Embarking on a culinary adventure through Middle Eastern cuisine is a mouthwatering journey filled with aromatic spices, rich flavors, and unique culinary traditions. It's an experience worth every bite, giving you a taste of cultures steeped in ancient history and a love for the art of cooking. If you're new to Middle Eastern cuisine or simply looking to expand your palate, here are the best six Middle Eastern dishes you must try.
1. Hummus
Hummus, an iconic Middle Eastern dish, is a creamy dip made from cooked, mashed chickpeas blended with tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and garlic. It's a staple in many Middle Eastern homes and is commonly served with warm flatbread.
2. Falafel
Falafel is a deep-fried ball or patty that's made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, mixed with a variety of herbs and spices. This Middle Eastern food is popular as a meat substitute and is often served inside a pita, which acts like a pocket, or wrapped in a flatbread.
3. Shawarma
Shawarma is a popular Middle Eastern dish made of thinly sliced cuts of meat, like chicken, beef, goat, lamb, and sometimes turkey, rolled into a large piece of flatbread or pita. The meat is then roasted slowly on a vertical rotisserie or spit.
4. Tabbouleh
Tabbouleh is traditional Middle Eastern salad, typically made of finely chopped parsley, with tomatoes, mint, onion, bulgur, and seasoned with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. It has a refreshing taste and is often served as part of a mezze.
5. Baklava
Baklava is a sweet pastry that's made of layers of filo pastry, filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey. It is one of the most popular and recognizable Middle Eastern desserts around the world.
6. Mansaf
Mansaf is a traditional Middle Eastern dish from Jordan, made of lamb cooked in a sauce of fermented dried yogurt and served with rice or bulgur. The dish is traditionally eaten with the right hand, and is a popular dish served at special occasions.
Embarking on this Middle Eastern culinary adventure takes you on a journey filled with diverse flavors, traditional recipes, and a rich food culture. Each dish is a testament to the Middle Eastern's love for food and the joy of sharing it with others.
