John Myers
Overview of Iraqi cuisine
Iraqi cuisine is a delightful amalgamation of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean culinary traditions. Iraqi cuisine is known for its use of fresh herbs and spices, bold flavors, and rich aromas. Iraqi cooking has been heavily influenced by its neighboring countries, including Iran, Turkey, and Syria. The cuisine is characterized by the use of grains, vegetables, meats, and dairy products. The dishes are known to be hearty, filling, and flavorful.
Ingredients commonly used in Iraqi cuisine
Iraqi cuisine has a wide variety of ingredients, including spices like cumin, cardamom, coriander, and cinnamon. Fresh herbs like mint, parsley, dill, and coriander are used extensively. Meat is also a significant component of Iraqi cuisine, with lamb being the most popular. Rice, beans, and lentils are staple ingredients in Iraqi cooking. Vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, tomato, and onion are also commonly used. Dairy products like yogurt and cheese are used to add creaminess to dishes.
Traditional Iraqi breakfast dishes
One of the most popular breakfast dishes in Iraq is called “shakriya,” which is a creamy yogurt-based soup with rice and meat. Another popular breakfast dish is “foul,” which is made of fava beans cooked with garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice. “Samoon” is a type of bread that is commonly eaten for breakfast, and it is usually accompanied by cheese, butter, or jam.
Popular Iraqi lunch and dinner dishes
“Kubba” is a popular Iraqi dish that is made with ground meat and bulgur wheat and is usually fried or baked. “Biryani” is another popular dish in Iraq that is made with rice, meat, and spices. “Dolma” is a dish that is made of stuffed vegetables, usually eggplant or grape leaves, with spiced rice and meat. “Kebab” is a common dish in Iraq that is made with seasoned grilled meat.
Iraqi sweets and desserts
“Baklava” is a popular dessert in Iraq that is made with layers of phyllo pastry filled with chopped nuts, honey, and syrup. “Kahi” is another popular sweet that is similar to shortbread and is usually served with tea or coffee. “Halwa” is a sweet that is made with tahini, sugar syrup, and nuts.
Regional variations in Iraqi cuisine
Iraqi cuisine varies from region to region. In the north, there is a heavy influence from Turkish cuisine, and dishes like “pacha” (a soup made with cow’s feet) and “tashreeb” (a type of bread with meat and vegetables) are popular. In the south, seafood is more prevalent, and dishes like “masgouf” (grilled fish) are popular. In Baghdad, the capital city, dishes like “kubba hamuth” (a type of kubba soup) and “mashkhool” (a dish made with lamb and rice) are popular.
