Often times, when we think of going for a trip abroad, it is Europe that glitters in our vision and we think of all the beautiful spots in different countries there. Take the Eiffel Tower in Paris or the London eye of UK. These are also the places that you would easily find in newspaper advertisements and travel packages. That’s because we are fascinated by the English or American dreams depicted in shows and films. However, there are plenty of other vacation hubs that remain rather unexplored. One of them has to the Middle-East.
How often have you heard someone telling you that they’re going for a trip to Turkey or Greece? Rarely. The television actor, Hina Khan is headed to one such offbeat destination currently and we’re just in awe. The foodie artist has always been on the go for lip-smacking fare whenever she travels to a new place. Be it Kashmir’s Kahwa or quick food on the streets of New York, she has given us food goals a number of times in the past. This time, it’s Egypt. Devouring some delicious-looking traditional Egyptian food day and night, here are some glimpses from her treats.
Her quest to show us the most authentic foods from the Middle-Eastern country has made us dig a little deeper and here are some of them that you can try at home.
1. Koshari
It is one of the most traditional dishes of the region that are found in every nook and corner of the streets. A combination of rice and lentils, the unusual addition to the dish is the pasta. This is easy to make and quite filling. The layering of caramelized onions and sauces in the dish enhance its flavours.
2. Ful Meddammes
This is the staple breakfast across Egypt. Their love for a special kind of beans called fava beans is quite evident in this dish. The ful or fava beans are soaked overnight and slow-cooked the next day with salt and oil. These are then paired with eggs and cheese or dunked into slices of bread to make a sandwich. This is the go-to breakfast meal in the region.
3. Egyptian Macaroni In Béchamel
Do you love mac and cheese? Well, this dish is an Egyptian cousin of that. A favourite comfort food in the country, the rigatoni noodles are mixed with a meaty and tangy sauce of tomatoes and onions. To this, the Béchamel sauce is added, lending it a creamy texture. Unlike the usual mac and cheese, this creamy dish has a thick and tangy red sauce in it which gives it a distinct flavour.
4. Kunafa
This is a popular Arabic dessert that can be found in Egypt as well as other parts of Middle-East. The bird’s nest shaped dessert is made with vermicelli soaked in sugar syrup. The warm and crunchy texture of the sweet dish is sure to win your heart.