A Taste of Joy: The Special Aruq Recipe Dedicated to Ben Binyamin Cohen
Remembering Ben Binyamin Cohen, a victim of the October 7 Nova festival attack, through his family's cherished recipe for traditional Aruq herb patties.
Ben Binyamin Cohen was the youngest child of Zahava and Raphael, and a beloved brother. Known as the family handyman, he loved working with his hands and was deeply devoted to his friends. On October 7, Ben attended the Nova music festival with friends, where they were tragically killed in the terror attack.
Every Friday, his mother's home would fill with the comforting aromas of schnitzel and warm Aruq herb patties—Ben's favorite foods. The recipe was passed down from his grandmother, with whom he shared a special bond. The 'tribe of Nova' community association shared this recipe to commemorate Ben's vibrant spirit and the joy he brought to everyone around him.
Ingredients (makes 50 patties):
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6 medium potatoes, peeled
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200g pumpkin
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1 zucchini
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Bunch of parsley
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2 celery leaves
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2 onions
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1 heaping teaspoon turmeric, 1 heaping teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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2 eggs
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2 cups spelt flour
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1 teaspoon arak
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1/2 liter canola oil for frying
Preparation:
In a food processor with a metal blade, finely grind the vegetables. Grind the potatoes and pumpkin first, transfer to a large bowl, and then process the remaining vegetables and greens.
Add the eggs and spices, mixing well with a spoon. Gradually incorporate the spelt flour until a thick batter forms that holds its shape on a spoon without falling apart. Finally, mix in the arak.
Heat half-deep oil in a skillet. Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil, frying 5-8 patties at a time depending on the pan size. Fry on both sides until golden brown, then transfer to paper towels to drain.
