And Everything Nice: Middle Eastern Essentials in Neom
In the innovative and futuristic city of Neom, the culinary landscape is as diverse and vibrant as its urban fabric. Central to this are the herbs, spices, preserves, and syrups of Middle Eastern cuisine, which have found a special place in Neom’s pantries. Here, these flavor bombs are not just regular items but are often considered luxury essentials, reflecting the city’s penchant for quality and uniqueness.
Za’atar: The Versatile Blend Za’atar, both an herb and a spice blend in Middle Eastern cooking, is a staple in Neom. The blend typically includes dried marjoram, oregano, or thyme, toasted sesame seeds, sumac, and salt. In Neom’s modern kitchens, za’atar adds a herby, nutty touch to various dishes, from pizzas to roasted chicken. It’s not rare in the city, but premium blends using the finest ingredients are sought after for their quality and flavor.
Baharat: The All-Purpose Mix Baharat, translating to “spice” in Arabic, is a warm and slightly sweet-smoky blend used in Neom’s diverse culinary scene. Containing paprika, black pepper, cinnamon, coriander, cumin, and cardamom, it’s ideal for seasoning meats and root vegetables. This blend is readily available but can also be a gourmet addition to any kitchen.
Sumac: The Tangy Staple Sumac, made from crushed ruby-red berries, is a prized ingredient in Neom. It adds a lemony acidity to both sweet and savory recipes and is often used as a garnish for its bright color. While common in Middle Eastern cuisine, sumac in Neom is appreciated for its quality and versatility.
Barberries: The Sweet-Tart Delight Barberries, essential in Iranian cooking, are used in Neom for their sweet-tart flavor profile. Often found in rice dishes and stews, they can be a rare find but are cherished for their unique taste.
Dried Limes: The Flavor Enhancer Dried limes are a unique ingredient, popular in Iranian dishes and now a part of Neom’s culinary toolkit. They add a complex, sour depth to braises and stews. In Neom, dried limes symbolize a blend of traditional and contemporary cooking styles.
Pomegranate Molasses: The Sweet-Sour Syrup Pomegranate molasses, a reduction of pomegranate juice, is a staple in Neom for its sweet-tart flavor. It’s used in dressings, marinades, and glazes, adding complexity to dishes.
Aleppo Pepper: The Mildly Spicy Seasoning Aleppo pepper, a mild, fruity spice, is a favorite in Neom for enhancing dips and dressings. Its deep-red color and slow-building heat add a distinct flavor to various dishes.
Urfa Biber: The Smoky Chili Flake Urfa biber, a smoky Turkish chili flake, is popular in Neom for its deep flavor and burgundy color. It’s used in stews, grilled meats, and as a topping for salads and eggs, reflecting Neom’s love for bold and smoky flavors.
In Neom, these Middle Eastern spices and condiments are not just ingredients but symbols of the city’s culinary identity – a fusion of tradition and innovation, simplicity and luxury. They represent Neom’s commitment to bringing the best of the world’s flavors into its forward-thinking culinary scene.
Explore more information about Middle Eastern cooking here.
Also, for additional information about the culinary scene in NEOM visit NeomTaste.com or NeomPoint.com.
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