Local Faves 4 Ways | Chips OmanApr.9.2020
The Middle East has a long history. So long that it is often referred to as “the cradle of civilization”. That’s because some of the very first urban centers appeared here, like the famous Mesopotamia in what is now modern day Iraq. Various parts of the Middle East also share a rich history of being some of the very first places on Earth that show evidence of plant domestication. As time went on, the Middle East’s spot on the Spice Road only helped to solidify it as a culinary powerhouse.
As trade and civilization grew, food started to become less solely about what was available, and more about experimentation. Recipes evolved, and people from all over began to seek out Middle Eastern cuisine. To celebrate the ME’s rich regional food history, we’re about to share some of the oldest Middle Eastern dishes still in existence.
Stew is one of the oldest dishes in creation, period. Therefore it stands to reason the fact would also ring true for the Middle East. The modern versions of stew date back to at least the 4th century BCE. Most often, goat meat was used here in the ME. Seasonal vegetables would also be thrown into the communal pot with the meat, and spices added to create a rich and satisfying dish. To make your own version, check out this recipe from Eating Well.
Photo Credits // meredithcorp
This famous Egyptian dessert has been around for a long time. In fact, a recipe for the dish dating back to around 1600 BCE was discovered on a bit of broken Ancient Egyptian pottery. Though the original recipe called for tiger nuts, which are actually tubers from a plant called Cyperus Esculentus, today people use other nuts instead. Pecans, walnuts, and almonds are popular choices. The nuts are chopped up and mixed with honey, dates, and cinnamon. The mixture is then formed into balls and eaten as dessert or snacks. To try your hand at making this ancient example of Middle Eastern recipes, stop by Mami Tales.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Chef Gabriella (@beyondthebite4life) on
This dish first appeared in a cookbook during the Medieval era, however, it is thought to be much, much older than that. The dish is incredibly simple, typically including rice, lentils, onions, and spices. Mujaddara originated in Iraq, and has several variations. For a super simple version, head over to A Family Feast.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Imti kocht 👩🍳 mit❤️ (@imtiseltatari) on
With roots that reach all the way back to Ancient Mesopotamia itself, this is one of the oldest Middle Eastern dishes out there. Kibbeh can be baked or fried and can be cut into shapes in a pan, or shaped by hand into balls. The outside “shell” is typically made with a ground meat, bulgur wheat, onion, and seasonings. For the filling, nuts, another ground meat, and several spices are used. Kibbeh is seriously tasty stuff, making it no surprise that it has endured all these long years later. Saveur has a totally doable recipe here.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by 💞 ᑕᕼEᖴᒍᑌᒪIᖇᗪ👩🍳 (@chefjulird) on
