Food

An American Cookout With Middle Eastern Flair

Israeli-accented Fourth of July Image by Liza Schoenfein

By Liza Schoenfein June 27, 2016

How do you put a Jewish twist on a Fourth of July barbecue? Take summer staples — burgers, watermelon, even a red-white-and blue frozen dessert — and add an Israeli accent. Instead of the usual hamburger, there’s a spiced lamb burger with garlicky mint pesto. Watermelon comes in the form of a cool sweet-and-salty salad, a nondairy take on the ubiquitous feta-and-mint version. And instead of the typical pasta- or potato-salad side, try a simplified mujadara, a Middle-Eastern rice-and-beans dish that can also act as a satisfying vegetarian main course.

The Recipes

Liza Schoenfein is the food editor of the Forward. Contact her at [email protected] or on Twitter, @LifeDeathDinner

Liza Schoenfein is a former food editor of the Forward and author of the blog Life, Death & Dinner. Follow her on Instagram @LifeDeathDinner.

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