We Went To Mama'esh!Jan.3.2020
Are you a main course type of person or do you like to start your dining off with a good ol’ appetizer? If you do and you love Middle Eastern cuisine, you will absolutely love these authentic Arabic appetizers that will kick your dining experience off on the right foot. From salads to dips and things you can snack on before your meal – this is the ultimate Arabic appetizer list.
It would be absolutely Ludacris if we didn’t start this list off with Hummus. This internationally popular, beige-colored spread is traditionally made with mashed chickpeas, tahini sesame paste, lemon juice, and garlic. Drizzle some olive oil over this dip and add some paprika and you’re all set.
Like hummus, this dip is absolutely delicious. Though it is often confused with one another, motabal is actually made with eggplants! The Middle Eastern dip made with a combination of roasted eggplants, onions, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, yogurt, olive oil, and salt is often served as an appetizer at many Arabic Restaurants. Are you team hummus or team motabal?
Some people would rather just start off with their greens or a bowl of salad – don’t you worry, Arabic cuisine has, once again, got you covered with its classic parsley-based salad – tabbouleh. Tabbouleh isn’t just delicious; it is extremely good for you as well! Apart from the vitamins and minerals provided by the fresh greens, tomatoes, and lemon juice, bulgur is a fantastic source of protein, fiber, and essential minerals.
Batata harra – directly translated to “spicy potato” – is a spicy Lebanese vegetable dish made by frying potatoes, garlic, chili, and coriander in olive oil. The dish is traditionally served in a flatbread as an appetizer, and it is often accompanied by tahini sauce or a salad on the side. Because of its deliciously crispy texture, batata harra is sometimes used as a filling for sandwiches.
Everyone loves a good ol’ falafel – whether served as a platter, in a sandwich, or as an appetizer before your meal – it is one of the most popular dishes in Arabic cuisine. Falafel is a deep-fried ball or patty made from ground chickpeas, fava beans, or both. These crispy little patties are absolutely scrumptious.
