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MarketBasket: A sesame seed dip with a Guatemalan twist

Three Zitelman sisters behind Philadelphia-based Soom tahini contend that hummus gets its magic from their specialty: sesame puree. They make a pretty impressive case with their excellent new line of dips.

Soom sesame dips come in four flavors, made from Guatemalan sesame seeds.
Soom sesame dips come in four flavors, made from Guatemalan sesame seeds.Read more
    Inquirer
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Sesame-powered dips

Chickpeas usually get all the glory, but the three Zitelman sisters behind Philadelphia-based Soom tahini contend that hummus gets its magic from their specialty: sesame puree. They make a pretty impressive case with their excellent new line of dips, made from specially sourced Guatemalan sesame seeds, water, lemon, and spices. The texture is so silky, you might believe chickpeas are still the base. But that nutty sesame sweetness is more forward and really makes the four different flavors pop, from the cuminy "classic" garlic to the rounder zesty "Mediterranean" (a likely crowd favorite), a creamy Thai red curry (my personal choice), and a Sriracha flavor that rings with hot spice.

- Craig LaBan
Soom sesame dips, $6.50 each at Green Aisle Groceries (1618 E. Passyunk Ave. and 2241 Grays Ferry Ave.) Also available at ShopRites in South Jersey for $3.99.

Meet Your Next Meatball Sandwich

It has been a half a dozen years since Kristian Leuzzi stepped back from fine dining and closed Kristian's, which for a while, was one of South Philadelphia's best Italian restaurants. A comeback of sorts may eventually be in the offing, he has hinted. In the meanwhile, he has found culinary solace and popular success by returning to his neighborhood roots and partnering with his brothers at Stogie Joe's Tavern, a casual, affordable corner spot where he's serving updated versions of classic South Philly comforts, from roast pork to spaghetti with crab gravy, and escarole-white bean soup. Among the most rewarding, though, was this standout meatball sandwich, the tender mixed meat balls (beef, veal, and pork) baked, then simmered in the house red sauce, then served over a Liscio's kaiser roll. Sure, there are plenty of good meatballs in South Philly. But these - made to the recipe of his grandmother Christina Iovacchini, for whom Kristian is named - have the inimitable taste and soul of real tradition on a roll.

- Craig LaBan
Meatballs sandwich, $7, Stogie Joe's Tavern, 1801 E. Passyunk Ave, 215-463-3030; stogiejoestavern.net

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