Hilbe
Fenugreek Condiment

This jelly like dip has a nutty, garlicky and tart flavor.
Do not hurry its production.
The long soaking time removes the bitter taste.

Use it as a side dish/dip with Pita bread.




3 Tbls very finely ground Fenugreek Seed
6 cups cold Water

1 tsp fresh Garlic (mashed)
1/2 tsp fresh Ginger (finely grated)
3 Tbls fresh Lemon Juice
2 Tbls fresh Coriander (Celantro) (finely chopped)
1/2 tsp Salt

additional cold water




1. Put ground Fenugreek Seed in a large bowl,
          add 2 cups of cold Water, mix well, beating it with a fork.

          Let stand at least 1 hour.
          The ground Fenugreek Seed will expand,
          and settle into a gelatinous mass in the bottom of the bowl.

          After 1 hour, carefully tip the bowl to spill out the water.

2. Add the second 2 cups of cold Water, mix well, beating it with a fork.
          Again, let stand at least 1 hour,
          then carefully drain.

3. Add the third 2 cups of cold Water, mix well, beating it with a fork.
          This last time, let stand at least 1 hour,
                    OR cover loosely and refrigerate overnight.

4. After the third soaking in water, carefully drain,
          add Garlic, Ginger, Lemon Juice, Coriander (Celantro) & Salt,
          mix well.

5. Let stand about 1/2 hour
          Add additional cold water to make a gelatinous mixture
          about as thick as Honey OR a little looser.

6. Serve OR refrigerate for later use.
          The longer it stays, the thicker it will get. Loosen it with cold water.

          For best results, eat within a day or two.