The Middle East is a vast region that spans from North Africa to Western Asia. It is a region with a rich culinary heritage, where food is not just a necessity but also a way of life.
Middle Eastern cuisine is characterized by its bold flavors, fragrant spices, and generous use of fresh herbs. It is a fusion of different culinary traditions, including Arabic, Persian, Turkish, and Israeli, among others. In this article, we will explore the diverse and delicious world of Middle Eastern food.
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Mezze
Mezze is a popular way of eating in the Middle East, similar to the Spanish tapas. It consists of a selection of small dishes that are served as appetizers or snacks.
Mezze dishes include hummus, baba ganoush, tabbouleh, stuffed grape leaves, falafel, and muhammara, a spicy dip made with red peppers, walnuts, and pomegranate molasses.
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Shawarma
Shawarma is a Middle Eastern Street food that has gained worldwide popularity. It is a sandwich made with thin slices of meat, usually chicken or beef, that is cooked on a rotating spit.
The meat is then sliced and served inside a pita bread with vegetables and a yogurt-based sauce. Shawarma is often served with French fries and pickles.
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Kebabs
Kebabs are a staple of Middle Eastern cuisine. They are skewered pieces of meat that are grilled or roasted over an open flame. The meat can be beef, lamb, chicken, or fish, and it is usually marinated in a mixture of herbs, spices, and yogurt. Kebabs are often served with rice, salad, and bread.
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Rice dishes
Rice is a staple food in the Middle East, and it is used in a variety of dishes. One of the most popular rice dishes is biryani, which is a fragrant rice dish that is cooked with meat, vegetables, and spices.
Another popular rice dish is kabsa, which is a Saudi Arabian dish that consists of spiced rice, meat, and vegetables.
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Flatbreads
Flatbreads are a type of bread that is common in the Middle East. They are thin and crispy, and they are often used as a wrap for meat, vegetables, and dips. Some of the most popular flatbreads in the Middle East include pita bread, lavash, and mana’eesh.
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Stews
Stews are a hearty and filling meal that is common in the Middle East. One of the most popular stews is tagine, which is a Moroccan dish that is cooked in a clay pot.
It usually consists of meat, vegetables, and fruit, and it is flavored with a blend of spices. Another popular stew is ghormeh sabzi, which is an Iranian dish that is made with lamb, kidney beans, and a mixture of herbs.
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Falafel
Falafel is a vegetarian Middle Eastern dish that is made from chickpeas. The chickpeas are ground into a paste, mixed with spices and herbs, and then shaped into balls or patties.
They are then deep-fried until they are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Falafel is often served in a pita bread with salad and tahini sauce.
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Baklava
Baklava is a sweet Middle Eastern pastry that is made with layers of phyllo dough, chopped nuts, and honey syrup. It is a rich and decadent dessert that is often served on special occasions. Baklava is a popular dessert in Turkey, Greece, and the Middle East.
