With the arrival of Fall and Winter, cooler climate foods begin to appear at our tables. Halim can be served for breakfast or lunch.
From: The Joy of Persian Cooking
By: Pari Ardalan Malek
Halim Booghalamoon
(Mashed Turkey and Bulgur)
Preparation time: 3 hours
Servings: 12-14
Ingredients: 2 pounds skinless turkey breast; 1 large sliced onion; 2 pounds bulgur soaked for 24 hrs (found in Middle Eastern stores); ½ teaspoon salt
Directions:
1- Place turkey, onion, and salt in a pot, add the bulgur and enough water to barely cover ingredients. Bring to a boil.
2- Lower heat and cook until turkey is done (about 1 hour). Stir occasionally, to prevent the formation of a crust on the bottom of the pan. If juices evaporate before turkey is done, add ¼ cup water.
3- When turkey is cooked, remove from the pot and mash with a potato masher.
4- In a food processor, mash bulgur into a soft paste and set aside.
5- Return turkey and bulgur to the pot, mix well, and cook over low heat for 2 hours.
6- Halim is traditionally served in a bowl, sprinkled with cinnamon. A bowl of sugar is always placed on the side, to be added for those who wish.
Note: You may substitute lamb or beef for turkey. If you use meat, add a clove of garlic.
Nane Shirmal (Sweet Bread)
Preparation time: 45 minutes
Servings: makes 10 shirmals
Ingredients: 1 yeast cake; 1/2 cup lukewarm milk; 1 cup salted butter; 2 tablespoons yogurt; 2 cups sugar; 6 cups flour; 1¼ cup sesame seeds; 6 eggs (save ½ yolk); 2 teaspoons baking powder
Optional: 1 teaspoon ginger; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; a dash of cardamom
Directions:
1- Dissolve yeast in milk for 10 minutes.
2- In a mixing bowl, beat butter, sugar, yogurt, and eggs with an electric beater at medium speed for 3 minutes.
3- Gradually add flour and baking powder and mix well.
4- Let dough rise for 8 hours.
5- Sprinkle a cutting board with flour, then divide dough into 10 equal pieces.
6- Use your hand or a rolling pin to shape dough into an oval no more than ¾ inch thick.
7- Use a fork to make several holes in the dough.
8- Brush with egg yolk and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
9- Place on a greased cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
