Running a Middle Eastern restaurant for many years, we have witnessed the increasing popularity of the dish. Most of you must be aware that Middle Eastern cuisine offers a rich and diverse spectacle of dishes that have been influenced by the region’s geography, history, and culture.
Many of you may not know that Middle Eastern cuisine ranges from the spicy and tangy flavors of Morocco to the sweet and nutty tastes of Persia. So, can you imagine the range it covers?
It has something to suit every taste bud. In this article, we have prepared a list of the top 10 Middle Eastern dishes that you should try either in our eatery or at home.
You all must have heard of kebabs that are skewered and grilled meat. They are commonly found in Middle Eastern cuisine. You can prepare it from beef, chicken, lamb, or fish. Mostly marinated in a blend of spices and herbs, kebabs are a popular dish in the Middle East and are enjoyed as a main course or as a snack as well. We often serve them with pita bread, rice, or vegetables.
This is a deep-fried ball made from chickpeas or fava beans. They are mashed and blended with spices, herbs, and onion. We usually serve it on a loaf of pita bread with tahini sauce, lettuce, tomato, and pickles. Falafel happens to be a staple food in several Middle Eastern countries and is widely popular for its crunchy exterior and flavorful interior.
A dip made from tahini, chickpeas, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and salt is hummus. Generally, it is served as an appetizer or side dish and is one of the most popular Middle Eastern foods.
It is creamy and smooth, with a subtle nutty flavor that is ideal for dipping vegetables, pita bread, or crackers into. Hummus is also an amazing protein and fiber source. This makes it a healthy snack option.
Another dip made from tahini, roasted eggplant, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and salt is Baba Ghanoush. Its similarity with hummus in texture and flavor provides a distinctive smoky taste deriving from roasting the eggplant.
Baba Ghanoush happens to be an excellent option for those who are looking for a lighter and healthier dip. Mostly it is served with pita bread or vegetables for dipping.
A popular street food that originated in the Middle East and has since spread globally to other parts is Shawarma. Usually, we make it from marinated meat such as chicken, beef, or lamb. It is then slowly cooked on a spit.
Then we shave it off and serve on a loaf of pita bread with several toppings like tomato, lettuce, pickles, and sauce. This is a fulfilling and flavorful meal, ideal for a quick lunch or dinner.
A conventional Middle Eastern salad that is made from mint, parsley, tomato, bulgur onion, wheat, lemon juice, and olive oil is tabbouleh. Being a refreshing and flavorful dish, it is often served as a side dish or as a main course. Tabbouleh is an excellent source to avail yourself of a healthy dose of vitamins and nutrients. Today it is a staple in many Middle Eastern diets.
Fattoush is another conventional Middle Eastern salad that is made from a variety of ingredients such as lettuce, tomato, cucumber, mint, parsley, and pita chips. It is a refreshing and flavorful dish as well and is mostly served as a side dish or as a main course. Even Fattoush is also an amazing way to receive a healthy dose of vitamins and nutrients and is a staple in several Middle Eastern diets.
This dish is a state-of-the-art fusion of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, with juicy, tender chicken at its heart. It’s a traditional Persian dish that is baked to perfection. That makes it a healthy alternative to fried chicken.
This juicy and spicy chicken burger is an incredible alternative to traditional beef burgers and is immensely popular among chicken burger lovers. It’s packed with flavors from the Middle East, such as coriander, cumin, and paprika.
These are juicy, spicy, and garlicky chicken wings that are an ideal snack or main course and are sure to impress any crowd. Toum happens to be a classic Lebanese garlic sauce that adds a creamy, tangy, and garlicky flavor to the chicken wings.
Conclusion
The bottom line is that if you want to taste the quintessential Middle Eastern or Mediterranean cuisine in Los Angeles, then you can easily prepare them at home. If there are time constraints, then feel free to drop by our outlet. We will be more than happy to serve you with our smiling faces!
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