What are you thankful for? That’s the question many of us will discuss this week around the Thanksgiving table. I was thinking about it last week. The first thing that popped into my head was, “ I’m thankful to not be Syrian.”
Hmmm.
All week I’ve been wondering if we should close the borders. But is it true that 90% of refugees are elders, women and children? Refusing people in won’t eliminate terrorism. And government can’t solve it alone.
If we want real safety - the responsibility falls on us to welcome people in and assimilate them. Diversity is always strength. Give people a chance to educate their children, find community, and live in peace, and they become our peaceful warriors. Who better as silent “boots on the ground” then people of the same culture as our enemy? If it was me in a new land, I’d ratt out the idiot criminals who made me uproot everything and travel halfway around the world with nothing, just to escape needless violence and oppression.
Anyways, blah, blah, blah... How do we get to know people of different worlds and find connection? Food is a good start. Understanding is fun when we talk culture via food. So in that spirit I looked all week, but couldn't find anyone Syrian to exchange some good, old fashioned dietary diplomacy.
But we are not giving up. The Food Party! wants to learn more about Syrian culture though food. We are in search of a delicious dish - a recipe with a story. If you are Syrian living in the U.S, I'd love to ask what you are cooking for Thanksgiving, or even if you celebrate the holiday? I think it is our best meal, a great balance of flavors and textures. What seasonings or dishes might you add to make it more culturally significant? Za'atar Turkey anyone?
While the search continues here’s my best shot,
Hummus Trio and a Thanksgiving wish.
May we build peace and understanding through food.
Hummus Trio
Buy or make hummus (food process to taste and preferred consistency: one can garbanzo beans and a little of the juice, 2 garlic cloves, pinch cumin, olive oil, lemon juice, salt). Divide into three batches.
Keep one in the original state, food process one with cilantro till green.
Food process the third batch with roasted red pepper till red. Hey, great for Christmas too!
Garnish and serve with pita.
