Makalo with a Jordanian Twist

Ingredients

In this Jordanian adaptation of Makalo, we incorporate Middle Eastern spices such as cumin, coriander, and sumac to infuse the dish with a unique flavor profile. Additionally, we garnish the dish with fresh herbs like parsley and mint, which add a refreshing element to the creamy mashed potatoes. We alse have the original recipe for Makalo, so you can check it out.

• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) potatoes, peeled and cubed 1 kg (2.2 lbs) potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 tablespoons olive oil 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon sumac 1 teaspoon sumac
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Fresh mint leaves, chopped (for garnish) Fresh mint leaves, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 14g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 28g, 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Place the peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
2. 2.
   Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash them using a potato masher or a fork until smooth.
3. 3.
   In a small pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground cumin, ground coriander, and sumac. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
4. 4.
   Pour the spiced olive oil mixture over the mashed potatoes and mix well to combine. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
5. 5.
   Transfer the Makalo to a serving dish and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and mint leaves.
6. 6.
   Serve hot and enjoy the flavors of Jordanian cuisine!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Potatoes — Make sure to boil the potatoes until they are tender but not mushy. Overcooking can result in a watery mash.
• Sumac — Sumac adds a tangy and slightly citrusy flavor to the dish. If you can't find sumac, you can substitute it with a squeeze of lemon juice for a similar effect.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra creamy texture, you can add a splash of warm milk or vegetable broth to the mashed potatoes.
• Adjust the spices according to your taste preferences. You can increase or decrease the amount of cumin, coriander, and sumac to suit your liking.
• Serve the Makalo as a side dish with grilled meats or roasted vegetables for a complete Jordanian meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Makalo with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of sumac on top for an extra burst of flavor. Pair it with warm pita bread or flatbread to scoop up the creamy mash.

Presentation advice

To elevate the presentation of the Makalo, shape it into small mounds using an ice cream scoop or a spoon. Drizzle some olive oil around the edges of the plate and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint for a pop of color.