Arabic cuisine, also known as Middle Eastern cuisine, encompasses the traditional foods and culinary practices of the Arab-speaking countries in the Middle East and North Africa, including countries such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Palestine, Iraq, and others. Arabic cuisine is known for its bold flavors, aromatic spices, and diverse use of ingredients.
The Secret of the Middle Eastern Cuisine
- Meze: Meze refers to a variety of small, flavorful dishes that are typically served as appetizers or side dishes in Arabic cuisine. Meze may include dishes like hummus (chickpea dip), baba ghanoush (eggplant dip), tabbouleh (parsley and bulgur salad), falafel (deep-fried chickpea balls), and stuffed grape leaves.
- Shawarma: Shawarma is a popular Middle Eastern dish made from marinated meat, usually chicken, beef, or lamb, that is stacked on a vertical rotisserie and slow-roasted until tender. The meat is typically shaved off in thin slices and served on pita bread with vegetables, pickles, and sauces such as tahini or garlic sauce.
- Kebabs: Kebabs are popular in Arabic cuisine and come in various forms, including shish kebab (grilled meat cubes), kofta kebab (ground meat skewers), and shish taouk (grilled chicken skewers). The meat is typically marinated in a flavorful blend of spices and grilled to perfection.
- Mansaf: Mansaf is a traditional Jordanian dish that consists of lamb or goat meat cooked in fermented yogurt sauce, served over rice, and typically garnished with nuts, such as almonds or pine nuts, and parsley. Mansaf is often considered a festive dish and is often served during special occasions and celebrations.
- Kabsa: Kabsa, also known as makbous, is a popular Saudi Arabian dish made with spiced rice and meat, usually chicken, goat, or camel. The dish is often flavored with a blend of aromatic spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and saffron, and may also include vegetables such as tomatoes and carrots.
- Falafel: Falafel is a popular Middle Eastern dish made from ground chickpeas or fava beans that are mixed with herbs and spices, shaped into balls or patties, and deep-fried until crispy. Falafel is often served with pita bread and accompanied by tahini sauce, pickles, and vegetables.
- Hummus: Hummus is a creamy dip made from cooked and mashed chickpeas blended with tahini (sesame seed paste), lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil. Hummus is often served as a dip with pita bread or as a spread in sandwiches or wraps.
- Baklava: Baklava is a sweet pastry made of layers of thin phyllo dough filled with nuts, such as pistachios, walnuts, or almonds, and sweetened with honey or syrup. Baklava is a popular dessert in Arabic cuisine and is often served during special occasions and celebrations.
Arabic cuisine also includes many other delicious dishes such as shakshuka (eggs cooked in a spiced tomato sauce), kanafeh (a sweet cheese pastry soaked in syrup), and mujaddara (a lentil and rice dish). The cuisine varies across regions and countries, but it is often characterized by its bold flavors, generous use of spices, and wholesome ingredients.
