The popularity of Middle Eastern cuisine is growing rapidly and is probably the result of a number of factors. Certainly, the ongoing news coverage of civil unrest in that part of the world is a significant one. It has caught the attention of the American public, stimulating the kind of overall interest in the region that includes its food offerings. In addition, the populations of these different ethnic groups and cultures from that geography are growing in North America, many with concentrations in some very specific locales making food immersion much more accessible.
Increasingly, demand for authentic foods aligned with these ethnic groups has taken on a life of its own. Seeing this as a great opportunity to expand their experience and knowledge in all things culinary, the chefs at Newly Weds Foods decided to take time to deep dive into the world of Middle Eastern fare. These flavors and ingredients are popping up and holding strong on menus, as well as on retail shelves. Industry trend watchers like Sterling-Rice have predicted a rise in popularity, most notably from places like Afghanistan and Syria. The Newly Weds chefs concur and believe the world will soon have a better understanding of Middle Eastern cuisine beyond shawarma and falafel.
The following series of blog posts provide insights on this topic and highlights key learnings from the food safari Newly Weds Foods’ chefs took through Dearborn, Michigan where one of the largest, most storied and diverse Arab American communities resides. Iraq, Yemen, Syria, Morocco, and Lebanon are among the many Middle Eastern countries from where Dearborn residents emigrated. Together the chefs experienced new and inspiring flavors heightened through the use of special cooking techniques. They learned much about the history and traditions of the Middle East and why that region’s palate is so diverse. Although it all felt so foreign in the beginning, the immersion left them food ambassadors to the Middle East’s culture and its peoples.
Come back every week for more about the food safari as well as, information relevant to this Middle East focus. And, enjoy the recipes developed by the culinary team that represent true taste and cultural awakenings.
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