Introduction to Syrian cuisine
Syrian cuisine is a fusion of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Arabic cuisine, which is characterized by its abundant use of fresh vegetables, herbs, spices, and meat. Syrian cuisine is also known for its mezze, a selection of small dishes served as appetizers. Mezze is a popular way of dining in Syria, and it is often served with drinks, such as tea or arak, an anise-flavored liquor.
Mezze, the traditional Syrian appetizers
Mezze is the heart of Syrian cuisine, and it is a collection of small dishes that are served at the beginning of a meal. Some popular mezze dishes in Syria include hummus, baba ghanoush, muhammara, labneh, and stuffed grape leaves. Hummus is a dip made from chickpeas, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice, while baba ghanoush is a dip made from grilled eggplant, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice. Muhammara is a dip made from roasted red peppers, walnuts, bread crumbs, and pomegranate molasses. Labneh is a yogurt-based dip that is often served with olive oil, herbs, and vegetables.
Kibbeh, the iconic Syrian dish
Kibbeh is the national dish of Syria, and it is made from ground beef or lamb, bulgur wheat, onions, and spices. Kibbeh can be served raw, grilled, baked, or fried. Raw kibbeh is a dish that is made from bulgur wheat, minced meat, onions, and spices, and it is often served with olive oil and herbs. Grilled kibbeh is a dish that is made from marinated ground meat, onions, and spices, and it is cooked on skewers over an open flame. Baked kibbeh is a dish that is made from layers of bulgur wheat, minced meat, onions, and spices, and it is often served with yogurt or a tomato sauce.
Fattoush and Tabbouleh, the Syrian salads
Fattoush and tabbouleh are two popular Syrian salads that are served as mezze or side dishes. Fattoush is a salad that is made from lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, onions, and herbs, such as parsley, mint, and sumac. It is often served with toasted pita bread and a dressing made from olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. Tabbouleh is a salad that is made from parsley, mint, tomatoes, onions, bulgur wheat, and lemon juice. It is often served with lettuce leaves or pita bread.
Shawarma and kebab, the Syrian street food
Shawarma and kebab are two popular street foods in Syria that are made from grilled meat wrapped in pita bread. Shawarma is made from thinly sliced meat that is marinated in spices and cooked on a spit. The meat is then shaved off and served in a pita bread with vegetables, such as tomatoes, onions, and pickles, and sauces, such as tahini or garlic sauce. Kebab is made from ground meat that is mixed with onions, herbs, and spices, and then shaped into long, thin sausages that are grilled over an open flame. Kebab is often served with rice, vegetables, and a yogurt sauce.
Baklava, the famous Syrian dessert
Baklava is a famous Syrian dessert that is made from layers of phyllo pastry, chopped nuts, and honey syrup. Baklava is a sweet and sticky dessert that is often served with tea or coffee. It is a popular dessert in Syria, and it is often made for special occasions, such as weddings and festivals. Baklava is also popular in other Middle Eastern and Mediterranean countries, such as Turkey, Greece, and Lebanon.
