In origin, and the Arabs of the Arabian Peninsula is heavily dependent on a diet of dates , wheat , barley, rice , meat, with little variety and heavy emphasis on yogurt products , such as the building block ( brick ) ( yogurt without butter )
There is a strong focus on the following items in the Arab kitchen.
Meat: lamb and chicken are the most used , with beef, goats and camels are used to a lesser extent . Other poultry is used in some areas, and fish used in coastal areas. Pork is completely prohibited for Arab Muslim, and being both a cultural taboo and prohibited under Islamic law; many Arab Christians do not eat and enjoy pork products , especially in Lebanon, where he often is consumed cold cuts of pork in the neighborhoods of Christianity Dairy products : used widely dairy products , especially yogurt and white cheese. And using butter and cream also widely .
Is widely used almost mint and thyme ( often in a mix called thyme ) globally, spices are used much less than it was in Indian cuisine , but the amount and types generally vary from one region to another : herbs and spices. Some of the herbs and spices are included sesame , saffron , turmeric, garlic , cumin and cinnamon, and sumac. And include a mixture of spices spices.
Beverage: hot drinks used more than cold , coffee being on the top of the list , mostly in the Arab countries of the Persian Gulf . However, tea is also served in many Arab countries. In Egypt and Jordan , for example , tea and hot drinks are more important than coffee.
Grains: rice crop is used for most dishes ; wheat is the main source for bread. Used bulgur and semolina are also widely available.
Pulses: used widely lentils as well as beans and chickpeas ( chickpeas and beans) .
Fruits and vegetables Arabic cuisine also prefer vegetables such as cucumber and eggplant ( eggplant ) , zucchini ( courgette ) , okra , onions , and fruits ( citrus in the first place ), which is often used spice garnish . Olive , as well as dates , figs , and pomegranates are also used widely . Dates are a staple of particular importance in the Arab diet , often eaten with coffee. And often include almonds , peanuts , pine nuts , pistachios and walnuts nuts. Greens parsley and mint are popular spice in many dishes , while spinach is used mulukhiyah ( the leaves of plants of sex Molokhia ) in cooked dishes .
Dressings and sauces : the most popular dressings include various combinations of olive oil, lemon juice , parsley, and / or garlic , tahini ( sesame paste ) . Brick ( weakened yogurt ) is often seasoned with mint, onion , garlic , and served as a sauce with various dishes.It is worth mentioning that many of the same spices used in Arabian cuisine are also those emphasized in Indian cuisine. This is the result of heavy trading and historical ties between the two regions , and also because a lot of expats from South Asia live in the Arab countries of the Persian Gulf.
