Delectable Eid al-Fitr Foods from the Middle East

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For Muslims all over the world, Eid al-Fitr is a source of great celebration. After a month of fasting, they can rejoice on their victory. You can usually find special foods during this worldwide celebration Eid al-Fitr Foods from the Middle East, where Islam first emerged, are also wonderful.

Maamoul. via Instagram/almughtarebmagazine_lebanon

Actually, each region where Islam is a major religion has special dishes or snacks for Eid al-Fitr. In the Middle East, there are several traditions which usually accompanies Eid al-Fitr. Along with that, special foods are also available. Here are some delicious Eid al-Fitr Foods from the Middle East.

Graybeh

Graybeh. via Instagram/maureenabood

You can find this cookie in Saudi Arabia and all the way to Palestina. Technically, graybeh is a shortbread-type biscuit, commonly made using ground almonds. Some historians say that graybeh originated in Persia in the 7th century. The first graybeh didn’t use almond but then the recipe underwent changes during the Ottoman Empire era.

Aseeda

Aseeda. via Instagram/familyoflibya

It’s safe to say that Aseeda is one of the most popular desserts in the Middle East. You can say that Aseeda is a pudding, with wheat flour lump dough as the main ingredient. It is almost similar to gruel or porridge, but usually, people eat it by hand, without any utensils. This dish is very popular during Eid, although you can also find it during other special occasions.

Lokum

Lokum. via Instagram/kuruyemisduragi

Another name for this delicacy is Turkish delight. It is basically confections based on a gel of starch and sugar. The detail of the origin of this food is still a source of debate, but almost all agree that it came from Turkey. Today, you can enjoy many delicious flavors like pistachios, dates, mint, cinnamon, or hazelnuts. The confection is usually packaged and eaten in small cubes or balls.

Maamoul

Maamoul. via Instagram/daliarecommends

This one is almost similar to graybeh. However, Maamoul comes in many flavors like nuts, dates, pistachios, walnuts, and almonds. Additionally, Maamoul is usually in the shape of balls. Usually, it is also dressed in sugar sprinkle. The most popular filling is dates, and this variant is known as menenas. Maamoul is popular during the big holidays, including for Christians.

Kleicha

Kleicha. via instagram/bnbooona

There are many variants of kleicha you can find in many countries, but the most popular one is definitely from Iraq. In fact, kleicha is the unofficial national cookie of Iraq. Kleicha might come in various shapes and filling, with dates being the most popular filling. This one is an old cookies. In fact, some historians believe that kleicha might have originated from the ancient Babylonians or Mesopotamians.

Lokum. via Instagram/bizimillerden

There are lots of delightful foods from the Middle East to enjoy during the Eid al-Fitr festivities. In particular, most of Eid al-Fitr foods from the Middle East are desserts or cookies.

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culinary Lebaran middle east
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