Holidays are a time of trips, thanks to which we have the opportunity to broaden our knowledge about other cultures and learn new flavors. Before a long journey it is worth checking what delicacies or dishes we should necessarily try on the spot. Or maybe they are within reach of our hands on a daily basis as well? Today, thanks to globalization, many products coming from distant regions of our country can be purchased in large retail chains or via the Internet. This group includes, among others, the delicacies of the Middle East.
Jasmeen experts have prepared a map of popular flavours in the Middle East region. If you're going there, check out what you should try, and if you're not planning a trip, look for these delicacies in a nearby shop and see if the Middle East cuisine is for you.
Chickpeas
The most popular ingredient in the Arab countries of southern Europe is the chickpea. In the main dishes it often replaces meat, it can also be found in salads as an addition, and minced can be used as a sandwich paste. Chickpeas can also improve our health because they are full of properties that have a beneficial effect on the body. It is a rich source of protein, fibre and B vitamins. The preparation of chickpeas is a time-consuming process, as it first needs to be soaked in order to increase its volume. Then change the water and boil the chickpeas for about an hour without cover. Fortunately, we can buy a ready-made, cooked one, from which all we have to do is pour off the marinade.
Harissa
Fans of spicy food will surely fall in love with Lebanese hariss. It is a very sharp paste, which is added to dishes with couscous groats, pasta, soups or sandwiches. It is also used to emphasize the taste of meat and fish.
Baba Ghanoush
Lebanon and Syria will appeal to people open to vegetable preserves, because aubergine paste is very popular there. Baba ghanoush is a unique blend of grilled aubergine and sesame cream, enriched with garlic and spices. Vegetable eggplant paste is used as a breakfast starter in the form of a spread for sandwiches or a dip for raw vegetables.
Middle Eastern sweets
In the Middle East region we will also find sweet additions to dishes. The popular sesame paste called tahini is prepared from roasted sesame seeds, which are a treasury of calcium, as well as a rich source of antioxidants and phytosterols, i.e. substances that care about the proper functioning of the heart. In the Mediterranean countries we eat it in the form of halva or as an addition to hummus. On the other hand, while in Jordan it is worth trying the sweeter version of sesame paste - halva spread, known in Poland as sesamella. Excellent lubrication makes it ideal for sandwiches, as well as a great addition to desserts.
Oriental dishes are very aromatic, tasty and extremely easy to prepare. Products popular in the Middle East cuisine are a treasure trove of nutritive values, maintain a long feeling of satiety and promote healthy eating, so it is worth introducing a few of them into your daily diet.
