Middle East

Appears in
Street Foods

By Hinnerk von Bargen and Culinary Institute of America

Published 2015

  • About

The cuisine of the Arab Levant, made up of Egypt, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan, is a fusion of many traditional foods. The hot and arid climate of the region inspired foods pickled with salt and vinegar. Grilled meats, served with fresh or marinated vegetables, are very popular and often served mezze-style on small plates accompanied by a large array of condiments, like Hummus, Tabbouleh, or baba ghanoush.

Photography by Terrence McCarthy

TABLE 1.6 Typical Ingredients in a Middle Eastern Kitchen

CONDIMENTS

HERBS/SPICES

PRODUCE

PROTEIN

STARCHES/LEGUMES

Olive oil

Coriander

Lemons

Camel

Whole wheat

Sesame paste

Parsley

Pomegranates

Lamb

Chickpeas

Za’atar

Sumac

Eggplant

Mutton

Bulgur

Pomegranate molasses

Thyme

Pistachios

Goat

Rice

Sesame seeds

Cumin

Grapes

Dairy

Bread

Legume pastes

Cilantro

Quinces

Lentils