The Middle East is known for its rich and varied cuisine, with flavors and ingredients that have been influenced by ancient trade routes and cultural exchange. From the savory and spiced dishes of Morocco to the fragrant and herbed dishes of Iran, there's something for every palate. Here are some of the most famous Middle Eastern dishes, organized by country, including the duration of preparation and main ingredient.
Morocco
Tagine: A slow-cooked stew that is traditionally made with chicken or lamb, vegetables, and spices. The dish is named after the conical clay pot that it is cooked in, and can take up to 2 hours to prepare.
Couscous: A staple dish in Moroccan cuisine, couscous is a grain-based dish that is often served with vegetables and meat. It can take up to 1 hour to prepare.
Pastilla: A sweet and savory pie made with layers of phyllo dough, pigeon or chicken, almonds, and spices. It can take up to 3 hours to prepare.
Lebanon
Hummus: This creamy chickpea dip is a staple in Lebanese cuisine and can be served as a dip or a spread. It is made with chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic and can take up to 10 minutes to prepare.
Tabouli: A refreshing salad made with parsley, mint, tomato, onion, and bulgur wheat, dressed with olive oil and lemon juice. It can take up to 30 minutes to prepare.
Kibbeh: A meat and bulgur wheat croquette that is often stuffed with spiced ground meat or nuts. It can be fried or baked and takes up to 1 hour to prepare.
Iran
Kebab: A classic dish that is popular throughout the Middle East, kebab is made with marinated meat that is grilled or roasted. In Iran, it is often made with lamb or beef and can take up to 2 hours to prepare.
Ghormeh Sabzi: A fragrant and flavorful stew made with herbs, meat, and beans. It can take up to 3 hours to prepare.
Fesenjan: A rich and nutty stew made with chicken, pomegranate molasses, and walnuts. It can take up to 2 hours to prepare.
Turkey
Baklava: A sweet and rich pastry made with layers of phyllo dough, nuts, and honey or syrup. It can take up to 1 hour to prepare.
Kofta: A popular dish made with ground meat that is often flavored with herbs and spices and can be grilled or fried. It can take up to 1 hour to prepare.
Borek: A savory pastry made with layers of phyllo dough, cheese, and herbs. It can be baked or fried and takes up to 1 hour to prepare.
Egypt
Koshari: A popular street food made with rice, lentils, chickpeas, and pasta, topped with tomato and vinegar sauce. It can take up to 1 hour to prepare.
Molokhia: A green leafy vegetable stew that is often made with chicken or rabbit. It is flavored with garlic and coriander and can take up to 1 hour to prepare.
Foul: A simple and nutritious dish made with fava beans, lemon juice, and olive oil. It can be served as a dip or a main dish and takes up to 1 hour to prepare.
Syria
Shawarma: A popular Middle Eastern street food made with marinated meat that is roasted on a spit and sliced thinly. It is often served in a wrap with vegetables and sauce and can take up to 2 hours to prepare.
Kibbeh Labaniyeh: A traditional dish made with meatballs that are cooked in a yogurt sauce with herbs and spices. It can take up to 1 hour to prepare.
Mutabbal: A smoky and creamy dip made with roasted eggplant, tahini, and lemon juice. It can take up to 1 hour to prepare.
Jordan
Mansaf: A traditional Jordanian dish made with lamb that is cooked in a yogurt sauce and served with rice and pine nuts. It is often served at weddings and special occasions and can take up to 3 hours to prepare.
Falafel: A popular vegetarian dish made with ground chickpeas and spices that are formed into balls and fried. It can be served in a wrap or with a side of hummus and takes up to 1 hour to prepare.
Maqluba: A layered dish made with rice, vegetables, and meat that is often served inverted on a platter. It can take up to 2 hours to prepare.
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