5 dishes that will make discover Palestinian cuisine
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Palestinian cuisine is rich and generous. Combining fragrant spices, top-quality olive oil and age-old cooking techniques, it appeals to palates the world over. Among Palestine's gastronomic treasures, five dishes stand out as much for their taste as for their symbolism ;).
1. Maqluba
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If one dish were to embody the generosity of Palestinian cuisine, it would undoubtedly be maqluba. Its name, which literally means "turned upside down", perfectly illustrates the way it is served. After a long stewing, the pot is turned over with a precise gesture, revealing a sumptuous millefeuille of rice, meat and golden vegetables. Traditionally prepared with lamb or chicken, eggplant, potatoes and cauliflower, maqluba is often flavored with bay leaf, cinnamon and turmeric.
2. Musakhan
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It is based on three essential ingredients of local cuisine: taboun bread, baked on hot stones, extra-virgin olive oil, the mainstay of Palestinian agriculture, and sumac, a tangy spice that gives the dish its distinctive flavor. Chicken pieces are slowly roasted with sumac-caramelized onions, then placed on bread soaked in olive oil before being garnished with toasted pine nuts. A true hymn to Palestinian products.
3. Knafeh
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Made from angel hair (kataïfi) or a thin pastry, it is filled with a soft cheese that melts under the heat of the oven. Once golden, it is drizzled with orange blossom syrup and topped with crushed pistachios. Its sweet taste and crunchy yet melt-in-the-mouth texture make it a must-have for family celebrations and the end of festive meals.
4. Maftoul
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Unlike mechanically rolled couscous, maftoul is prepared by hand by coating cracked wheat grains with flour and water, giving them a firmer texture and a more rustic taste. This dish is usually served with a fragrant broth, chickpeas, vegetables and chicken, spiced with cumin and cinnamon.
5. Fattet Hummus
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The base of this dish is chickpeas, a key ingredient in Levantine cuisine, which are mashed with tahini, lemon juice and garlic. This creamy mixture is then poured over pieces of toasted or fried pita bread, which absorb the sauce and give it an irresistible texture. A touch of yoghurt, toasted pine nuts and a drizzle of olive oil round off this gourmet dish.
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