Jameed Karaky

Jameed Karaky is a Jordanian fermented dairy product made by drying salted and thickened yogurt. Jameed is a key ingredient of Jordans national dish, mansaf, while also adds a bold flavor to dishes such as al-rashoof and shakreyeh. 

 Weight may very (about 500 Gm) due to manufacturing by hand instead of machinery. 

**Jameed Karaky: Traditional Middle Eastern Dried Yogurt**

**Introduction:**

Jameed Karaky is a traditional Middle Eastern dairy product, specifically popular in Jordanian and Palestinian cuisines. It is made by drying yogurt, typically from sheep or goat milk, until it becomes a hard, rock-like substance. This unique and versatile dairy product plays a crucial role in various Middle Eastern dishes, particularly in the preparation of the well-known Jordanian dish, Mansaf.

**Key Characteristics:**

1. **Dried Yogurt Form:** Jameed is commonly found in solid, dry, and rock-like forms. It is traditionally shaped into round balls or small discs.

2. **Distinctive Flavor:** Jameed has a tangy and salty flavor, which intensifies during the drying process.

3. **Mansaf Ingredient:** Jameed is a key component in Mansaf, a traditional Jordanian dish consisting of lamb cooked in a yogurt-based sauce served over rice or flatbread.

4. **Long Shelf Life:** Due to its dried form, Jameed has an extended shelf life, making it a convenient and enduring pantry staple.

**Uses:**

1. **Mansaf Preparation:** The primary use of Jameed is in the preparation of Mansaf, the national dish of Jordan. It is used to make the rich and flavorful sauce that accompanies the lamb and rice.

2. **Soups and Stews:** Jameed can be dissolved in water to create a yogurt-based broth, adding a distinct tanginess to soups and stews.

3. **Marinades:** Grated or crumbled Jameed can be used as an ingredient in marinades for meats, imparting its unique flavor.

4. **Dips and Sauces:** Jameed can be rehydrated and blended into sauces or dips, offering a tangy and salty kick.

**How to Use Jameed:**

1. **Rehydration:** To use Jameed, it needs to be rehydrated. This is usually done by soaking the dried Jameed in warm water until it softens and can be easily dissolved.

2. **Mansaf Sauce:** In Mansaf preparation, the softened Jameed is mixed with water to form a sauce that is then simmered with lamb to create a rich and flavorful base.

3. **Grating or Crumbling:** Jameed can be grated or crumbled into smaller pieces and added directly to dishes as a seasoning or flavor enhancer.

**Note:**
Jameed Karaky is a cherished ingredient in Middle Eastern cuisine, particularly in Jordan, where Mansaf holds cultural significance. Its unique flavor and versatility make it a prized addition to various dishes, providing a distinctive taste of the region.