May 12, 2005
The mangal
Art of the mangal - "Israeli Style"
Anyone who has ever encountered even a single Israeli, is sure to have noticed that they are obsessed with barbecues. For me personally it really isn't a big deal whether I grill the meat, fry it or put it into the oven. Either way it's food. If it's tasty it's tasty.. ('Oy vey' Maria!). But I am amused by this custom, and I found this article in today's Ynet absolutely hilarious:
A group of 50 new immigrant families from U.S. invited to Israeli-style barbecue; steakhouse chef reveals local secrets
By Shelly Paz and Natasha Mozgova
TEL AVIV - You are not Israeli until you've had your first mangal session: A group of 50 new immigrant families was invited to attend an Israeli-style barbecue in Jerusalem Monday, where the newcomers received a crash course in Israeli-style grilling.
Now you see, my idea of something one needs a "crash course in" would be.. a language, basic survival of some sort, etc. Not grilling meat!
Mangal is the Hebrew word for barbecue, and arguably one of the most important words in the Hebrew language, according to the average Israeli at least. The almost-sacred ritual is also commonly referred to as "al ha'esh," literally "on the fire."
Israel's Independence Day is usually celebrated by overeating and not only with sing-along celebrations and other festivities, the chef told his audience.
A Jewish/Israeli holiday celebrated by overeating? C'mon ;)
Vegetarians can grill fresh vegetables instead of the meat, the chef said - on a skewer, of course.
Okay so then everybody can participate. Even vegetarians, like Orly (who has a new picture gallery now by the way).
Ethiopian immigrant learning the esteemed custom of the 'mangal'
Hi Maria! Thanks for your lovely note on my album! Hmm a reference to me in a post about mangal, that's a little weird. Anyway, I just returned from a mangal event myself. I've never encountered any vegetarian skewers, but I never have problems in mangals (except for the smell), because you can always get stuffed from the pitas and "salads".
BTW I still don't get notices on your posts. Probably something about our email servers. Well, I'll still drop by from time to time. Cya!
Posted by: Orly at May 12, 2005 07:48 PM PermalinkThis is one great custom! I love a good barbcue; and what can be better than grilled meat of yourchoice? We had hamburgers, kabobs, and hot dogs...mmmmmmmm.
Posted by: Rachel Ann at May 13, 2005 06:37 AM Permalink