Get acquainted with some tasty middle eastern cuisine that has only seemed to grow in popularity over the years.
In every region or country you’ll find that each has a dish or two that tends to become rather popular and not just among the locals but with the tourists as well. English food is famous for their fish and chips while Italian food is more commonly known for their amazing pasta dishes. But what about the Middle East? What part of the Middle eastern cuisine has caught the interests of people far and wide? Grab your own piece of halal blessing when you dig into these flavor packed dishes:
Pita Bread
Pita is a well known staple in the middle eastern diet. It’s served in just about every meal you can think of as it’s an extremely versatile food. It is warm, toasted or dipped and it’s completely easy to make once you’re able to get a hold of a recipe for it.
Tahini
The foundation of a good Tahini is sesame paste, just like many other excellent middle eastern recipes. Tahini can be an ingredient, or can be used as spread and dip in a variety of sweet and savory dishes.
Falafel
One of the dishes that the middle east is most known for aside from hummus or the ever popular Arabic lamb kabsa recipe, is falafel. This is a staple among the local population that is widely recognized even within the international crowd of food connoisseurs. To give you a quick description of this dish, it is a fried ball made from chickpeas, onions, and spices. It is often served either as an appetizer or on a mezze platter. Some who opt to purchase a vegetarian meal in a restaurant specializing in middle eastern cuisine will find falafel served included as it serves as a good substitute for protein.
Hummus
This dish is often served with pita bread and vegetables on the side. It is mashed chickpea dip that is a mix of tahini, olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice. It’s a great appetizer and can even be used as a sandwich spread.
Turkish delight
Although it isn’t exactly a meal nor is it an appetizer, but, it is a rather quintessential candy that’s extremely addictive and completely irresistible. Turkish delight or also called Lokum is made with sugar and cornstarch and is a tasty treat for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Lamb kabsa
A traditional Arabic lamb kabsa is a dish that is not only tasty but is extremely aromatic and exotic. Due to dietary restrictions it’s always a guarantee that the meat used to make this dish is primed and prepped following traditions of the halal blessing. If you’re looking for a quick and authentic Arabic lamb kabsa recipe to make it yourself then all you need arte the following: 500-600 grams of mutton with bones, a cup of rice soaked in water for about 25-30 minutes, 2-3 tablespoons of ghee, 2 bay leaves, 1 cinnamon stick, 2-3 green cadamoms, 4-5 cloves, 2 chopped onions, 1 tablespoon of ginger-garlic paste, 1 teaspoon of tomato paste, 1-2 chopped tomatoes, 1 teaspoon of roasted cumin powder, 1 teaspoon of roasted coriander powder, 1 teaspoon of pepper powder, 1 teaspoon of garam masala powder, 1 teaspoon of of lime zest, 1 teaspoon of lemon zest, a pinch of saffron and nutmeg powder, a bit of salt to taste and to peace it all together a few chopped dried fruits and coriander leaves that make for excellent garnishes. Now this may sound like a lot but it’s a rather easy and simple dish to prepare.
Are you in the mood for some authentic Lamb kabsa? Perhaps, you don’t have the time to look for all these ingredients and you find yourself too hungry to cook? Then what’s the hold up? Contact us here at Shibam restaurant to help satisfy all your middle eastern cuisine cravings.