Middle Eastern dishes are known for their rich taste, spices and textures. This includes food from Türkiye, Egypt, Lebanon, Cyprus and many other countries. Similar to Indian cuisine, it also lies in a tradition. Many ingredients used to make Middle Eastern food may already be present in your Indian kitchen! Astonished? From Falafel to Baba Ganosh, from Labneh, your kitchen can already have everything that is necessary to make these lip-smoking and authentic Middle Eastern cuisine. Looks interesting, don’t you? Read this dish to understand better and bring it to your home.
Simplified: 6 tips to master Middle Eastern cooking
1. Spices rule on food
Like Indian cuisine, the Middle Eastern cuisine rely on spices such as cumin, coriander and cinnamon. Use fresh, high quality spices to increase the depth of taste in your cooking.
2. Use fresh herbs generously
Herbs like mint, coriander and parsley have played an important role in the Middle Eastern flavors, many in Indian cuisine.
3. Add a tangle
Middle Eastern dishes often use lemon juice and sumac (a touch masala made of dried berries) for a zesti kick, such as how Indian cuisine uses tamarind or mango (dried mango powder).
Middle Eastern food uses a lot of spices and fresh herbs. Photo: Istock
4. Sweet and charming balance
Middle Eastern dishes are known for the balance of sweet and charming tastes with honey, dried fruits, and spices, which come together to achieve the right harmony in dishes.
5. Explore mezzs (small plates)
Mezze is like the middle Eastern version of Indian snacks and chats. For a delicious spread, try to serve different types of dips, pickles and freshly cooked breads.
6. Enjoy food in family style
Middle Eastern food is often designed to share with family and friends like traditional Indian food. Bonding on food is a great way to bring people closer.
Now that you have a proper idea of the base of the Middle Eastern cuisine, there are some delicious dishes here that you can make again.
6 Popular Middle Eastern Cuisine you should try:
1. Falafel
The fruit is made deeply for a mixture of ground chickpeas and a mixture of flavorful spices and perfection. They are crispy on the outside and are fluffy and soft from inside. Click here for the recipe.
2. Baba Ganush
Roasted brinjal, garlic and sesame seeds combine to make this delicious and smoke -colored dip. It pairing with fresh beaten bread. Find the full recipe here.
3. Hammus
Hammus is probably the most popular Middle Eastern dish. Classic Hammus is made with chickpeas, garlic, tahini and olive oil. Garnish it with olive oil, whole chickpeas, parsley and paprika. There is a complete recipe here.
Call your friends and family for a Middle Eastern feast. Photo: Istock
4. Fetch
Fattush is a Lebanese salad made of toast or fried pieces of Khubaz (Arabic flat bread), combined with mixed greens and vegies such as radish, cucumber, and tomatoes. You can also use PITA chips for croutons.
Also read: Heard about Muhammara dip? Enjoy this spicy red chili dip with pitta bread
5. Labneh
Labneh is a spicy yogurt cheese made with hung curd, olive oil and spices. This is a great dish when you want some light yet satisfactory. Click here to know how to make it at home.
6. Tabolah
Tabbouleh is a levantine salad of finely chopped parsley, use Bulgur (or use semolina), use tomatoes, mint and onion. It is experienced with olive oil, lemon juice, salt and sweet pepper. Click here for a detailed recipe.
Are you excited to try to cook the Middle Eastern at home? Share your experience with us in the comment section.