Middle Eastern Cuisine

Baked Falafel with Tahini Sauce ¾ cups dried chickpeas 2 garlic cloves, chopped 1 small onion, quartered 1 tablespoon cumin Scant teaspoon cayenne, or to taste 1 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro 1½ teaspoons salt, plus more to taste ½ teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste ½ teaspoon baking soda 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 4 tablespoons olive oil ½ cup tahini

Baked Falafel with Tahini Sauce Heat the oven to 375°F. Drain the chickpeas and transfer them to a food processor with the garlic, onion, cumin, cayenne, herb, 1 teaspoon of salt, pepper, baking soda, and lemon juice. Pulse until everything is minced but not pureed, stopping the machine and scraping down the sides if necessary; add water tablespoon by tablespoon if necessary to allow the machine to do its work, but keep the mixture as dry as possible. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or cayenne as needed. Grease a large rimmed baking sheet with 2 tablespoons of the oil. Roll the bean mixture into 20 balls, about 1½ inches each, then flatten them into thick patties. Put the falafel on the prepared pan and brush the tops with the remaining 2 tablespoons oil. Bake until golden all over, 10 to 15 minutes on each side. Meanwhile, whisk the tahini and remaining salt with ½ cup water in a small bowl until smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning and serve the falafel drizzled with the sauce.

The Middle East is a geographical and cultural region located primarily in western Asia, but also in parts of northern Africa and southeastern Europe.

Middle Eastern Countries Egypt, Iran, Turkey, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Syria, United Arab Emirates, Israel, Jordan, Palestine, Lebanon, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain

Middle East The history of the Middle East dates back to ancient times The geo-political importance of the region has been recognized for millennia, most of the countries that border the Persian Gulf have vast reserves of crude oil Middle Eastern economies range from being very poor (such as Gaza and Yemen) to extremely wealthy nations (such as Qatar and UAE). Economically, politically, culturally, and religiously sensitive area. Several major religions have their origins in the Middle East, including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam

Geography Population: 375 million (2010) The five top languages, in terms of numbers of speakers, are Arabic, Persian, Turkish, Berber, and Kurdish. 20 native minority languages are also spoken

Physical Geography The Arabian Peninsula is separated from Africa by the Red Sea and is separated from mainland Asia by the Persian Gulf. The Nile River, which flows northward into the Mediterranean Sea, is the longest river in the Middle East. The Tigris and Euphrates rivers empty into the Persian Gulf.

Physical Geography An area of over 5.0 million square miles. Generally has a hot, arid climate, with several major rivers providing irrigation to support agriculture in limited areas such as the Nile Delta in Egypt, the Tigris and Euphrates watersheds of Mesopotamia, and most of what is known as the Fertile Crescent Mountain ranges exist throughout the region with some peaks rising as high as 19,000 feet. Snow is a common sight in these mountain ranges.

Culinary History 12,000 years ago hunters became farmers Wheat was first cultivated, followed by barley, pistachios, figs, pomegranates, dates and other regional staples. Fermentation was discovered and used not just to make beer, but also to leaven bread. The barter system and the earliest writing systems were created by the Sumerians. Commercial markets and commercial trade proliferated.

Culinary History Persians ate fresh fruits, rices, duck and other meats New exotic spices introduced from the Orient (Silk Road) More influences fell upon the region, introduced by Turkey's Ottoman Empire. They brought sweet pastries of paper thin phyllo dough and dense, sweet coffee. Yogurt from the Russians; dumplings from Mongol invaders Turmeric, cumin, garlic and other spices from India; cloves, peppercorns and allspice from the Spice Islands; okra from Africa; tomatoes from the New World, via the Moors of Spain. Lamb is the main meat eaten, as both the Jewish and Muslim faiths forbid the eating of pork.

Modern Cuisine