Regarding Middle Eastern cuisine, the spotlight often shines on dishes like kebabs and falafel. However, the Middle East boasts a rich tradition of meat and poultry specialties that are equally, if not more, tantalizing to the taste buds. In this blog, we’ll embark on a flavorful journey through the Middle East, exploring four delicious and unique meat and poultry specialties: Kibbe Mekliyeh, Hoummos Awarma, Jawaneh, and Soujouk.
Kibbe Mekliyeh: A Meat Lover’s Delight
Kibbe Mekliyeh is a cherished Middle Eastern dish, and its heartiness makes it a favorite among meat lovers. This dish mixes finely ground beef or lamb with cracked wheat flavored with aromatic spices, such as cumin and allspice. It’s often shaped into flattened, oval patties and then pan-fried to a crispy, golden perfection.
Hoummos Awarma: Meaty Hummus Delight
Hoummos Awarma is a delightful twist on traditional hummus. This dish features creamy hummus topped with rich, flavorful minced meat, often beef or lamb. The heart typically cooks with a blend of spices, which gives the dish a satisfying and savory contrast to the creamy hummus underneath.
Jawaneh: Succulent Grilled Chicken
Jawaneh, or grilled chicken wings, is a popular Middle Eastern street food and appetizer. The chicken wings are marinated in a flavorful mixture of garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and spices, then grilled to perfection. The result is tender, succulent, and oh-so-delicious chicken wings.
Soujouk: Spicy Sausage Sensation
Throughout the Middle East, people enjoy Soujouk, a spicy sausage. It consists of ground beef or lamb seasoned with garlic, paprika, and cayenne pepper. People often dry the links and enjoy them in various dishes or as a flavorful snack.
How to Enjoy Middle Eastern Meat and Poultry Specialties
Restaurants often serve these delectable dishes with fresh salad, pickles, and flatbreads. They make excellent appetizers or main courses and are a delightful addition to Middle Eastern feasts.
Conclusion
While the Middle East is renowned for its vegetarian-friendly options, its culinary heritage cherishes these meat and poultry specialties. They embody the rich, bold flavors of the region and showcase the art of using spices and cooking techniques to perfection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Kibbe Mekliyeh’s distinctive flavor comes from the combination of finely ground beef or lamb and cracked wheat, enhanced by a blend of aromatic spices.
As an appetizer, people commonly serve Hoummos Awarma, but you can also relish it as a main course, especially when you pair it with fresh flatbreads and salads.
Garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and spices marinate Jawaneh. Such as; cumin, paprika, and sumac.
“You can enjoy Soujouk sausages as a flavorful snack or add them to recipes to infuse them with a spicy and savory taste.