Cuisine of the Middle East

Cuisine of the Middle East

By Ross Knight

History Wheat, barley, pistachios, figs, & pomegranates were first cultivated in the Middle East Middle Easterners began to incorporate fruits, poultry, & rice into their diets while under the rule of the Persian Empire (550BCE – 330BCE) Because of the Middle East's location in the center of the Silk Road, recipes and spices were frequently exchanged with other cultures. This includes yogurt from Russia, dumplings from Mongolia, & various spices from India & Africa

Beverages Alcohol is generally unpopular in the Middle East due to the Quran's rejection. It is banned in most of the region's countries such as Saudi Arabia & Kuwait

Turkish coffee remains a popular beverage. It is prepared by adding finely grounded coffee beans and sugar into a pot of cold water, the mixture is then stirred until the sugar dissolves before being placed on heat. When finished, a rich foam will emerge.

Arak is a distilled alcoholic beverage, mixed with water and ice, it's known as “the milk of lions”

Etiquette Traditionally, dinner is served with all food on the table, or a blanked on the floor. Utensils are not used, instead a slice of pita bread or a bare

hand is used for taking food. Only the right hand is used for eating, as the left is considered the

unclean hand. The Islam faith encourages generous hospitality

towards guests, coffee and figs are commonly served. And hosts allow the guests to take the first bite of

a meal.

Utensils

An ibrik (top), is the traditional container in which Turkish coffee is servedThe mortar and pestle (bottom) is a device used for grinding ingredients such as spices and herbs

Meat & Poultry

Kebabs (top) include grilled meat and

sometimes vegetables placed on skewer. Lamb

and beef is most commonly used. Or, they are sometimes rolled in pita bread and mixed with vegetables and sauce, this variation is known as a shawarma.

Fruit & Vegetable Dishes

Falafel (top left), is a fried ball of chickpeas or fava beans. It's commonly sold by street vendorsTabouleh (right) is a type of Middle Eastern saladBaba ghannouj (bottom left) is a dip made of eggplant and tahini. Traditionally, it's ate with pita bread.

Wheat & GrainPita bread, also

known as flatbread, is very common in a Middle Eastern diet. Slices of bread are

used as eating utensils as well as wrapping kebabs. The bread is prepared by being baked at very high temperatures (450-850 degrees Fahrenheit). Which gives the dough it's puffed-up appearance.

DessertsPhyllo dough is used in recipes such as baklava (top). A type of pastry

which can have it's taste enhanced with ingredients such as chocolate, syrup, or

chopped nuts. Turkish delight (bottom)

is a soft treat made from starch and sugar and formed into cube-shaped pieces. Turkish

delights come in a variety of flavors and a popular accommodation for Turkish coffee.

CelebrationsCelebrationsThe Islamic holiday of Ramadan The Islamic holiday of Ramadan

involves fasting. Which is viewed involves fasting. Which is viewed as a method of promoting as a method of promoting

patience, modesty, & spirituality. patience, modesty, & spirituality. During the ninth month of the During the ninth month of the

Islamic Calendar, participants will Islamic Calendar, participants will refrain from eating, drinking & refrain from eating, drinking & smoking each day of the month smoking each day of the month from dusk till dawn. Ramadan's from dusk till dawn. Ramadan's end is signaled by a celebration end is signaled by a celebration

called Eid ul-Fitr, in which feasting called Eid ul-Fitr, in which feasting is promoted and food is donated is promoted and food is donated

to the poor.to the poor.

SourcesSaad Fayed. (n.d.). Top 10 Middle Eastern Recipes for Beginners. In About. Retrieved January 19, 2010, from http://mideastfood.about.com/od/middleeasternfood101/tp/beginnerrecipes.htm.S.E. Smith. (n.d.). What are Some Middle Eastern Etiquette tips?. In Wise Geek. Retrieved January 19, 2010, from http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-some-middle-eastern-etiqutte-tips.htm.Jennifer Maughan. (n.d.). Ramadan Traditions. In Life 123. Retrieved January 19, 2010, from http://www.life123.com/holidays/more-holidays/september-holidays/ramadan.shtml.Mark Prince. (November 15, 2005). Brewing Turkish Coffee. In Coffee Geek. Retrieved January 19, 2010, from http://coffeegeek.com/guides/turkishcoffee.