The Middle East is one of the most diverse regions when it comes to culture. From Turkey to Saudi, Egypt and Iran, each of these countries have a distinct culture which is also reflected in the diverse cuisine the region has to offer. The popularity of Middle Eastern cuisine has skyrocketed in the past few years across the world, thanks to the unique, flavourful and distinct delicacies it has to offer. Its growing popularity in India also stems from the fact that middle eastern cuisine has influenced a lot of Indian food. The pulao, kofte, kebab and the sambusak/samosa that we have in India have their origin in some of these countries.
Aromatic, unique, fresh and wholesome, middle eastern delicacies are all these and more. It also goes way beyond hummus and pita. And if you are thinking to hunt down the best places in your town for a Middle Eastern feast, let us tell you that you can have it in your own kitchen! Yes, experiment with dips such as Hummus or Tahini, or try wholesome snacks such as Shawarma, Falafel, Shakshuka, Tabbouleh, you can make it all at your home with our simple recipes.
Here are 7 amazing Middle eastern recipes you can try at home:
1. Baba Ganoush
A yummy creamy dip with a Lebanese origin which consists of mashed and cooked eggplant, olive oil, lemon juice, and various seasonings. Many recipes also comprise a bit of Tahini and is often served along with a couple of veggies.
2. Fattoush
Simple, quick and super delicious! Fattoush salad is just chopped salad dressed in a zesty lime vinaigrette. Pita bread makes for crunchy croutons laid over a bed of tantalising onion, tomato, cucumber and capsicum.
3. Shawarma
This has to be Middle East’s best gift to the world, especially India where it is a popular, beloved street food. A typical Shawarma has meat cut into thin slices, which are roasted on a slowly-turning vertical rotisserie, tossed in with a few spices and rolled into a bread, you can serve with a side of veggies, pickles or thick mayonnaise.
4. Tabbouleh
Another delightful Levantine salad made mostly of finely chopped parsley, tomatoes, mint, onion and bulgur, and seasoned with olive oil, lemon juice, salt and sweet pepper. Variations of it also use lettuce, and it is served as part of the mezze platter in the middle east.
5. Falafel
Here is another popular delicacy from the Middle East, Falafel are deep-fried fritters made from chickpeas and beans. They are often served tucked in sandwiches alongside hummus or tahini as a wholesome meal.
6. Baklawa
One of my personal favourites, Baklava is a layered filo pastry dessert packed with nuts and sweetened with honey or syrups. With a hint of cinnamon and cloves, a classic Baklava has walnuts inside and makes for an irresistible treat with a cup of Turkish coffee or post-meal treat.
7. Turkish Coffee
Middle East prefer the coffee strong and the special Turkish coffee offers just that. It has a bold, rich taste with a hint of cardamom and is prepared carefully in an ibrik and is allowed to sit for a minute as to allow the coffee grains to fall to the bottom of the cup before serving.
So when are you planning a Middle Eastern feast?