Ammon News - AMMONNEWS - With the holy month of Ramadan now upon us, different cultures around the world are cooking up their traditional Ramadan treats. Muslims who observe the month of Ramadan will abstain from food and drink from dawn to sunset and break their fast with an array of delectable dishes.

It could surprise you that not all Middle Eastern countries cook-up the same foods, so why not broaden your culinary horizons with these traditional recipes that are oh-so-easy to follow.

Lebanon

It’s fair to say that Lebanese cuisine is popular around the world. From Baba Ghanouj to their scrumptious Baklava, their meals are rich and made with lot of herbs and fresh ingredients – such as parsley, oregano and hummus.

Kibbeh

A fine paste of lamb or beef which is infused with pine nuts and onions, then deep fried will have you drooling after you serve it with garlic-yogurt sauce.

Ingredients:

1 ½ cup bulgur wheat
1 ½ pounds ground beef
1 ½ cup chopped white onions
3 teaspoons ground cumin
2 ¼ teaspoons salt
1 ½ teaspoons grinded black pepper
1/3 cup roasted pine nuts
1 cup yogurt
1 tablespoon virgin olive oil

Cooking Instructions:

1. Place the bulgur wheat in a bowl and cover with water for 20 minutes then drain in a strainer.

2. In a large bowl blend beef, onions, cumin, salt, pepper and bulgur till a paste arises and it starts feeling like a soft dough.

3. Cook the dough in a large skillet for about 4 minutes, then remove and add pine nuts.

4. Finally mixture into egg-sized balls, dip it in preheated oil and let it cook for 6 to 8 minutes.

5. Drain any oil then serve with yogurt.

Or, why not try Lamb Fatteh? Seasoned with kosher salt, this juicy dish will have you asking for more. Bits of pita casserole marinated with yogurt and then sprinkled on top of chick peas… delicious.

Shanklish

This feta-like cheese (Labne) is rolled in olive oil and sprinkled with chili powder, cloves and rosemary.

Ingredients:

250 g feta
1 teaspoon oregano
½ teaspoon chilli powder
½ teaspoon paprika
½ red onions
2 tomatoes
1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil

Cooking Instructions:

1.Mix the feta into a bowl whilst scattering oregano, chilli and paprika on it.

2.Give them a good stir and the plough onions and tomatoes after drizzling oil over it.

3.Serve with bread/pita.

Egypt

Known for their okra (Ladyfinger) and meat stew, Egypt’s exquisite array of casseroles vary from Ful Medames (Fava beans) to stuffed Zucchini.

Koshari

The ubiquitous national dish has lentils, macaroni and rice stuffed into a single dish and then topped with a spicy tomato sauce.

*Al Arabiya