Kabab be al-karaz

Kabab be al-karaz is a traditional and beloved Syrian dish of lamb kebab and cherries, especially popular in the city of Aleppo. It is made from minced meat mixed with onions and sour cherries (St. Lucie cherries traditionally), cooked with sugar and either ghee or butter until tender. The meat is shaped into balls or patties and then fried until browned. Cherry sauce is added to the kebab, and the mixture is cooked together until the flavors meld. The dish is garnished with toasted pine nuts and parsley and served with Syrian bread or rice, offering a unique taste that combines sour and sweet flavors. The dish is also popular in neighboring countries, like Armenia, Izrael, Palestine, Lebanon, Jordan, and parts of Türkiye.