Spices and flavors vary widely throughout the world. Mexico is known for its variety of peppers, Japan for its ginger, sesame seeds, and wasabi, and Morocco for its distinctive use of cinnamon, cumin, and paprika. Middle Eastern cuisine also has its own distinct spice profile. It is essential to note the variety of Middle Eastern cuisine found in this region, largely due to the 17 distinct nations and 3.5 million square miles of the region. As diverse as the people who live in each region are the foods that grow there and are popular there.
The Most Common Spices and Herbs Used in Middle Eastern Cuisine Middle Eastern cuisine is well-liked around the world. The food is usually tasty, filling, and easy on the stomach. The most significant influences on traditional Middle Eastern cuisine come from North Africa and Arabia. It’s possible that many Westerners have never heard of some delicious dishes that date back centuries. As a result, trying new foods is an adventure in and of itself.
Anywhere, you can shop for Middle Eastern spices.
1: Cumin Cumin is probably the most well-known flavoring in Middle Eastern cuisine. This potent and highly fragrant savory spice gives falafels a distinct aroma. Try it with our excellent falafel sandwich, which includes pickles, blended greens, cured turnips, tomatoes, hummus, cucumbers, and tahini sauce for a cost-effective and delicious Middle Eastern meal.
2: Nutmeg While nutmeg is frequently used to season meat in Middle Eastern cuisine, Westerners are more accustomed to using it in desserts. Nutmeg, which gives many Middle Eastern dishes that extra “something special,” is the secret ingredient.
3: Cardamom Cardamom is a spice that gives Turkish and Arabic coffee their own distinct flavors. One of the oldest spices known to have been used is cardamom. It comes from Egypt and southern India. Additionally, after saffron, it is the most expensive spice. Cardamom has a warm flavor with lemon undertones. It is frequently used in rice dishes, meat dishes, and stews.
4: The Middle East and southern Italy are the sources of the spice sumac. It is a powdered spice that has a reddish-purple color and is made from the dried berries of the sumac bush. As a souring agent, it typically helps meats, stews, and dressings.
5: It is believed that Iraq is where the fenugreek plant, an ancient herb, originated. It is typically included in curries, salads, meat dishes, rice, and a variety of other dishes. The flavor of fenugreek is slightly nutty and slightly sweet. A celery-maple hybrid is a common name for it.
FleFle Grill in Manhattan sells authentic Middle Eastern spices. Our meals are made with real spices from the Middle East. If you want to try some new, delicious flavors at a reasonable price, you can order Middle Eastern food from us online or call us right now to order catering!
