India has always been known as the land of spices. But did you know that many of the spices available in India were brought here by the Persians? Spices such as pepper, cardamom, cloves, and cumin are Middle Eastern spices commonly used in Indian dishes. Middle Eastern spice blends have other spices as well, and one can use them to put flavor into several preparations, some of these being stews, chicken, and rice.
Know about Zaatar When you look to buy Middle Eastern spice blends, keep a watch out for a fabulous aromatic blend known as Zaatar. Every Lebanese household is known to produce its own version of Zaatar, but the standard spices used are oregano, sesame seeds, and sumac. They impart a slightly nutty taste to food, making it aromatic and imparting subtle citrus overtones.
This multipurpose spice blend is likely to have originated during the Biblical times. The word has several meanings, but the most common ones are that of the wild Oregano plant (Origanum syriacum) and a type of spice blend. This plant is said to have originated from the Levant region (includes modern day Jordan, Palestine, Syria, Israel, and Lebanon)
History states that Zaatar was used as a health food back in the 12th century. Famous Spanish Jewish philosopher Maimonides prescribed it to his patients for treating different ailments. Through modern studies, the reasons for this prescription were confirmed. Sumac has a large number of flavonoids, and oregano contains the essential oil thymol and a phenol named carvacrol. Both carvacrol and thymol have antiseptic and antioxidant properties as well.
How is Zaatar used? 1. The easiest way to eat it is to dip bread in olive oil and then dip it in the blend 2. It can be sprinkled on foods such as cream cheese and bagels 3. Use it to flavor fruits, salads, roasted vegetables, and yogurts 4. It can be rubbed on certain meats as a seasoning 5. It can be sprinkled on hummus to add flavor 6. It acts as a seasoning agent for meatballs, pizzas, and sauces
Branching out towards savory and sweet dishes in Middle Eastern cuisine, rose petals are commonly used. They give flavor to sweet delicacies such as Turkish Delight, along with savory items such as meat tagines. Rose petals are highly suitable to impart a slightly flowery hint to other dishes as well, such as British desserts. Celebrity chefs such as Nigella Lawson have been seen to make use of rose petals.
Another reason for you to be searching for where to buy best rose petals online is to give textures to dishes. The preparation of rose petal sponge cake will add splendor to any special occasion, and this is where rose petals, along with raspberry jam, help to impart a creamy texture. Special desserts such as basbousa and baklava are also prepared using it.
Health benefits of rose petals Apart from texture, rose petals impart health benefits to food as well. They can be utilized to make digestion easier and reduce pain from injuries. They are also a rich source of Vitamin C.
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