National Dish Israel: Jerusalem Mix (Recipe)
In this article
Discover Jerusalem Mix, a dish that bottles the sizzle and swagger of the streets of Jerusalem! Tender pieces of lamb and chicken are marinated in a fragrant blend of spices, seared until golden and piled up with crisp fresh vegetables. Warm, gently spiced and deeply satisfying, it is street food at its most generous — a feast for the senses that is surprisingly easy to bring to your own table.
About Jerusalem Mix
Jerusalem Mix is a genuinely delicious dish that captures the flavours and culture of Jerusalem’s bustling streets. It brings together tender pieces of lamb and chicken, marinated in a carefully judged mix of aromatic spices. Those spices are often lightly hot and richly savoury, giving every bite a special character. Served on a bed of fresh vegetables, it is not only a treat for the palate but also a wholesome choice for any food lover.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 200 g lamb
- 200 g chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh vegetables (e.g. tomatoes, cucumbers, onions)
- Pita or flatbread, to serve
Shopping for the ingredients
When shopping for Jerusalem Mix, it is important to choose fresh, good-quality ingredients. Visit your local butcher for fresh lamb and chicken, and ask for advice on the best cuts. For the spices, look in supermarkets as well as in dedicated spice shops. Try to buy Mediterranean herbs and spices in organic or unprocessed form to get the very best flavour.
Preparing the dish
Preparing Jerusalem Mix is straightforward and takes only a little time. Start by cutting the meat into small pieces and placing it in a bowl. Add the spices, the chopped garlic and the olive oil, and look forward to the wave of aroma that will develop. Leave the marinated meat to rest in the fridge for at least an hour so the flavours can work their way right through.
Step-by-step instructions
- Take the marinated meat out of the fridge and let it come up to room temperature.
- Heat a pan and sear the meat until golden brown and cooked through.
- Roughly chop the fresh vegetables and lightly sauté them in a separate pan, or serve them raw.
- Arrange the cooked meat on a plate and serve with the vegetables.
- Enjoy the dish warm with pita or flatbread.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Jerusalem Mix is easy to make gluten-free and lactose-free. For a gluten-free version, swap the pita or flatbread for one of the many gluten-free alternatives. When buying spices, check that there are no hidden sources of gluten. For a lactose-free version, it is best to serve the dish without yoghurt dips or sides that contain dairy.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Vegans and vegetarians can make a tasty version of Jerusalem Mix by replacing the meat with sweet potatoes, chickpeas or tofu. These can be marinated in the same way to take on that little extra something. The vegetables can then be cooked alongside using whatever is fresh and regional. That way you can enjoy the flavours of Jerusalem without any animal products at all.
More tips and tricks
A few tips to improve your Jerusalem Mix include finishing the dish with fresh herbs such as parsley or mint. Vary the vegetables with different seasonal options to bring extra colour to the plate. Adjust the marinade from time to time to create new flavour experiences. You can also grill the meat instead of pan-frying it to achieve a lovely smoky aroma.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Adapting Jerusalem Mix to personal preference can be done in all sorts of ways. You might vary the spices to make a hotter or milder dish. Vegetarians can use more vegetables or pulses in place of the meat, intensifying the flavour through those ingredients. No one needs to stick rigidly to a set recipe — experimenting is the key to perfecting it.
Ingredient substitutions
If you do not have certain ingredients for Jerusalem Mix to hand, alternatives are easy to find. The lamb can be swapped for beef or even a plant-based alternative. When it comes to the spices, different blends of Mediterranean spices work well to create a unique taste — much like the warm seasonings that lift a plate of Shawarma. This flexibility makes it simple to shape the dish around what you have and what you fancy.
Drink pairing ideas
Choosing the right drink can broaden the whole Jerusalem Mix experience. A refreshing minty lemonade or a spicy red wine goes wonderfully with the deep flavours of the dish. A traditional Arabic coffee to accompany dessert can be a pleasant addition too. Vary the drinks to suit the season and your own preferences for a well-rounded meal.
Serving and presentation ideas
Presentation plays a big part in the enjoyment of Jerusalem Mix. Serve the dish on a large, colourful platter and decorate it with fresh herbs. Set the pita to one side, or cut it into small pieces for a sociable, sharing feel. Small bowls of different dips such as Hummus or Baba Ganoush can add extra depth and variety.
A bit of history
Jerusalem Mix has its roots in the rich culinary tradition of Jerusalem, a city known for its multicultural character. The blend of different culinary influences reflects the diversity of the people who live in the region. Especially popular in the streets of Jerusalem, the dish embodies the essence of the local kitchen. Through its universal appeal, Jerusalem Mix has helped put Israeli cuisine on the international stage.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Jerusalem Mix
All in all, Jerusalem Mix is a delicious way to discover the varied flavour world of Jerusalem. With its combination of marinated lamb and chicken, fresh vegetables and fitting sides, it is a dish that delights both the palate and the eye. Whether for a quick supper or as the highlight of a festive menu, Jerusalem Mix is always an excellent choice. Let the food of Jerusalem work its magic on you and savour every bite of this authentic dish.
