HEBRON, West Bank (PJ) — Dozens of people lined up outside a bakery in Hebron on Friday to buy qidra, a traditional dish of meat and rice cooked in a salt oven.
The dish is a popular choice for special occasions, such as weddings and Ramadan, and is considered a symbol of Hebron's rich culinary heritage.
"Qidra is the most important meal of the feast," said Saqr Abu Sunaina, a cook at Khalil Al-Rahman bakery. "Dozens of families don't cook in their homes on Fridays, but rather bring meat or chicken to us, and we prepare the qidra for them."
The bakery is responsible for sourcing the other ingredients for the dish, such as rice and spices. The qidra is cooked in a large pot in a salt oven, which is made of salt, sand, and white dirt.
"The demand for qidra increases in the month of Ramadan," Abu Sunaina said. "Everyone is exhausted and tired from fasting, so they're looking for ready-made and delicious food."
Muhammad Al-Natsheh, 53, was among those waiting in line for qidra. He said he was buying two qidra, one with meat and one with chicken, for a special occasion.
"I'm inviting about 30 of my brothers, sisters, and their children," he said. "Qidra is a traditional dish that everyone loves."
"We can make qidra at home, but there is something special about coming to the bakery and preparing it here for large occasions. The taste and flavor are different." Natsheh added.
Although qidra is a Hebron specialty, people living in other Palestinian areas have different methods of preparing it. Some add chickpeas or lentils to the dish, while others use different spices.
The exact origins of qidra are unknown, but some believe it was brought to Hebron by the Ottomans. Others say it is a much older dish that has been passed down from generation to generation.
No matter its origins, qidra remains a popular and beloved dish in Hebron. It is a reminder of the city's rich culinary heritage and a symbol of its community spirit.
The price of qidra, a traditional Palestinian dish of meat and rice cooked in a salt oven, varies depending on the size of the dish and the type of meat used. A small dish of qidra with chicken might cost around $10, while a large dish with lamb might cost around $20.
The salt oven used to cook qidra is a traditional Palestinian oven that is made of salt, sand, and white dirt. The oven is heated to a very high temperature, which helps to give the qidra its unique flavor.
"We use traditional methods that have been passed down from generation to generation to prepare qidra and serve it to our customers in the best possible way, with the most delicious taste." Abu Sunaina said
Qidra is typically served with a variety of side dishes, such as yogurt sauce, hummus, and baba ghanoush.
The secret of qidra and its taste remain a magical attraction that is impossible to resist in Hebron and many Palestinian cities. This is because qidra has a distinctive flavor that can bring all family members together.
