Arabian Winter Warmers: 5 Foods to Keep You Toasty in Winter
Winter is arriving and, that means it’s time to select your warm outfits for the months and enjoy some warm, hearty and comforting food. But what dishes can really satisfy your hunger pangs during the winter, keep you warm and away from the chills?
This is where delicious Middle Eastern food comes in. In fact, some of the most warming dishes in the world come from Middle East regions, where spices and herbs such as cumin, cardamom, thyme, oregano, peppers, paprika, and chilly flakes come together to create comforting, healthy, and sumptuous dishes - all ideal remedies to warm up your bellies and cure your cold during the winters.
So, snuggle up, keep warm and enjoy these mouthwatering Middle Eastern dishes this winter season.
1) Lentil Soup
Also known as Shorbat Addas in Lebanon, the lentil soup is a wholesome, flavourful vegetarian soup that is a must-have during the winter season. The ingredients consist of lentils, vegetables, black pepper, thyme, and the soup goes perfect with homemade pita crisps.
The lentils are packed with calcium and protein, and the fresh veggies lend some irresistible earthy flavour. We can say this without a doubt, during winters, you will gobble up this flavourful dish immediately.
2) Muhammara (Hot Pepper Dip)
Muhammara, also known as Hot Pepper Dip, has its origins in Aleppo, Syria. It is spiced, hearty walnut and roasted red pepper dip blended with bread crumbs, pomegranate molasses, red pepper flakes, and garlic. You can relish this dip with warm pita bread as part of a Mezze platter, have it with grilled chicken, or even spread it on your sandwiches.
3) Kabsa Rice
If you are in the mood for spiced, long-grain rice, accompanied with meat (Chicken/Mutton) that is cooked to perfection, then look no further - Kabsa rice will satisfy your taste buds and keep you warm during the chilly winter nights.
Heavily influenced by Persian biryanis, this aromatic dish reuses the water that was used to cook the meat, by adding it again to the rice so that the flavours of the meat are preserved, perfectly blending all the spices and seasoning with the rice. It is best enjoyed with homemade tomato chutney and slaw on the side.
4) Mujaddara
If you are a vegetarian and are looking for an appetizing alternative for Kabsa, then Mujaddara or Lentil Rice is for you. It’s a beautiful dish that is layered with rice at the bottom and lentils on the top and is prepared with authentic Arabic spices to revitalize your taste buds. As a garnishing, loads of delicious caramelized and crispy onions are added to the top. This signature Middle Eastern dish will surely surprise your palate in the best possible way during the winters.
5) Shakshuka
If you are looking for the perfect winter breakfast, then you just can't go wrong with Shakshuka (Poached/ Scrambled Eggs in Tomato-Chili Sauce). However, if you are in the mood for a delicious egg dish during lunch or dinner, don’t let it stop you from relishing it. You can literally enjoy it any time of the day. The dish is prepared with creamy scrambled eggs and is cooked with pepper, cumin, paprika, onions, tomatoes along with a blend of authentic Middle Eastern spices that will surely cure your winter cold.
We hope you have enjoyed reading this blog and are in the mood to try some authentic Middle Eastern dishes. At Toum, we feature all the above-mentioned dishes and some more. Each dish heavily relies on Middle Eastern spices and is prepared with a Middle Eastern style of cooking, to provide you with an authentic experience like never before.
So, snuggle up and beat the chills by placing your orders from Zomato, Swiggy, and PetPooja. You can even visit our restaurant if you are in the mood to head out, and we will be delighted to serve you. Feel free to contact us to know more about how each dish is prepared and served. We look forward to hearing from you!
