Middle Eastern cuisine
Middle Eastern Cuisine
Middle Eastern cuisine or West Asian cuisine includes a variety of foods from the Middle East and West Asia. This cuisine is diverse and flavorful, with a rich history and a wide range of ingredients and cooking methods.
Pronunciation
Middle Eastern Cuisine: /ˈmɪdəl ˈiːstərn kwiˈzin/
Etymology
The term "Middle Eastern cuisine" comes from the geographical region of the Middle East. The term "cuisine" is derived from the French word "cuisine," which means "kitchen" or "cooking."
Related Terms
- Levantine cuisine: The cuisine of the Levant region, which includes countries like Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, and Jordan.
- Persian cuisine: The traditional cuisine of Iran, known for its flavorful dishes and use of fresh ingredients.
- Turkish cuisine: One of the most diverse cuisines in the world, with influences from Central Asia, the Middle East, the Mediterranean, and the Balkans.
- Arab cuisine: The cuisine of the Arab world, which spans across many countries and regions in the Middle East and North Africa.
Description
Middle Eastern cuisine is characterized by its use of fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes, grains, and meats. Common ingredients include olives, olive oil, pitas, honey, sesame seeds, dates, sumac, chickpeas, mint, and parsley. Many dishes are vegetarian or vegan-friendly, although meat (particularly lamb and chicken) is also commonly used.
The cuisine is known for its mezze, or small plates, which are often served at the beginning of a meal. These can include dishes like hummus, baba ghanoush, falafel, and tabbouleh. Main dishes often feature grilled meats, rice, and vegetables, and desserts often include pastries, fruits, and sweets like baklava and halva.
Middle Eastern cuisine is also known for its spices, which can include cumin, coriander, turmeric, and saffron. These spices are used to add flavor and depth to dishes, and are often combined in unique ways to create distinctive tastes.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Middle Eastern cuisine
- Wikipedia's article - Middle Eastern cuisine
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