Note: This event is not at The Depanneur — it is at  Butler’s Pantry, 591 Markham St.

Many people may think of cabbage rolls as a typically Polish or Ukrainian dish, but in fact, they have been made in Syria and the Levant for thousands of years. Highly regarded by the Ottoman Empire, they spread across the Balkans, North Africa and the Mediterranean, but it may have been the Jewish diaspora that brought this Middle Eastern dish to Northern Europe and Russia.

In Syria, cabbage rolls are known as malfouf (though it has many other regional names as well), and they are a popular winter dish; a healthy and complete meal that combines meat, rice and vegetables. This recipe uses halal ground beef and rice seasoned with a Syrian version of baharat, a mix of seven or eight warm spices that has countless variations across the region, a legacy of Syria’s long history in the spice trade. There is also a vegetarian variation, with chard leaves stuffed with rice, tomatoes, onion, garlic and parsley. Both are served with salatit laban wa kh’yar, a simple and refreshing salad of yogurt and cucumbers, and some fresh pita bread.

For dessert is mahalabia, a delicious layered pudding that is common sight at family gatherings and baby showers. It features a lemon and orange blossom scented custard and a chocolate pudding separated by a layer of biscuits – think a Syrian tiramisu!
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Meals will be available for pickup from Butler’s Pantry, 591 Markham St. (just W. of Bathurst, S. of Bloor) from 6–7pm on Wednesday, May 11.
Delivery option within 3km radius available, courtesy of Foodora.ca
Please indicate “PICKUP” or “DELIVERY” in the Order Notes at the Checkout.

Learn more about the Newcomer Kitchen project.

Tonight’s meal is available in limited quantities. Proceeds from the sales of these dishes help pay for all the ingredients prepared by the moms to take home to their families, with some money left over to share amongst the cooks. Your support is greatly appreciated.