Middle Eastern Food Terms

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Instructions: Discover the rich vocabulary of Middle Eastern cuisine, from hummus to shawarma

1.
What does the word 'hummus' literally mean in Arabic?
A
Chickpeas — the main ingredient in this beloved dip
B
Smooth paste
C
Ground seeds
D
Earth food
2.
In Middle Eastern cuisine, what is 'shawarma'?
A
Seasoned meat stacked on a vertical spit, slow-roasted and shaved off to serve
B
A type of salad
C
A rice dish
D
A stuffed pastry
3.
What is 'falafel' made from?
A
Ground chickpeas or fava beans formed into balls or patties and deep-fried
B
Minced meat
C
Lentils and rice
D
Wheat flour dough
4.
What does 'tahini' refer to in Middle Eastern cooking?
A
A type of bread
B
A yogurt sauce
C
A paste made from ground sesame seeds
D
A spice blend
5.
In Middle Eastern cuisine, what is 'fattoush'?
A
A meat stew
B
A stuffed vine leaf
C
A dip made from eggplant
D
A salad featuring toasted or fried pieces of pita bread with mixed greens and vegetables
6.
What is 'labneh' in Middle Eastern food?
A
A type of cheese
B
A fermented drink
C
A sweet dessert
D
Strained yogurt with a thick, creamy consistency used as a spread or dip
7.
What does 'za'atar' refer to in Middle Eastern cuisine?
A
A type of bread
B
A cooking method
C
A blend of dried herbs, sesame seeds, and sumac used as a seasoning
D
A type of olive
8.
In Middle Eastern food, what is 'baba ganoush'?
A
A smoky dip made from roasted eggplant blended with tahini, garlic, and lemon
B
A chickpea stew
C
A meat dish
D
A type of bread
9.
What is 'sumac' in Middle Eastern cooking?
A
A type of pepper
B
A deep red spice ground from dried berries with a tangy, lemony flavor
C
A sweet syrup
D
A type of grain
10.
What does 'kibbeh' refer to in Middle Eastern cuisine?
A
A type of stew
B
A yogurt drink
C
A salad
D
A dish of ground meat mixed with bulgur wheat, often formed into croquettes
11.
In Middle Eastern food, what is 'manakish' (or 'manoushe')?
A
A sweet pastry
B
A stuffed eggplant dish
C
A flatbread typically topped with za'atar and olive oil, often eaten for breakfast
D
A type of kebab
12.
What is 'halloumi' in Middle Eastern cuisine?
A
A meat sausage
B
A type of hummus
C
A yogurt dessert
D
A semi-hard, unripened cheese with a high melting point, ideal for grilling
13.
What does 'tabbouleh' primarily consist of?
A
Chickpeas and spices
B
Eggplant and tahini
C
Finely chopped parsley, tomatoes, mint, bulgur wheat, and lemon-olive oil dressing
D
Rice and meat
14.
In Middle Eastern cuisine, what is 'harissa'?
A
A type of bread
B
A fiery North African chili paste made from roasted peppers, spices, and olive oil
C
A yogurt sauce
D
A sweet dessert
15.
What is 'knafeh' (or 'kunafa') in Middle Eastern food?
A
A savory pastry
B
A type of kebab
C
A stuffed grape leaf
D
A sweet dessert made with shredded phyllo or semolina dough, cheese, and sweet syrup

Answer Key

Question 1

A. Chickpeas — the main ingredient in this beloved dip

Question 2

A. Seasoned meat stacked on a vertical spit, slow-roasted and shaved off to serve

Question 3

A. Ground chickpeas or fava beans formed into balls or patties and deep-fried

Question 4

C. A paste made from ground sesame seeds

Question 5

D. A salad featuring toasted or fried pieces of pita bread with mixed greens and vegetables

Question 6

D. Strained yogurt with a thick, creamy consistency used as a spread or dip

Question 7

C. A blend of dried herbs, sesame seeds, and sumac used as a seasoning

Question 8

A. A smoky dip made from roasted eggplant blended with tahini, garlic, and lemon

Question 9

B. A deep red spice ground from dried berries with a tangy, lemony flavor

Question 10

D. A dish of ground meat mixed with bulgur wheat, often formed into croquettes

Question 11

C. A flatbread typically topped with za'atar and olive oil, often eaten for breakfast

Question 12

D. A semi-hard, unripened cheese with a high melting point, ideal for grilling

Question 13

C. Finely chopped parsley, tomatoes, mint, bulgur wheat, and lemon-olive oil dressing

Question 14

B. A fiery North African chili paste made from roasted peppers, spices, and olive oil

Question 15

D. A sweet dessert made with shredded phyllo or semolina dough, cheese, and sweet syrup

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