Macaroni Hamin: A Traditional Sukkot Feast Recipe

As the Sukkot holiday approaches, many Israelis seek special dishes to elevate their festive meals. Macaroni hamin, also known as "schina," is presented as a traditional and satisfying option for holiday dinners or lunches. This dish combines slow-cooked, tender meat with pasta that absorbs rich flavors and caramelizes at the bottom of the pot.

The recipe, suitable for 6-8 people, requires 500 grams of pasta (macaroni or thick long pasta), 1 kilogram of beef (such as brisket or shoulder) cut into large cubes, or chicken thighs. It also includes 2 large onions, 4-5 medium potatoes, 6-8 hard-boiled eggs, and a blend of spices including silan (date syrup) or honey, sweet and hot paprika, turmeric, cumin, black pepper, salt, and oil.

Preparation involves par-boiling the pasta to an al dente stage, then draining and rinsing it. The meat and onions are browned in a heavy pot, followed by sautéing the spices with silan or honey to create a flavor base. The hamin is assembled in layers: potatoes at the bottom, followed by meat, onions, and hard-boiled eggs, with the pasta placed on top. Boiling water is added to the level of the meat and potatoes, ensuring the pasta is not fully submerged.

The dish is brought to a boil on high heat, then simmered for about 20 minutes before being transferred to a "Shabbat plate" (a warming device) or a low oven (100-110°C) for at least 10-12 hours. This slow cooking process tenderizes the meat, infuses the pasta with flavor, and creates a caramelized crust at the bottom.

Serving suggestions include inverting the entire pot onto a platter for a dramatic presentation or serving directly from the pot. The article concludes by wishing readers a happy Sukkot and bon appétit.