Word of the Day: Weeping- to withdraw moisture from vegetables using salt.

I have been asked to give a recipe using chick peas. This request comes from my niece. She is a great cook so I was honored to have her ask me for one of my recipes. The dish that I will share with you all is very healthy, full of protein and easy on the budget. Today we are going Lebanese...do I need to say anything more? They know food! The Lebanese cuisine is so full of flavor and I am blessed to be married to an amazing Lebanese man . . . I love your culture Honey. Our marriage has EXPANDED my world of cooking, I didn't know what garlic was before I married him NOW its the number one ingredient in my cooking!

M'nazali (chick pea stew)

2 medium eggplant ( now I must say right here...some people in my family aren't so thrilled with eggplant, but this dish is still wonderful without it )

1 19 oz. can of chick peas, drained and rinsed

1 28 oz. whole tomatoes crushed or 4 to 6 large ripe tomatoes

1 large onion (if not using eggplant maybe you should use 2) Cut the onion in about 1/4" size rings.

2 cloves garlic chopped.....being the garlic lover that I am. I use 10 easily

1/2 t. pepper

1 1/2 t. salt

1/2 t. allspice

1/2 t. cinnamon

1/4 cup oil

Peel eggplant and cut into 1/2 inch cubes

Sprinkle with salt and spread out to drain on paper towels for 30 minutes. ( this allows the eggplant to let go of its moisture, its called "weeping")

In a large dutch oven, saute the onions in oil

Add your garlic, saute for 30 seconds

Add tomatoes to the garlic and onions, saute for a few minutes.

Add eggplant, chick peas, and spices to tomatoes

Cover and cook for 30 minutes over medium heat until eggplant is tender, stirring occasionally.

Note: this dish can be served both hot or cold. In the Lebanese culture, its very typical to eat this meal with raw white onion. The way to serve the onion is in a small bowl of ice water. My final suggestion is using pita bread as a utensil to scoop up the perfect bite of stew and onion!

Let the cooking begin!!!!!!