Assyrian Vegan Lentil Dish for Church

Creating a vegan Iraqi Assyrian Dere (a traditional dish) recipe for Saint Mar Mina and Saint Charbel celebrations, written in Aramaic, is a beautiful and spiritual request. I can provide a simple vegan version of Dere, which is typically a lentil-based dish often enjoyed during fasting or religious observances. Here’s a recipe adapted for your needs, and I'll attempt to present it with a touch of respect for Aramaic as well.

Vegan Iraqi Assyrian Dere (Lentil Soup)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of lentils (red or yellow)

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced

• 1 large tomato, chopped

• 1 tablespoon of olive oil

• 6 cups of vegetable broth or water

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon ground coriander

• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

• Lemon wedges (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Lentils: Rinse the lentils under cold water, then set them aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until soft and fragrant (about 5 minutes).

3. Add Tomatoes and Spices: Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot and cook for a couple of minutes until they soften. Then, stir in the cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cinnamon. Cook the spices for a minute to bring out their flavors.

4. Add the Lentils and Broth: Pour in the lentils and vegetable broth (or water) and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.

5. Adjust Seasoning: Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.

6. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley. You can serve with a lemon wedge for a little zest.

Serving Suggestion: This Dere is perfect with pita bread or flatbread.

Aramaic Translation: Here’s a simple Aramaic blessing and title for this dish, which reflects its sacred nature, especially for Saint Mar Mina and Saint Charbel:

• "ܫܠܡܐ ܘܒܪܟܬܐ ܥܠ ܗܢܐ ܕܘܪܐ ܕܠܢܛܠܢܝܐ. ܢܗܘܐ ܐܠܗܐ ܡܠܐܝܗܘܢ ܕܒܪܚܘܬܐ ܠܦܪܘܬܐ ܘܠܢܥܡܬܐ."

Translation: "Peace and blessings upon this dish of lentils. May God bless it with mercy and favor."

ܨܘܡܐ ܘܨܠܘܬܐ ܕܩܝܡܬܗ ܕܡܪܢ ܝܫܘܥ – ܒܘܪܟܢܐ ܘܫܠܡܐ ܥܠ ܥܡܢ ܘܥܠ ܥܕܬܗ ܕܡܕܢܚܐ

Translation:
"Fasting and Prayer of the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus – Blessings and peace upon our people and the Church of the East."