Middle+East+-+Foods

Islam is the major religion of the nations of this region with the exception of Israel. The Koran, the holy book of the Muslim religion, dictates Muslim Islamic food habits. It also dictates that animals must be slaughtered according to a specific ritual in order for them to be eaten.

Judaism is the major religion of Israel. According to Jewish law, "milchig" or dairy foods cannot be made or eaten with "fleishig" or meat foods. Two sets of utensils are needed to prepare foods in a kosher manner that adheres to these religious laws.

Pareve foods are foods that do not contain meat or dairy and may be eaten at any time. Examples are: eggs, fruits, vegetables, cereals, fish and baked goods that are made with vegetable shortening.

Common ingredients in this region include: garlic, lemon, green pepper, eggplant and tomato.

Fruits are: quince, pomegranates, figs,melons, apricots, dates, grapes and oranges.

Fish must have both scales and fins for them to be eaten, so shellfish are forbidden by Jewish food law.

Pork is not permitted to be eaten by Muslims or Jews.

Common dishes & food terms are listed below:

Hummus Fleishig Kosher - below are the symbols that identify a food as kosher.
 * Terms below are those you are already familiar with OR are found elsewhere on this wikispace.**

Milchig Baklava Lamb Rice Felafel Pareve

Shish Kebab
 * View pictures below to help match the dish with the description:**





Halal

Blintzs



Mazza - The Middle Eastern term for appetizers

Chelo Kebab



Haram - Islamic Foods that cannot be eaten

Challah

Gefelte Fish



Take a moment to check out this Middle Eastern Foods Blog

Now that you've read more about Middle Eastern geography and foods, visit the Activities page and choose one of the activities to complete.

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