Syrian-style Quibebe

Ingredients

While the original Brazilian Quibebe is typically made with butternut squash, Syrian-style Quibebe uses pumpkin as the star ingredient. The spices and flavor profile are also adapted to Syrian cuisine, incorporating cumin, coriander, and cinnamon for a distinct Middle Eastern twist. The addition of onions, garlic, tomatoes, and lemon juice further enhances the flavors, creating a rich and aromatic stew. We alse have the original recipe for Quibebe, so you can check it out.

• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) pumpkin, peeled and cut into chunks 1 kg (2.2 lbs) pumpkin, peeled and cut into chunks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Juice of 1 lemon Juice of 1 lemon
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 7g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 10g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until they turn golden brown.
3. 3.
   Add the diced tomatoes and cook until they soften.
4. 4.
   Stir in the ground cumin, ground coriander, and ground cinnamon, and cook for another minute to release their flavors.
5. 5.
   Add the pumpkin chunks to the pot and season with salt and pepper.
6. 6.
   Pour enough water to cover the pumpkin and bring the mixture to a boil.
7. 7.
   Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 30 minutes or until the pumpkin is tender.
8. 8.
   Using a potato masher or immersion blender, partially mash the pumpkin to create a thick and chunky stew.
9. 9.
   Stir in the lemon juice and adjust the seasoning if needed.
10. 10.
    Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
11. 11.
    Serve the Syrian-style Quibebe hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pumpkin — Make sure to choose a pumpkin variety that is suitable for cooking, such as sugar pumpkin or kabocha. These varieties have a sweeter and denser flesh, perfect for stews and soups.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or Aleppo pepper flakes.
• Serve Syrian-style Quibebe with warm pita bread or rice for a complete meal.
• If you prefer a smoother texture, use a blender to puree the stew until smooth.
• Customize the spices to your taste by adjusting the amounts of cumin, coriander, and cinnamon.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, as the flavors tend to deepen and meld together even more.

Serving advice

Serve Syrian-style Quibebe as a main course, accompanied by warm pita bread or rice. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Presentation advice

Present the Syrian-style Quibebe in a deep serving dish, allowing the vibrant orange color of the pumpkin to shine through. Sprinkle some additional ground cumin or cinnamon on top for an extra touch of aroma and visual appeal.