Palestinian cuisine is a mixture of the cultures of civilizations that previously settled in the region of Palestine particularly during the Islamic era beginning with the Arab Ummayad conquest, then the subsequent Persian-influenced Abbasids and summing-up with the strong influences of Turkish cuisine, following from the coming of the Ottoman Turks. It is akin to other Levantine cuisines.
Here are six mouth-watering Palestinian dishes you should definitely try!
Shakshouka شكشوكة
This is a hearty breakfast option comprising mostly of eggs and tomatoes, but usually makes use of other vegetables. The finest thing is that it can be made in one skillet, and you can dress it however you like, depending on how you like your breakfast to be. Remember, breakfast is the most vital meal of the day, and so there’s no better way to start it than with Shakshouka!
Ful Medammas فول مدمس
Often narrated as “the rich man’s breakfast, the shopkeeper’s lunch, and the poor man’s supper,” Ful Medammas is one of those versatile dishes that can be eaten throughout the day. Many Palestinian’s eat this dish with freshly baked pita bread and falafel over breakfast, and believe me when I say that it will sustain you throughout the day!
Ka’ak Al-Quds كعك القدس
Ka’ak usually refers to a biscuit-like bread that is truly versatile and can be made as regular bread, stuffed to become a savory option, or dipped in honey or jam to become a sweet breakfast option. It is one of those dishes sold all over the streets of Palestine and is quite like pita bread, but with the addition of milk and yogurt, and is cooked in a hot oven to generate a pocket in the middle.
Maqloubeh مقلوبة
Maqloubeh (literally meaning ‘upside-down’) is a favorite go-to dish when it comes to wowing dinner guests and is a very popular Palestinian one-pot rice, spice, and vegetable dish. It can be a dish with vegetables only but is often cooked either with meat (beef or lamb) or with chicken and is usually served with either yogurt or with curry.
Moussaka مسقعة
Alright, you’re thinking of the heavy Greek version of this dish, yet this one is the real deal. Think of lasagne, but with a fantastic balance of lamb and vegetables. The name of the dish literally means ‘cold’ in the Palestinian Arabic dialect, which means it should be served cold, yet it can be equally tasty as a hot dish and the star of your dinner table.
Sfihaat/Fatayer صفيحة/فطاير
A sfiha/fatayer can be made with several fillings, from lamb to chicken, spinach, cheese, or vegetables. They’re light and yummy and can be added as a side dish or for a quick bite with a cup of tea, chiefly since they can be served piping hot or at room temperature.
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I love eggs
and
Ful Medammas looks so good!!