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Middle Eastern Cuisine
From the fragrant souks of Aleppo to the convivial tables of Beirut, passing through Ottoman palaces and the vibrant markets of Jerusalem, Middle Eastern cuisine embodies a diversity of traditions where spices reign supreme.
The Foundations of Middle Eastern Cuisine
The Middle East spans a vast region encompassing countries such as Lebanon, Syria, Turkey, Iran, Israel, Jordan, and Egypt. Each territory has its specialties, but common elements unite these cuisines. The importance of spices, fresh herbs, legumes, and grilled or slow-cooked meats characterizes this generous and well-balanced cuisine.
Meals are often synonymous with sharing: the mezze, an assortment of small appetizers meant to be enjoyed collectively, is a well-established tradition. Flatbreads, such as pita or lavash, accompany almost every dish, serving as a base for tasting hummus, moutabal, or labneh.
A Box to Travel Through Cuisine
At Terre Exotique, we have gathered the iconic flavors of the Middle East in a unique box. Ideal for discovering or deepening your knowledge of this fragrant cuisine, our box includes five essential spices: sumac, zaatar, Urfa chili, black cardamom, and rose harissa. Designed to suit all levels of cooking, it allows for the exploration of a variety of recipes, from slow-cooked dishes to sweet delights. An invitation to travel without leaving your kitchen!
Cooking with this box is a breeze! As Yotam Ottolenghi says in his book, with just ten well-chosen ingredients, it is possible to create ultra-simple and delicious dishes. The spices in this box bring depth and balance to recipes, allowing you to explore the rich flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine effortlessly.
A Unique Aromatic Palette
Middle Eastern cuisine is a tribute to spices and flavorful ingredients, including:
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Sumac: This tangy, deep red spice is used to enhance salads and meats.
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Zaatar: A blend of thyme, sumac, and sesame, it flavors bread and slow-cooked dishes.
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Cumin and Coriander: Essential in many preparations, from hummus to stews.
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Rose Water and Orange Blossom Water: Essential in Middle Eastern pastries.
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Dried Fruits and Nuts: Pistachios, dates, almonds, and walnuts are omnipresent in desserts and savory dishes.
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Urfa Chili: A delicately smoked spice with subtle chocolate notes, perfect for slow-cooked dishes or as a surprising touch in desserts.
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Black Cardamom: With woody and captivating aromas, it enriches broths, stews, and pastries with incomparable depth.
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Rose Harissa: A spicy and floral paste that brings a refined and bold touch to your culinary creations.
With globalization and the growing enthusiasm for world cuisines, Middle Eastern gastronomy is experiencing a true revival. For example, more and more meat-free dishes like hummus or stuffed eggplants are appealing to vegetarians and vegans. Manakish with zaatar, sesame kaaks, and filled breads are gaining popularity in major cities. Finally, chefs worldwide are reinventing traditional Middle Eastern recipes, incorporating Western and Asian influences.
