A salty, sour, citrusy symphony!

Samreny’s was known as the Granddaddy of Middle Eastern restaurants and was located on Baum Blvd in Pittsburgh, PA.  As a child, I listened to my elders tell stories of yesteryear and describe the vibrant atmosphere of Samreny’s- Imagine stepping into a no-frills restaurant where people treated you like family.  The smell of shish kebab wafting in the air, the sound of classical Arabic music, and the sight of world-class belly dancers entertaining and engaging the crowd.  It was a hopping place and it’s particularly special to our family because it’s where my father proposed to my mother (she said yes). 

My father loved Samreny’s so much that after it closed, he developed his own recipe.  And as it goes with cuisine, this is the evolution of the recipe, customized to my personal preferences and palette. This delightful concoction combines the zesty tanginess of lemons with the cool and refreshing notes of mint, creating a symphony of flavors that is both invigorating and satisfying.

The Ingredients:

1. Fresh Lemons: The star of the show, fresh lemons provide the dressing with a burst of citrusy goodness that is both sour and uplifting.

2. Mint Leaves: Fresh mint leaves contribute a cooling and aromatic element to the dressing, adding a refreshing touch that complements the acidity of the lemons.

3. Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A staple in Middle Eastern cuisine, olive oil not only serves as a base for the dressing but also adds a rich and smooth texture.

4. Garlic Cloves: The addition of garlic brings depth to the dressing, offering a subtle yet savory undertone that enhances the overall flavor profile.

5. Salt: A pinch of salt is essential to balance out the acidity and enhance the savory notes, creating a harmonious blend of tastes.

Preparation:

1. Zest and Squeeze the Lemons: Start by zesting and squeezing the fresh lemons to extract their juice. Aim for a bright and zesty flavor by using ripe and juicy lemons.

2. Chop the Mint Leaves: Finely chop the fresh mint leaves to release their aromatic oils. This will infuse the dressing with a refreshing minty fragrance.

3. Mince the Garlic: Mince the garlic cloves to add a subtle savory kick to the dressing. Adjust the quantity based on your personal preference for garlic intensity.

4. Combine the Ingredients: In a mason jar, vigorously shake all ingredients until combined- alternately, you can pulse the ingredients in a blender or food processor. Add salt to taste, keeping in mind that the dressing should be a harmonious balance of salty, sour, and refreshing flavors.

Versatility in Use:

The Lemon Mint Salad Dressing is incredibly versatile and can elevate a variety of dishes. Here are a few ways to incorporate this delightful dressing into your culinary adventures:

1. Salads: Toss the dressing with a mix of crisp greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and slivered onions for a refreshing salad that bursts with flavor.

2. Grilled Vegetables: Brush the dressing onto grilled vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant for a burst of Mediterranean goodness.

3. Marinades: Use the dressing as a marinade for chicken, fish, or tofu, infusing your proteins with a tantalizing blend of citrus and herbs.

4. Dips: Mix the dressing with Greek yogurt or labneh to create a flavorful dip for pita bread or vegetable sticks.

Conclusion:

Incorporating the Samreny (Lemon Mint) Salad Dressing into your culinary repertoire is a delightful way to experience the bold and refreshing flavors of SWANA cuisine. Whether you're preparing a light salad for a summer day or adding a burst of flavor to your grilled dishes, this dressing is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Samreny (Lemon Mint) Salad Dressing

Ingredients

·       Zest of 1 lemon

·       Juice of 1 lemon 


·       3 cloves of garlic, minced (or 2 tsp. garlic powder)

·       1/4 cup water

·       2 Tbsp olive oil


·       2 tsp. salt


·       2 Tbsp. mint leaves (fresh or dried)

Method

In a mason jar, vigorously shake all ingredients until combined- alternately, you can pulse the ingredients in a blender or food processor. Shake and refrigerate 4 hours before serving.

Additional Notes

To enhance the citrus flavor, dress your salad with sumac.