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Discovering Middle Eastern Spices and Recipes

Middle Eastern cuisine is a sensory adventure—fragrant spices, bold flavours, and dishes that tell stories of tradition and culture. It invites you to explore a world of culinary magic, from cumin’s earthy warmth to rosewater’s floral aroma.

Let’s dive into the heart of this rich cuisine by exploring its essential spices and how they come alive in some iconic recipes.

Why Middle Eastern Cuisine is Unique

Middle Eastern cooking celebrates balance. It’s where savoury meets sweet, and simplicity meets sophistication. But the real magic? The spices.

Imagine the vibrant yellows of turmeric, the deep reds of sumac, and the fragrant greens of za’atar. These spices aren’t just for flavour—they bring colour, aroma, and history to every dish.

Quick Question: Have you ever tasted a dish and wondered, “What is that secret ingredient?” In Middle Eastern cuisine, the clever use of spices often creates that mystery.

Essential Middle Eastern Spices

Here are the stars of Middle Eastern kitchens, each with its own story and purpose:

  1. Cumin
    • Earthy and aromatic, cumin is a cornerstone of Middle Eastern cooking.
    • Used in: Falafel, hummus, kebabs.
  2. Sumac
    • This tangy, red spice adds a citrusy brightness.
    • Used in Fattoush salad, za’atar blends, and as a garnish for meats.
  3. Za’atar
    • A mix of thyme, oregano, sesame seeds, and sumac, za’atar is both a seasoning and a symbol of Middle Eastern culture.
    • Used in: Manakish (flatbreads), roasted vegetables, and dips.
  4. Turmeric
    • Known for its golden hue and earthy flavour, turmeric is as much a health booster as it is a spice.
    • Used in Rice dishes, stews, and tagines.
  5. Cardamom
    • Sweet and aromatic, cardamom adds depth to savoury and sweet dishes.
    • Used in Arabic coffee, rice puddings, and curries.
  6. Rosewater & Orange Blossom Water
    • These floral waters add a delicate sweetness and fragrance.
    • Used in Baklava, Turkish delight, and desserts like muhalabia (milk pudding).

Idea: Open your spice cabinet. Do you have any of these? If not, make a list and explore them individually in your cooking.

Middle Eastern Recipes to Try at Home

Now that you know the spices, let’s explore their use in classic dishes. These recipes are simple enough for beginners yet capture the essence of Middle Eastern flavours.

  1. Hummus (The Ultimate Dip)

Ingredients:

  • 1 can chickpeas (or 1.5 cups cooked)
  • 2 tbsp tahini
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 garlic clove
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • Salt to taste

Steps:

  1. Blend all ingredients in a food processor until smooth. Add a splash of water if needed.
  2. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with paprika or sumac. Serve with pita bread or veggies.

Tip: Taste as you blend. Do you prefer it to be tangier? Add more lemon. Creamier? A bit more tahini does the trick.

  1. Shakshuka (Eggs in Spiced Tomato Sauce)

Ingredients:

  • 4 eggs
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cups crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

  1. Sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper in olive oil until softened.
  2. Add tomatoes, spices, and simmer for 10 minutes.
  3. Make small wells in the sauce and crack in the eggs. Cover and cook until eggs are set.
  4. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with crusty bread.

Chef Abdul’s Insight: “The beauty of shakshuka is its versatility. Add chilli for heat or crumble feta on top for extra creaminess.”

  1. Chicken Shawarma (Homemade Perfection)

Ingredients:

  • 500g chicken thighs, sliced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp yogurt
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • Juice of 1 lemon

Steps:

  1. Mix the spices, garlic, lemon juice, yoghurt, and olive oil in a bowl. Add chicken and marinate for at least 1 hour.
  2. Grill or pan-fry the chicken until golden and cooked through.
  3. Serve in pita bread with garlic sauce, lettuce, and pickles.

Try making your garlic sauce! Blend four garlic cloves, one egg white, and one cup of oil slowly while adding a splash of lemon juice. It’s creamy and delicious!

  1. Baklava (The Sweet Finale)

Ingredients:

  • 1 pack of phyllo dough
  • 2 cups mixed nuts (pistachios, walnuts, almonds)
  • 1 cup butter, melted
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 tbsp rosewater

Steps:

  1. Layer phyllo sheets in a pan, brushing each with butter, and sprinkle with chopped nuts between every few layers.
  2. Bake until golden brown.
  3. Boil sugar and water to make a syrup, adding rosewater. Pour over the baklava while it’s hot.

Idea: Gather your family or friends and make baklava together—it’s a perfect bonding activity!

Bringing Middle Eastern Flavors into Your Home

Middle Eastern cooking is about more than just food—hospitality and connection. Here’s how you can embrace its spirit:

  1. Set the Table: Serve dishes family-style and let everyone share.
  2. Play with Spices: Experiment with blends like za’atar or ras el hanout in everyday meals.
  3. Celebrate Simplicity: Many Middle Eastern recipes use just a handful of ingredients. Let the quality of those ingredients shine.

A Final Word from Chef Abdul

“Middle Eastern cuisine is a journey through culture, history, and flavour. Don’t just follow recipes—feel the spices, taste as you cook, and make every dish your own. The beauty lies in the experience.”

Are you ready to explore Middle Eastern flavours? Whether it’s a simple hummus or a festive baklava, every dish you try brings you closer to this rich culinary tradition. Yalla, let’s cook!

So, what will you try first? A rich Coq au Vin? A delicate soufflé? Whatever you choose, remember: French cuisine is about enjoying the journey as much as the destination. Bon appétit!

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