Traditional Middle Eastern food is renowned for its flavors and aromas, with each region boasting its unique cuisine. Lebanese cuisine, in particular, is a significant part of the Middle Eastern culinary scene. With its unique blend of spices, herbs, and fresh ingredients, Lebanese cuisine is both healthy and delicious. In this blog post, we will explore the traditional Middle Eastern food and specifically focus on Lebanese cuisine.

Traditional Middle Eastern Food

Middle Eastern cuisine is an amalgamation of several regional cuisines that share common ingredients and techniques. Some of the staples of traditional Middle Eastern cuisine include rice, lentils, chickpeas, yogurt, lamb, chicken, and fish. Middle Eastern cuisine heavily relies on herbs and spices, including sumac, cumin, coriander, and turmeric. These spices are used to flavor dishes and add a unique depth of flavor.

Traditional Middle Eastern food is known for its healthy and wholesome ingredients. The use of fresh vegetables, fruits, and herbs, combined with lean proteins, creates a balanced and nutritious diet.

Lebanese Cuisine

Lebanese cuisine is a combination of Ottoman, Mediterranean, and Arab influences, with an emphasis on fresh ingredients and herbs. Lebanese cuisine is known for its Mezze, a series of small plates that are shared amongst diners, creating a communal and social dining experience. Mezze plates include dishes such as hummus, baba ghanoush, tabbouleh, and stuffed grape leaves.

Some of the other popular Lebanese dishes include Kibbeh, a mixture of ground beef, bulgur wheat, and spices, and Shawarma, a dish made of marinated meat, usually chicken or lamb, that is grilled and served with vegetables and pita bread. Lebanese cuisine is also famous for its grilled meats, including kafta, a ground meat kebab, and shish taouk, a marinated chicken skewer.

Conclusion

Traditional Middle Eastern food is a cuisine that is both healthy and delicious, with Lebanese cuisine being a significant contributor to the Middle Eastern culinary scene. Lebanese cuisine is known for its fresh ingredients, spices, and communal dining experience. If you haven’t tried Lebanese cuisine before, it’s definitely worth exploring the vibrant flavors and aromas of this traditional Middle Eastern food.