What is a typical Middle Eastern breakfast?

A typical Middle Eastern breakfast includes small plates like hummus, labneh, olives, fresh vegetables, and warm bread. Hearty dishes such as ful medames or shakshuka are also common, creating a balanced and flavorful meal.

What is breakfast in Arabic culture?

In Arabic culture, breakfast is a communal and social event. It often involves sharing a variety of small dishes, symbolizing hospitality and togetherness. Traditional ingredients like olive oil, za’atar, and fresh produce are staples of this meal.

What do Lebanese have for breakfast?

Lebanese breakfasts often include manakish topped with za’atar or cheese, creamy labneh, foul (fava beans), and fresh pita bread. People typically serve these dishes with tea or Arabic coffee, along with fresh vegetables like cucumbers and tomatoes.

What are some traditional Middle Eastern foods?

Traditional Middle Eastern foods feature dishes like hummus, falafel, tabbouleh, baba ghanoush, and shawarma. People widely enjoy shakshuka, ful medames, and manakish for breakfast.

Can I make Middle Eastern breakfast at home?

Yes, many Middle Eastern breakfast dishes are simple to prepare at home. Ingredients like olive oil, fresh bread, eggs, and vegetables are easy to source. Dishes like hummus, shakshuka, or labneh are straightforward to make with minimal effort.

Is Middle Eastern breakfast healthy?

Middle Eastern breakfast is very healthy. It features fresh vegetables, legumes, olive oil, and protein-rich foods like eggs and yogurt. These ingredients provide essential nutrients, healthy fats, and balanced energy for the day.

Middle Eastern Breakfast: A Flavorful Journey to Start Your Day

Name: Shakshuka Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp paprika; 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes; 4 large eggs; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish; Crusty bread, for serving

Description

A hearty and flavorful Middle Eastern dish, Shakshuka combines poached eggs with a spiced tomato and bell pepper sauce.

Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner, it’s best served with crusty bread for dipping.

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp paprika
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
4 large eggs
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Crusty bread, for serving

Instructions

Prepare the Base:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add chopped onions and diced bell peppers. Sauté until softened (about 5–7 minutes).

Add the Aromatics:

Stir in minced garlic, ground cumin, and paprika.

Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Simmer the Tomatoes:

Pour in the diced tomatoes and season with salt and pepper.

Let the mixture simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.

Cook the Eggs:

Use a spoon to create small wells in the tomato mixture. Crack an egg into each well.

Cover the skillet and cook for 5–8 minutes, or until the eggs are set to your preference.

Finish and Serve:

Garnish with fresh parsley.

Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping.

Notes

Adjust the spice level by adding chili flakes or cayenne if you like heat.
For extra richness, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the dish before serving.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Breakfast/Brunch
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion (1 egg with sauce, approx. 1/4 of the recipe)
Calories: 220
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 480mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 10g
Cholesterol: 190mg

Keywords: Shakshuka, Middle Eastern Breakfast, Eggs in Tomato Sauce, Easy Breakfast Recipe