I've spent a lifetime trying to replicate my mother's Syrian speciality, a labor of love
My mother and I a half-century ago, left, and my mother's magical ma'lubay eggplant dish, right.I spent my childhood in Damascus, Syria, before immigrating to the United States as a teenager for college, work and freedom.
“But I’m clean, Momma,” I’d say, showing her the hands I’d just washed. Unswayed, she would run her fingers along my neck and display the smear of filth. Foiled again! After the dreaded bath, I would emerge ready to devour something I, and most children, regularly take for granted: A true home-cooked meal.
Here’s where I came in, ready to execute the step only a tiny hero could possibly pull off. Momma would yell “Karim!” and I’d run to the kitchen gleaming with anticipation. At her nod, I would take a deep breath and grab the pot covered with a serving plate from both sides. My lips squeezed tight, my muscles clinched, with all my might, I would flip the pan over then rest it on the table.
Yes, it is magical, mainly because it seems only my mother can cook it correctly. Since coming to this country in 1984, I have attempted hundreds of times to replicate this dish. The results have been satisfactory, but never the same. I’ve tried everything, using the same spices with approximately similar amounts . I’ve even purchased eggplant from an Arabic store, but my dish always falls a bit short.
Momma's last visit to the United States was a decade ago. She stayed at my sister's house in Statin Island.Nevertheless, my children adore my version of this dish and request it every time they visit. My now-grown daughter thinks I’m the best cook on the planet because of my ma’lubay. She posts it on Instagram, sends it on Snapchat, and texts pictures to her friends with comments: “OMG! Babba’s ma’lubay. Best dish ever!! TTYL.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Magic Eden Company IntelligenceCompany Snapshot Founded in September 2021, Magic Eden runs the largest Solana NFT marketplace with +90% market share and $2 billion USD traded. Magic
Read more »
Star-Studded 'Knives Out 2' Finally Got A Release Date‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’ is 'a fantasy vacation with a killer twist.'
Read more »
Devil In Ohio trailer reveals Emily Deschanel is also In OhioBones herself is returning to television for an all-new Netflix mystery series
Read more »
Knives Out 2 Story Details Tease Daniel Craig's Next Murder MysteryThe first KnivesOut2 story details tease Daniel Craig's next murder mystery as Benoit Blanc is invited to a Greek getaway turned deadly. 🔎
Read more »
Why Was I Banned From Tinder?Sometimes the reasons for a Tinder ban are clear. Sometimes, though, they're not. olivialupp reports
Read more »
Gynecologists finally answer the age old question: Do you have to wear underwear with leggings?The dilemma of whether or not to wear underwear with leggings is an age-old one.
Read more »