Ta'leyah-Egyptian Seasoning Recipe

In Egypt, there is a distinct taste to a lot of dishes.  That taste can be attributed to a seasoning sauce known as ta'leyah.  Ta'leyah is a simple seasoning used in a lot of vegetable stews in Egypt, most particularly, it is used as the main flavoring in molokhia (recipe here).

Ta'leyah is traditionally, and most effectively made in a mortar and pastel.  It consists of just two spices, garlic and coriander, and it is the particular crushing method that makes the paste needed for the perfect flavor.  Ta'leyah is then fried golden brown releasing those flavors before being added to the stew of choice.

INGREDIENTS:

• 20 cloves of garlic
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tbsp olive oil

DIRECTIONS:

1. Crush the garlic with the coriander until it has a smooth creamy consistency.  I know this might be difficult to understand.  You don't want the garlic to turn to paste but you also don't want there to be too much chunk present.   See the image below to help get an idea of what it should look like.  
   
2. Heat oil over medium heat in frying pan.  Add ta'leyah mixture and saute for about 3 minutes until the garlic has browned. 
3. Add to stew.  Take a small amount of stew water and add to the pan. Swish it around and pour back into the stew to make sure you get it all.  

And that's it.  Pretty simple recipe that adds so much authentic Egyptian flavor to your vegetable stews. Enjoy.  <3