In terms of tourism, Saudi Arabia is an ambiguous country that simultaneously attracts its color and scares with strict religious customs . The traditions of Islam influenced not only the tourism industry of the country, but also the formation of local culinary traditions. Coupled with the special natural and climatic conditions, they became the reason that the cuisine of Saudi Arabia is both monotonous and colorful.
In terms of tourism, Saudi Arabia is an ambiguous country that simultaneously attracts its color and scares with strict religious customs . The traditions of Islam influenced not only the tourism industry of the country, but also the formation of local culinary traditions. Coupled with the special natural and climatic conditions, they became the reason that the cuisine of Saudi Arabia is both monotonous and colorful.
History of formation and features of the cuisine of Saudi Arabia
For several thousand years the culinary traditions of this kingdom have remained unchanged. At the same time, the cuisine of Saudi Arabia is similar to that of other countries of the Middle East. In each of them there are absolutely identical dishes, which differ only in name. In many respects this is due to the presence of a large number of dialects in Arabic and the wide variability of local culinary traditions. For example, such traditional dishes, like shawarma and shish kebab, in Saudi Arabia are called "shvarma" and "tika". Mixing traditional ingredients, the locals get absolutely new original dishes. The kitchens of sedentary inhabitants of Saudi Arabia and nomadic peoples of the Arabian Peninsula are also very similar. Differences can be seen only in the proportions and form of seasonings. Both those and other culinary traditions were formed under the influence of Persian, Turkish, Indian and even African cuisine.
Traditional ingredients in the kitchen of Saudi Arabia
As with any other country, in the culinary recipes of this kingdom you can find meat, fish, vegetable products, dairy products and a huge amount of spices. Observing Islamic laws, local people do not consume pork. Meat of other animals is prepared in strict accordance with Halal. The basis of most meat dishes - lamb, chicken and lamb. Over the past few years, the country has been in the lead in the world for the import of lamb and lamb.
Of vegetable products in the national cuisine of Saudi Arabia, the following predominate:
- wheat;
- potatoes;
- rice;
- dates;
- fresh fruits.
Of dairy products, the Arabians consume sheep, goat and camel milk. It differs not only in its unusual taste, but in a mass of useful properties. Therefore, it is used to prepare butter, cheese and yogurt.
Any dish of the cuisine of Saudi Arabia is generously seasoned with spices and spices. On the tables of the locals and in all the restaurants of the kingdom, there is always the Magribian paste Harissa, which is prepared on the basis of hot chili, pastes of garlic, coriander, caraway and olive oil. Bedouins borrowed the recipe for this seasoning from the peoples of North Africa.
Baking in the kitchen of Saudi Arabia
Unleavened bread in this country is known as "hubs". It is served to most meat and fish dishes. Among other bakery products in the national cuisine of Saudi Arabia there are:
- Lafa. A thin flat cake, like lavash, which is also consumed in other countries of the Middle East. Refers to the type of leaf bread baked in hot ovens. Most often, lafu is sold in street trays, where it is stuffed with finely chopped meat, falafel (deep-fried chickpeas) and hummus (chickpeas puree).
- Hmer. Traditional wheat bread baked on a metal round oven or a conventional frying pan. As a basis, self-raised wheat flour of the Red Fife variety is used.
- Markuk, or Shrek. A large, fresh and almost translucent tortillas baked on a convex or domed metal frying pan.
Main dishes in the kitchen of Saudi Arabia
Before the main dishes of meat and fish in the kingdom usually serve salads "quinini" and "fattush". Ingredients of the first salad are dates, black bread, cardamom, butter and saffron, and the second is prepared from stale cakes, large-sliced ​​vegetables and greens. Of the appetizers here are popular squash and eggplant caviar, brynza, olives and eggs with mayonnaise.
Many tourists are interested in the answer to the question, what dishes are recommended to try in Saudi Arabia. Undoubtedly, you should not leave the country without enjoying the taste of such traditional dishes of the Saudis as:
- Aris - a mixture of meat and boiled rough wheat;
- Sarid - slices of bread, soaked in meat or vegetable broth;
- Mansaf - lamb in a sauce of dry fermented yogurt with a garnish of rice and bulgur;
- Cubs - a few varieties of dishes from rice and meat;
- Hahniz - lamb with rice and various spices;
- Mandi - lamb cooked in tandoor, with rice, pine nuts, raisins and spices;
- Madfun - languorous lamb with rice, raisins and fried nuts;
- Murtabak - a thin pancake stuffed with eggs, minced meat, green onions and other fillings;
- Seed -carp cooked on the grill;
- Makluba - chicken or lamb with rice and fried vegetables;
- Kussa Mahshi - zucchini stuffed with different fillings;
- Shakshuka - eggs with tomato sauce, onion, garlic, chili and spices.
Soups are no less popular among the inhabitants of the kingdom. Here you can try puree soups with beans, nuts and green peas, as well as homemade noodles, rassolnik and even borsch.
Desserts and drinks in the kitchen of Saudi Arabia
Any meal in the country ends with drinking coffee or tea. The latter is served here not only during festive feasts, but also during official meetings. Coffee in Saudi Arabia is usually strong, generously flavored with cardamom. It is served in a coffee pot "dallah" and poured into small cups. The supply of this drink in the kingdom is a sign of the generosity and hospitality of the owner of the house.
In accordance with the traditions of the national cuisine of Saudi Arabia, along with coffee and tea on the table put a tray with sweets. Among them, bread rings with kaak sesame, an envelope made from thin dough "knafe" with cheese and sugar syrup stuffing, sweet "basbosa" cake with coconut and plain syrup, and creamy pudding "muhalabia" from rice flour and cornstarch.
In addition to baking and sweets, during the feast, fresh and canned fruit, mousse, jelly, nuts with honey and ice cream are served.
While in Saudi Arabia, it should be remembered that the use of alcoholic beverages is strictly prohibited here.