طبخة صيامية للمسيحية #اكسبلور
طبخة صيامية للمسيحية🤭 #اكسبلور is a easy Middle Eastern recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Celine Koundakjian on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 25 min | Total: 50 min
Cost: $4.50 total, $1.13 per serving
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra‑virgin preferred)
- 2 cups Crackers (plain or lightly salted, broken into bite‑size pieces)
- 1 tablespoon Curry Powder (mild or medium, depending on heat preference)
- 1 tablespoon Salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon White Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 medium Onion (diced)
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 small Green Bell Pepper (diced)
- 1 medium Carrot (peeled and diced)
- 2 medium Tomato (diced)
- 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste (or thick tomato sauce)
- 1 cup Long Grain Rice (rinsed until water runs clear)
- 1 cup Cooked Chickpeas (drained if canned; if using dried, soak overnight and cook)
- 2 cups Water
Instructions
Fry the crackers
Heat 2 Tbsp olive oil in the skillet over medium heat. Add the broken crackers and stir continuously until they turn lightly golden and start to puff, about 4‑5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium
Season the crackers
Sprinkle 1 Tbsp curry powder, 1 Tbsp salt, 1 tsp white pepper, and 1 tsp black pepper over the crackers. Toss quickly to coat, then transfer the crackers to a plate and set aside.
Time: PT2M
Sauté aromatics
Add the remaining 1 Tbsp olive oil to the same pan. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: Medium
Add garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
Time: PT0.5M
Temperature: Medium
Vegetable medley
Add the diced green bell pepper, carrot, and tomato. Sauté, stirring occasionally, for 4‑5 minutes until the vegetables soften.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium
Tomato base
Stir in 2 Tbsp tomato paste, mixing it into the vegetables until evenly distributed.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: Medium
Combine rice and legumes
Return the seasoned crackers to the pan. Add the rinsed rice and cooked chickpeas. Stir everything together for 2 minutes so the rice gets lightly toasted.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Medium
Simmer
Pour in 2 cups water, increase heat to bring to a rolling boil, then cover the pan, lower the heat to low, and let simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: Low
Rest and serve
Turn off the heat and let the pan sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork, taste and adjust salt if needed, then serve warm.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 10 g
- Carbohydrates
- 60 g
- Fat
- 8 g
- Fiber
- 6 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Vegan, Dairy‑Free, Nut‑Free
Allergens: Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Olive Oil: vegetable oil, canola oil
- Instead of Crackers: pita chips, tortilla chips
- Instead of Curry Powder: garam masala, turmeric + cumin blend
- Instead of Salt: sea salt, kosher salt
- Instead of White Pepper: ground white pepper, ground black pepper (use less)
- Instead of Black Pepper: ground white pepper
- Instead of Onion: shallots, leeks
- Instead of Garlic: garlic paste
- Instead of Green Bell Pepper: red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper
- Instead of Carrot: parsnip, sweet potato (small dice)
- Instead of Tomato: canned diced tomatoes (drained)
- Instead of Tomato Paste: ketchup (use less)
- Instead of Long Grain Rice: basmati rice, brown rice (increase water)
- Instead of Cooked Chickpeas: canned white beans, lentils (pre‑cooked)
Equipment Needed
- Large Skillet or Frying Pan
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Lid that fits the skillet
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Frying the crackers until lightly golden without burning.
- Simmering the rice covered for exactly 15 minutes; opening the lid early releases steam and can affect texture.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a high‑quality plain cracker for the best texture; avoid heavily flavored varieties.
- Toast the rice for a minute before adding water for a deeper flavor.
- A pinch of ground cumin can be added with the curry for extra warmth.
Troubleshooting
Rice is undercooked or watery.
Cover and simmer an additional 5‑7 minutes, adding a splash more water if needed.
Crackers become soggy.
Add the crackers back to the pan after the rice has finished cooking and stir gently to re‑crisp.
Dish is too salty.
Rinse the cooked chickpeas before adding, and add a little extra water to dilute the salt.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Can be frozen for up to 2 months; reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water.
Room temperature: Not recommended beyond 2 hours at room temperature.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cook and drain chickpeas ahead of time; they store well in the fridge.
- Crackers can be fried and seasoned a day before, then reheated briefly before adding to the rice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of vegetarian rice dishes like this in Middle Eastern Ramadan cuisine?
During Ramadan, many families prepare simple, meat‑free meals for Iftar when they are fasting. Vegetarian rice dishes using crackers or flat‑bread crumbs stretch limited ingredients, provide quick energy, and honor the tradition of modest, wholesome meals.
What are the traditional regional variations of cracker‑based rice dishes in Middle Eastern cuisine?
In Levantine kitchens, toasted pita or flat‑bread crumbs (known as "qara‘id" or "qarides") are mixed into rice with spices. In Iraq, similar dishes add turmeric and sometimes dried meat, while in Egypt a version may include vermicelli toasted with the rice.
How is this Vegetarian Ramadan Rice with Crackers traditionally served in Middle Eastern households?
It is typically served hot as the main component of the Iftar plate, accompanied by fresh salads, dates, and a glass of water or laban. Some families garnish it with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
What occasions or celebrations is this type of vegetarian rice dish associated with in Ramadan culture?
Besides daily Iftar, the dish appears at communal breaking‑fast gatherings, charity meals ("iftar" for the needy), and during the final days of Ramadan when families prefer lighter, quicker meals before Eid celebrations.
What makes Vegetarian Ramadan Rice with Crackers special or unique in Middle Eastern cuisine?
The combination of crispy fried crackers with fragrant curry‑spiced rice creates a contrast of textures rarely found in traditional rice dishes, offering a satisfying crunch without meat while still being filling.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Vegetarian Ramadan Rice with Crackers?
Common errors include over‑frying the crackers until they burn, stirring the rice while it simmers (which makes it mushy), and adding too much water which leads to soggy crackers. Follow the timing and keep the lid on during simmering.
Why does this recipe use olive oil for frying the crackers instead of butter?
Olive oil has a higher smoke point than butter and keeps the dish dairy‑free, which aligns with many fasting traditions that avoid animal fats during Ramadan.
Can I make this Vegetarian Ramadan Rice with Crackers ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Cook the rice and chickpeas, then store them separately from the fried crackers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Re‑heat the rice, then stir in the crackers briefly to restore crunch before serving.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the rice is done cooking?
The rice should be fluffy, each grain separate, and the liquid fully absorbed. The crackers should remain lightly golden and retain a slight crunch when mixed in.
What does the YouTube channel Celine Koundakjian specialize in?
Celine Koundakjian’s channel focuses on quick, home‑cooked Middle Eastern meals, especially recipes suited for fasting periods like Ramadan, with an emphasis on simple ingredients and step‑by‑step guidance.
How does the YouTube channel Celine Koundakjian’s approach to Ramadan cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Celine emphasizes minimal prep, uses pantry staples, and often adapts traditional dishes to be meat‑free or faster to prepare, whereas many other channels stick to classic, time‑intensive preparations.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
