Hello, Good News! Welcome to our blog, where we share with you the best recipes from around the world. Today, we are going to introduce you to a dish that is popular in Lebanon, but not very well-known outside of it. It is called sleek, and it is a vegetarian dish that is made with kale, black-eyed peas, bulgur wheat, and onions. Sleek is a simple but satisfying meal that is rich in protein, fiber, iron, and vitamin C. It is also low in fat and calories, making it a great choice for anyone who wants to eat healthy and delicious food.
Sleek is a dish that has been enjoyed by Lebanese people for centuries. It is said that sleek was originally a peasant food that was made with whatever ingredients were available. Over time, sleek became a staple dish in Lebanese cuisine, and it is often served with yogurt, salad, bread, and pickles. Sleek can be eaten hot or cold, as a main course or a side dish. It is also very easy to make, and you only need a few ingredients and some basic cooking skills. In this article, we will show you how to make sleek at home, and we will also tell you more about its history, nutrition, and variations.
What is Sleek?
The Origin and Meaning of Sleek
Sleek is a word that comes from the Arabic language, and it means “to cook”. The name of the dish reflects its simple preparation method, which involves boiling the ingredients together until they are soft and tender. Sleek is also sometimes spelled as sliq or slika, depending on the dialect of Arabic. Sleek is one of the oldest dishes in Lebanese cuisine, and it dates back to the Ottoman era. Sleek was originally a food for the poor, who could not afford meat or other expensive ingredients. They used whatever vegetables and grains they had on hand, such as kale, spinach, chard, lentils, beans, or wheat. Sleek was a filling and nutritious meal that helped them survive the harsh winters.
Today, sleek is still a popular dish in Lebanon, especially in rural areas. It is considered a comfort food that reminds people of their childhood and their heritage. Sleek is also eaten during religious occasions, such as Lent or Ramadan, when meat consumption is restricted. Sleek is a dish that symbolizes humility, gratitude, and generosity. It is often shared with family and friends, or given to the needy as a form of charity.
The Ingredients and Variations of Sleek
The main ingredients of sleek are kale (or any other leafy green), black-eyed peas (or any other legume), bulgur wheat (or any other grain), and onions (or any other allium). These ingredients are cooked together in water until they form a thick stew-like consistency. The dish is then seasoned with salt, pepper, lemon juice, and olive oil. Some people also add garlic, cumin, coriander, or mint for extra flavor. Sleek can be served hot or cold, with yogurt or tahini sauce on top.
There are many variations of sleek in Lebanon and other countries in the Middle East. For example, some people use rice instead of bulgur wheat, or add tomatoes or potatoes to the dish. Some people also use meat or cheese to make sleek more rich and hearty. In Syria, there is a similar dish called mjadra hamra (red lentil stew), which is made with red lentils instead of black-eyed peas. In Turkey, there is a dish called kuru fasulye (dry beans), which is made with white beans instead of black-eyed peas. In Egypt, there is a dish called ful medames (fava beans), which is made with fava beans instead of black-eyed peas.
The Benefits and Nutrition of Sleek
Sleek is not only delicious but also very healthy. It is a vegetarian dish that provides a complete protein source by combining legumes and grains. It also contains plenty of fiber, iron,
vitamin C, vitamin K, calcium, magnesium, potassium,
and antioxidants. These nutrients help lower cholesterol,
blood pressure,
inflammation,
and oxidative stress.
They also support digestion,
immunity,
bone health,
skin health,
and blood formation.
Sleek is low in fat and calories,
making it ideal for weight management
and diabetes prevention.
Sleek can also help prevent anemia,
scurvy,
and beriberi,
which are diseases caused by vitamin deficiencies.
One serving of sleek (about one cup) has about 250 calories,
10 grams of protein,
40 grams of carbohydrates,
7 grams of fiber,
6 grams of fat,
and 0 grams of cholesterol.
It also provides 100% of the daily value of vitamin C,
80% of vitamin K,
40% of iron,
30% of calcium,
and 20% of magnesium.
Sleek is a dish that can nourish your body and soul,
and it is easy to make at home with simple ingredients.
How to Make Sleek at Home
The Ingredients You Need
To make sleek at home, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 large bag of chopped kale (or any other leafy green)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 cup of bulgur wheat (or any other grain)
- 1/2 cup of dried black-eyed peas (or any other legume)
- 5 cloves of garlic, minced
- 5 lemons, juiced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for cooking
The Steps You Need to Follow
To make sleek at home, you will need to follow these steps:
- Wash and soak the black-eyed peas in water for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Drain and rinse the black-eyed peas, and place them in a large pot with enough water to cover them. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the peas are tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Wash and drain the bulgur wheat, and add it to the pot with the black-eyed peas. Stir well, and add more water if needed. Season with salt and pepper, and cook until the bulgur wheat is soft, about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Wash and chop the kale, discarding the thick stems. Place the kale in another pot with enough water to cover it. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the kale is wilted, about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Drain the kale, and add it to the pot with the black-eyed peas and bulgur wheat. Stir well, and add more salt and pepper if needed. Cook until everything is well combined, about 5 minutes.
- In a small skillet, heat some olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic, and cook until golden and crispy, stirring occasionally, about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Add the onion and garlic mixture to the pot with the sleek, and stir well. Add the lemon juice, and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot or cold, with yogurt or tahini sauce on top if desired. Enjoy!
A Table Breakdown of Sleek Recipe
| Ingredient | Amount | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fiber | Fat |
|————|——–|———-|———|——-|——-|—–|
| Kale | 1 bag | 200 | 14 g | 40 g | 14 g | 3 g |
| Onion | 1 | 40 | 1 g | 10 g | 2 g | 0 g |
| Bulgur | 1 cup | 150 | 6 g | 34 g | 8 g | 0 g |
| Black-eyed peas | 1/2 cup | 100 | 7 g | 18 g | 6 g | 0 g |
| Garlic | 5 cloves| 20 | 1 g | 5 g | 0 g | 0 g |
| Lemon | 5 | 50 | 2 g | 16 g | 5 g | 0 g |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |120 |0g |0g |0g |14g|
| Salt | To taste|0 |0g |0g |0g |0g|
| Pepper | To taste|0 |0g |0g |0g |0g|
| **Total** ||**680** ||**31 g** ||**123 g** ||**35 g** ||**17 g**|
FAQs About Sleek Recipe
What is sleek?
Sleek is a traditional Lebanese dish that is made with kale, black-eyed peas, bulgur wheat, and onions. It is a vegetarian dish that is high in protein, fiber, iron, and vitamin C. It is also low in fat and calories. Sleekis a simple but satisfying meal that can be eaten hot or cold, as a main course or a side dish.
How do you make sleek?
To make sleek, you need to soak and cook the black-eyed peas, cook the bulgur wheat, boil the kale, and fry the onion and garlic. Then, you need to mix everything together in a large pot, and season with salt, pepper, lemon juice, and olive oil. You can serve sleek with yogurt or tahini sauce on top if you like. You can find the detailed recipe and the table breakdown of the ingredients and nutrition in the previous sections of this article.
What does sleek taste like?
Sleek has a mild and earthy taste, with a hint of tanginess from the lemon juice. The kale adds a slight bitterness, while the onion and garlic add some sweetness and crunch. The black-eyed peas and bulgur wheat give sleek a creamy and chewy texture. Sleek is a dish that is full of flavor and texture, and it can be enhanced with different spices and sauces according to your preference.
Where can you find sleek?
Sleek is a dish that is mainly found in Lebanon, but it is also popular in other countries in the Middle East, such as Syria, Turkey, and Egypt. You can find sleek in Lebanese restaurants or markets, or you can make it at home with simple ingredients. Sleek is a dish that is easy to make and store, and it can last for several days in the refrigerator or freezer.
Why is sleek good for you?
Sleek is good for you because it is a vegetarian dish that provides a complete protein source by combining legumes and grains. It also contains plenty of fiber, iron,
vitamin C, vitamin K, calcium, magnesium, potassium,
and antioxidants. These nutrients help lower cholesterol,
blood pressure,
inflammation,
and oxidative stress.
They also support digestion,
immunity,
bone health,
skin health,
and blood formation.
Sleek is low in fat and calories,
making it ideal for weight management
and diabetes prevention.
Sleek can also help prevent anemia,
scurvy,
and beriberi,
which are diseases caused by vitamin deficiencies.
What are some variations of sleek?
There are many variations of sleek in Lebanon and other countries in the Middle East. For example, some people use rice instead of bulgur wheat, or add tomatoes or potatoes to the dish. Some people also use meat or cheese to make sleek more rich and hearty. In Syria, there is a similar dish called mjadra hamra (red lentil stew), which is made with red lentils instead of black-eyed peas. In Turkey, there is a dish called kuru fasulye (dry beans), which is made with white beans instead of black-eyed peas. In Egypt, there is a dish called ful medames (fava beans), which is made with fava beans instead of black-eyed peas.
How do you serve sleek?
Sleek can be served hot or cold, as a main course or a side dish. It is often served with yogurt or tahini sauce on top, which add some creaminess and richness to the dish. Sleek can also be served with salad, bread, and pickles, which add some freshness and crunch to the dish. Sleek is a dish that can be enjoyed in any season and any occasion.
How do you store sleek?
Sleek can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat sleek, you can microwave it for a few minutes, or heat it on the stove over low-medium heat until warm. You can also add some water if the sleek is too dry.
What are some tips for making sleek?
Some tips for making sleek are:
- Soak the black-eyed peas overnight or for at least 4 hours before cooking them. This will reduce the cooking time and make them easier to digest.
- Cook the onion and garlic until they are golden and crispy. This will add more flavor and texture to the dish.
- Add more lemon juice if you like your sleek more tangy, or less if you prefer it more mild.
- Use fresh kale if possible, as it will have more flavor and nutrients than frozen or canned kale.
- Experiment with different spices and sauces to customize your sleek according to your taste.
What are some dishes that go well with sleek?
Some dishes that go well with sleek are:
- Tabbouleh, a salad made with parsley, mint, tomatoes, cucumbers, and bulgur wheat.
- Hummus, a dip made with chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil.
- Baba ganoush, a dip made with roasted eggplant, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil.
- Fattoush, a salad made with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, mint, parsley, and toasted pita bread.
- Lentil soup, a soup made with lentils, onions, carrots, celery, and spices.
Conclusion
Sleek is a healthy and delicious Lebanese dish that is made with kale, black-eyed peas, bulgur wheat, and onions. It is a vegetarian dish that is high in protein, fiber, iron, and vitamin C. It is also low in fat and calories. Sleek is a simple but satisfying meal that can be eaten hot or cold, as a main course or a side dish. Sleek is a dish that has a long history and a rich culture behind it. It is a dish that symbolizes humility, gratitude, and generosity. It is a dish that can nourish your body and soul.
We hope you enjoyed this article about sleek recipe. If you want to learn more about other recipes from around the world, check out our other articles on our blog. We have articles on how to make sushi, pizza, paella, and more. You can also subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest updates on our blog. Thank you for reading!