Broad Differences between Turkish , Persian, Tunisian, Lebanese, Moroccan etc Cuisines?
I know this is a huge question, but i don't want to trouble you for a Masters' Thesis! I just find myself feeling a bit confused. I'm aware that there is an awful lot of cross-fertilization in that huge area, but I'd like to know what sets each cuisine apart (some are more spicy, some are not spicy much, some use particular ingredients or techniques more than others,and they usually have 'signature dishes.') Do you know a book or link that is an overview of these cuisines, to help me keep them more defined in my mind? I'm not wanting to be lazy; I'm perfectly willing to do the work.Thanks much for your time.
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Lebanon: signature dish - kibbeh. Common flavorings - tahini, yogurt, parsley, mint, cilantro, sumac, lemon, pomegranate syrup, cinnamon, allspice, orange blossom water.
Turkish: a lot of similarities but remove cilantro and promegranate syrup, add dill and paprika, and name eggplant king.
Morocco: signature dishes - couscous or lamb tagine with seasonal veggies, harira soup during the annual fast; Common flavoring -lots of spices (saffron, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, ginger, paprika, turmeric), preserved lemon, tomatoes, parsley and cilantro (often together), olives, fruits in savory dishes.
Persian: signature dishes - pomegranate walnut chicken stew and rice pilafs (often with saffron and dried fruits); common flavorings: http://food52.com/blog/7044-louisa-shafia-s-5-essential-persian-ingredients
Hope that helps! I'm hungry now.
And thx to all of you. I'm happy to say i do own many of your recommended books so now all i have to do is READ and STUDY. It will get done eventually. I guess I'm starting with the Now, the cooking of it, because i've always admired Ram Dass(Be Here Now) at heart, and the past I will eventually get to :-}
Voted the Best Reply!
Claudia Roden, a cultural anthropologist turned cooking writer has spent most of a lifetime writing about the broad region. Any one of her books would probably go a long way to both answering your question and letting you explore on your own.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Book-Middle-Eastern-Food/dp/0375405062/ref=tmm_hrd_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1390576120&sr=8-1
http://www.amazon.com/Arabesque-Taste-Morocco-Turkey-Lebanon/dp/030726498X/ref=tmm_hrd_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1390576038&sr=8-1