Middle Eastern cuisine incorporates a diverse range of ingredients, from pulses, grains, and vegetables to fragrant spices and aromatic herbs. Falafel, hummus, shawarma, and other iconic dishes are now popular worldwide. This detailed guide and recipe explains how to create a sumptuous and healthy Middle Eastern feast in four simple steps: preparing falafel, making hummus, preparing tabouli salad, and preparing shawarma. Follow the step-by-step instructions and bring Middle Eastern flavors to your kitchen.

Experiencing the Richness of Middle Eastern Cuisine: Falafel, Hummus and More

Introduction

Middle Eastern cuisine is an explosion of flavors, colors and textures that incorporate a diverse range of ingredients, from pulses, grains and vegetables to fragrant spices and aromatic herbs. For many food lovers, Middle Eastern cuisine is synonymous with falafel, hummus, shawarma, and other iconic dishes that are now popular worldwide. If you are keen to explore the culinary delights of this fascinating region, you might be intimidated by the process. However, fear not! With our detailed guide and recipe, you can easily create a sumptuous and healthy Middle Eastern feast that will tantalize your taste buds.

Step 1: Preparing Falafel

Falafel is a popular Middle Eastern dish made with ground chickpeas or fava beans that are spiced, shaped into balls or patties, and deep-fried until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup dried chickpeas
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– ⅓ cup chopped fresh parsley
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp coriander
– 1 tsp salt
– ¼ tsp pepper
– ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
– 1 tbsp flour
– Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Rinse the chickpeas and soak them in cold water for at least 8-12 hours.
2. Drain and rinse the chickpeas and spread them on a kitchen towel to dry.
3. In a food processor, pulse the chickpeas, onions, parsley, garlic, cumin, coriander, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper until they form a coarse paste.
4. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and add the flour, mixing well.
5. Shape the mixture into small balls or patties and fry them in hot oil until golden brown (around 4-5 minutes).
6. Serve the falafel hot with hummus, pita bread, tahini sauce, and salad.

Step 2: Making Hummus

Hummus is a versatile dip that is made from chickpeas, tahini (sesame paste), garlic, lemon juice and olive oil. Hummus is a staple dish in Middle Eastern cuisine and is delicious served with falafel, pita bread, or raw vegetables.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups cooked chickpeas
– ⅓ cup tahini
– ½ cup lemon juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine the chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and salt in a blender or food processor.
2. Blend the mixture until it is smooth and creamy.
3. Gradually add the olive oil and continue blending until the hummus has a smooth and light texture.
4. Adjust the seasoning with salt and lemon juice, as needed.
5. Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl and garnish with extra olive oil, paprika, and parsley.

Step 3: Preparing Tabouli Salad

Tabouli salad is a refreshing and flavorful Middle Eastern salad that is made from bulgur wheat, tomatoes, cucumber, onions, fresh herbs, and lemon juice. It is commonly served as a side dish with falafel, hummus and other Middle Eastern dishes.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup bulgur wheat
– 1 ½ cups boiling water
– ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
– ⅓ cup chopped fresh mint
– 2 green onions, thinly sliced
– 1 small cucumber, seeded and chopped
– 2 medium tomatoes, seeded and chopped
– 3 tablespoons lemon juice
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tsp salt
– Black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the bulgur wheat and boiling water, cover and let stand for 15-20 minutes or until the bulgur is tender.
2. Fluff the bulgur with a fork and add the herbs, green onions, cucumber, and tomatoes.
3. In a small bowl, whisk the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad, toss to coat and serve chilled.

Step 4: Preparing Shawarma

Shawarma is a popular Middle Eastern street food that is made by marinating slices of meat (usually chicken or lamb) in a blend of spices and slow-cooking it on a vertical spit. The meat is then shaved off the spit and served with pita bread, tahini sauce, and salad.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb boneless chicken or lamb, sliced into thin strips
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tsp paprika
– 1 tsp cumin
– 1 tsp coriander
– ½ tsp cinnamon
– ½ tsp allspice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Pita bread, tahini sauce, and salad to serve.

Instructions:

1. Combine the sliced meat, onion, garlic, paprika, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, allspice, salt, pepper, and olive oil in a large bowl.
2. Mix well until the meat is evenly coated with the marinade.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C).
5. Spread the marinated meat out in a large baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until the meat is cooked through.
6. Once cooked, heat the pita bread in the oven for a few minutes.
7. Serve the shawarma hot with tahini sauce and salad.

Conclusion

Middle Eastern cuisine is a culinary journey that will surprise and delight your taste buds. Whether you are a fan of falafel, hummus, shawarma or any other Middle Eastern dish, you now have all the tools and tips to make a delicious and healthy feast at home. Just follow our step-by-step guide and recipe, and you too can experience the richness and diversity of Middle Eastern cuisine. Bon appetit!