors with every bite. Here's how to recreate it:

• Ingredients: Minced beef or lamb, sumac, cumin, paprika, coriander, cinnamon, chili flakes, garlic, onion, parsley, and mint.
• Method:
  1. Combine all the ingredients, ensuring a well-balanced mixture.
  2. Shape the mixture into sausage-like tubes or small patties.
  3. Grill or bake until they are cooked to your liking.

🔥 Note: Kofta can be prepared ahead and grilled just before serving to maximize flavor.

Kousa Mahshi

Palomar’s rendition of Kousa Mahshi, or stuffed zucchini, is not just delicious but a labor of love. Here's your guide:

• Ingredients: Zucchinis, short-grain rice, minced meat (optional), tomato, garlic, dill, mint, olive oil, pomegranate molasses, allspice, black pepper, salt.
• Method:
  1. Hollow out the zucchinis, leaving a firm shell.
  2. Mix rice, meat if using, chopped tomatoes, herbs, and spices for the stuffing.
  3. Fill each zucchini with the mixture, not too tightly as the rice will expand.
  4. Layer them in a pot, add sauce made from tomatoes, garlic, and pomegranate molasses.
  5. Cook on low heat until rice is cooked through.

Shakshuka

Another beloved dish from Palomar is their twist on the traditional Shakshuka. Here’s how you can create this egg-based delight:

• Ingredients: Tomatoes, peppers, onions, garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, eggs, feta cheese, coriander, and pita bread for serving.
• Method:
  1. Cook down onions, garlic, peppers, and spices until fragrant.
  2. Add tomatoes and simmer until thickened.
  3. Create wells in the sauce and gently drop in the eggs.
  4. Cook until the whites are set but the yolks are runny.
  5. Top with crumbled feta and fresh coriander.

Basbousa

Let's end on a sweet note with Palomar's Semolina Cake known as Basbousa, drizzled with citrus syrup:

• Ingredients: Semolina, yogurt, sugar, baking soda, butter, orange blossom water, syrup made with sugar, water, lemon juice.
• Method:
  1. Mix the cake ingredients to form a batter.
  2. Spread into a greased baking tray, baking until golden.
  3. Make a syrup with water, sugar, and lemon juice, simmering until it reaches the desired consistency.
  4. Pour the syrup over the hot cake and let it soak in.
  5. Allow to cool and then cut into diamond shapes.

By recreating these dishes at home, you not only get to savor the incredible flavors of Palomar but also gain an appreciation for the intricate techniques behind each recipe. From the deeply marinated lamb kebabs to the aromatic kofta, and from the delicate stuffed zucchinis to the comforting Shakshuka, these dishes bring a slice of the Middle East into your kitchen. And with Basbousa, you have a sweet ending that's sure to impress. While the process might take time and patience, the joy of recreating these culinary gems is certainly rewarding.

What makes Palomar’s cuisine stand out?

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Palomar’s cuisine is known for its innovative approach to Middle Eastern flavors, using fresh ingredients and unique spice blends to create memorable dishes.

Can these recipes be adapted for vegetarians?

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Yes, by substituting meat with plant-based proteins or omitting it entirely, as in the case of Shakshuka and Kousa Mahshi, which can be made without meat.

Where can I source Middle Eastern ingredients?

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Middle Eastern ingredients like sumac, pomegranate molasses, and specialty spices can often be found at local Middle Eastern grocery stores, ethnic food markets, or online.