History & Tradition Behind Middle Eastern Cuisine

What is Middle Eastern cuisine? 

The cuisine of the Middle East includes food from Egypt, Lebanon, Iran, Israel, Yemen, Syria, Jordan, and UAE.  

The use of olive oil, meat, and nuts are the characteristics of Middle Eastern cuisine. Middle Eastern cuisine, also known as West Asian or Arab cuisine.     

Origin of Middle Eastern cuisine 

 Middle Eastern cuisine doesn’t refer to the cuisine of one specific country. What we know as “Middle Eastern cuisine” today is an amalgamation of food from many countries and cultures.  

The origin this cuisine can be traced back to ancient Persian empire. 

The History & Tradition of Middle Eastern Cuisine 

The cuisines of the Middle Eastern countries are diverse. Spices and oils were introduced because of the spice trade with India and China. 

Today’s Middle Eastern region sits on top of ancient Mesopotamia. Mesopotamian cuisine is referred to as “the oldest cuisine in the world” and has a strong influence on modern Middle Eastern cuisines.  

Lebanese Cuisine 

Lebanese cuisine relies heavily on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, fresh fish, and seafood. Red meat is also used but not as much as poultry meat like chicken. Lamb and mutton are also consumed. Vegetables like tomatoes and garlic are used to enhance the taste of food.  

Baba Ghanouj, Chicken Shawarma, and Hummus are some popular Lebanese dishes. 

Arabic Peninsula Cuisine 

The Arabic Peninsular cuisine is from Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Jordan, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Yemen. The influence of Indian food making practices heavily influence this cuisine. The use of spice and oil is a specialty of the food here.  

Arabian Peninsula cuisine food is made tastier by using Middle Eastern spices and herbs like saffron, thyme, garlic, honey, and yogurt. Lamb and goat are the primary meats used in cooking.  

Mansaf, Balaleet, and Emerite Rubyan Meshwi are popular Arabic Peninsular dishes. 

Turkish Cuisine 

Turkish cuisine is a fusion of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Balkan, and Eastern European cuisines. It’s deemed as one of the richest cuisines in the world. Turkish chefs have successfully maintained their tradition and ancient style of cooking.  

Soups, salads, pickles, dishes with olive oil, pies, and rice are the main elements of Turkish cuisine. Among meat, you’ll find chicken dishes, meatballs, stews, kebabs, grilled and fried chicken and meat. For dessert, pastry, puddings, halvas, fruit desserts, and cakes are popular. 

Manti, Adana Kebab, and Börek are popular Turkish dishes. 

Iranian (Persian) Cuisine 

Persia was situated in modern-day Iran. Iran is an amalgamation of food-making practices from Turkey, Greece, and Russia. 

Unique flavorings such as saffron and preserved lemon are used. While turmeric and parsley are mixed in dishes to add fragrance and contrast. 

Chelo ba Tahdig, Khoresht-e fesenjan, and Chelo Kabab Koobideh are popular Irainan dishes. 

Israeli Cuisine 

 Israeli cuisine has integrated various cooking styles including Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines. 

Falafel, Israeli Hummus and Halva are famous Israeli dishes.  

To Conclude 

Middle Eastern cuisine refers to food from many countries. This makes Middle Eastern cuisine diverse and gives it versatility.  

Lamb and goat meat is used predominantly. Fishes and seafood are also cooked using olive oil. Olive oil is used for kinds of preparations. Another unique characteristic of Middle Eastern Cuisine is the use of nuts. Almonds, pistachios, and walnuts are used for cooking.  

Many Middle eastern dishes are influenced by Indian style of cooking, but Middle eastern foods still have their own uniqueness.  

Read More: Best Hummus Recipe: An Essence of Middle Eastern Cuisine