Israel: Location and People
Israel is a country in the Southern Mediterranean Basin of West Asia, with Jerusalem as its capital.
It’s bordered by Lebanon to the north, Syria to the northeast, Jordan and Palestine to the east, and Egypt to the southwest, with the Mediterranean Sea to the west. Its southern tip reaches the Red Sea.
A Few Wonders of Israel
1. Masada National Park: Perched atop a rugged plateau, Masada’s ancient fortress is a symbol of Jewish resilience. Explore the ruins, walk the ramparts, and take in the stunning Dead Sea views.
2. Dead Sea: The Dead Sea’s super salty waters make you float effortlessly, surrounded by mineral-rich mud and breathtaking desert landscapes. A unique natural wonder.
3. Old City of Jerusalem: Jerusalem’s Old City is a treasure trove of history and faith, with the Western Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and Al-Aqsa Mosque. Walk the ancient streets and soak up the atmosphere.
4. Baha’i Gardens: Haifa’s Baha’i Gardens are a stunning blend of Persian and Mediterranean architecture, with terraced gardens and beautiful views of the Mediterranean. A peaceful oasis.
People of Israel
The people of Israel are a diverse and vibrant mix, reflecting the country’s melting pot of cultures and backgrounds. From Tel Aviv’s cosmopolitan vibe to Jerusalem’s historic charm, Israelis are known for their warmth, resilience, and strong sense of community.
Traditional Dress of Israel
Israel doesn’t have just one traditional outfit for a couple, because the country is made up of many cultures. For religious occasions, a man may wear a white shirt, dark pants, and a kippah on his head, while a woman may wear a long modest dress and a headscarf. In families with Middle Eastern roots, traditional clothes can include embroidered vests, colorful dresses, and decorative headpieces. Today, most Israelis wear modern clothing in daily life, and these traditional outfits are saved for holidays, weddings, and cultural celebrations.
We looked for the traditional dress of Israel and found this picture of a couple. It was taken in Tel Aviv on 20 February 2017. The people are wearing costumes for a festival in Israel. It looks like Roman dress in red and white.
Photo: Editorial use only. Purim festival, Tel Aviv, 20 February 2017.
Pulses and Recipes
Israel cultivates pulses like chickpeas, lentils, and beans, focusing on sustainable and efficient farming practices. Despite water scarcity, advanced irrigation tech helps boost yields. Local farmers grow pulses for both domestic use and export, often using crop rotation to improve soil health.
Pulses are a staple in Israeli cuisine! You’ll find them in dishes like “Hummus” (chickpea spread), “Falafel” (fried chickpea patties), and “Adina” (Israeli eggplant and chickpea stew). Pulses are often combined with fresh veggies, herbs, and spices, adding protein and flavor to traditional Israeli meals.
We will try out Falafel (fried chickpea patties)
Falafel (Chickpeas patties)
Falafel is a little patty made from chickpeas. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Today, people all over the world eat falafel as a snack with dip, or with bread, salad and creamy sauce as a full meal. It has become a popular street food!
And today, we made our very own!
You need:
200 gm chickpeas
1 medium size onion
1 tsp of chopped garlic
½ cup of chopped coriander leaves
½ tsp cumin ground
1 tsp coriander powder
½ tsp of baking powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp chickpea flour (only if needed)
Oil to fry
Method:
- Wash and soak the chickpeas overnight.
- Rinse and drain the soaked chickpeas. (Do not use canned chickpeas, they are too soft.)
3. Chop the onion, garlic, and fresh coriander leaves roughly.
4. Add the chickpeas, onion, garlic, and coriander leaves.
5. Pulse in small batches in a blender until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Do not make it into a paste.
6. Add the ground coriander, cumin, pepper, salt, and baking powder.
7. Mix well.
8. Cover and refrigerate the mixture for about 30 minutes. This helps the spices blend and makes it easier to shape into patties.
9. If the mixture is too soft to hold its shape, add a little chickpea flour. For us, the mixture was perfect.
10. Roll small balls with your hands and flatten them into patties. We used a round cookie cutter. We placed each ball inside the cutter and pressed it flat. This helped us make patties that were all the same size and shape.
11. Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Carefully place the patties in the hot oil.
12. Fry for 3-4 minutes, turning them gently, until golden brown and crispy on both sides. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Serve the falafel hot and crispy. Tuck them into warm pita bread with fresh salad, tomatoes, and a drizzle of creamy tahini sauce or yogurt dip. You can also enjoy them just as they are, with a little dip on the side. However you eat them, they taste best fresh!
Happy Reading and Healthy Cooking!
Coming up next… _Pulses in Jordanian Cuisine
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Dal On The Table 
DELICIOUS .IHAVE TRIED IT MISSI
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Thank you so much, Minoti! So happy you tried it and loved it!
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lovely post
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Thank you Seema!
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Looks delicious and easy too!
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Thank you Meeta! Try it out. Easy and tasty too!
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The recipe looks absolutely delicious. 😍 A perfect example of how simple ingredients can create something so flavorful and satisfying! ❤️
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Thank you so much for your lovely words, Protima! 😊 That’s exactly what I believe — magic happens when simple, honest ingredients from our own soil come together. So glad you liked it!
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will make it…the ingredients are easily available. As always you explain it in such away that it motivates me to try out. Thank you
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Thank you so much for your lovely comment,Lita! I am so happy to hear that the ingredients are easily available to you.Please do try it and let me know how you liked it. Happy Cooking!
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