Jordanian food is a flavorful journey rooted in centuries of history, blending influences from ancient civilizations. From the communal joy of sharing Mansaf to the vibrant street food such as hummus, Jordanian recipes tell stories of hospitality, diverse flavors, and a rich cultural heritage.
Jordanian food is like a delicious story of the past. It's a mix of flavors influenced by ancient civilizations, such as the Nabataeans and Ottomans, who once called the region home. Jordan's location on old trade routes added a dash of variety, with spices and cooking styles making their way into its kitchens. So, every bite of Jordanian food is like savoring a piece of history, where diverse flavors and warm traditions come together on your plate.
As a Jordanian, the food is quite similar to the food in the surrounding region called the Levant, which includes places like Lebanon and Syria. They all share common flavors and dishes like falafel and kebabs. But each of this country, including Jordan, adds its own twist to these shared dishes, making them a bit unique.
Common Ingredient used in Jordanian Food
Here are the common ingredients that are used in Jordanian Cooking:
- Lamb: A popular meat in Jordan, lamb is often used in dishes like Mansaf, kebabs, and stews, imparting a distinctive and savory flavor.
- Rice: A staple in many Jordanian meals, rice serves as a base for dishes like Mansaf and Maqluba, absorbing the flavors of the accompanying meats and spices.
- Yogurt: Often used in both savory and sweet dishes, yogurt is a key ingredient in sauces, marinades, and desserts. Jameed, a dried yogurt, is specifically used in the traditional dish Mansaf.
- Olive Oil: Considered a cornerstone of Jordanian cooking, high-quality olive oil adds richness and depth to salads, meats, and various dishes.
- Spices (Cumin, Coriander, Cinnamon, Cloves): Aromatic spices play a crucial role in Jordanian cuisine, enhancing the flavors of meats, rice, and stews.
- Chickpeas: Found in dishes such as falafel and hummus, chickpeas provide protein and a nutty flavor to various Jordanian recipes.
- Flatbreads: A common accompaniment to meals, flatbreads are used for scooping up dips, wrapping grilled meats, and serving as a side.
- Fresh Herbs (Mint, Parsley): Herbs add freshness and brightness to Jordanian dishes. Mint and parsley are often used as garnishes or incorporated into salads.
- Sumac: This tangy spice is used to season salads, meats, and rice dishes, adding a unique citrusy flavor.
- Eggplant: Often featured in dishes like Maqluba and various stews, eggplant contributes a meaty texture and absorbs the flavors of the dish.
- Garlic: A staple aromatic, garlic is frequently used to add depth and intensity to Jordanian dishes.
Frequently Asked Question
1. What makes Jordanian street food distinctive, and which street foods are popular among locals and visitors alike?
Jordanian street food is known for its variety. Popular choices include falafel, a deep-fried chickpea patty, and shawarma, which is grilled meat wrapped in flatbread. People love these tasty treats on the go.
2. What are the commonly spices used in Jordanian recipes and how they contribute to the unique flavors of the dishes?
Jordanian recipes use spices like cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and cloves to add flavor. These spices make the food taste unique and delicious.
3. How do Jordanians typically celebrate with food during special occasions, and are there specific dishes associated with festivities?
During special occasions in Jordan, people celebrate with Mansaf, the national dish, and other festive foods. It's a time for families and friends to come together, enjoy good food, and create happy memories.
4. Could you share some insights into the influences that have shaped Jordanian cuisine over time and contributed to its diverse culinary heritage?
Jordanian cuisine has been influenced by many cultures over time, like the Nabataeans, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans. These influences shaped the way Jordanians cook and the ingredients they use, creating a diverse and flavorful food culture.
5. Are there vegetarian options in Jordanian cuisine?
Absolutely! While meat dishes are prevalent, Jordanian cuisine also includes delicious vegetarian options like falafel, stuffed grape leaves (warak enab), and various salads, providing a diverse range for vegetarians.
Now I have explained the brief introduction, here are the top 20 Jordanian Food recipes that you can make at home:
Here are the 20 delicious Jordanian Food Recipes that you can make at home or try as a tourist while in Jordan. From the national dish of Jordan- Mansaf, to a street food hummus.
Jordanian Mansaf Recipe
Mansaf, a traditional Jordanian dish, comprises lamb meat, fragrant yellow rice, and flavorful yogurt. It holds the status of Jordan's national dish and is frequently enjoyed at family events and special celebrations.
Beef Kofta Kebab
The Beef Kofta Kebab recipe presents an Arabic-style minced meat dish, combining Middle Eastern spices, ground meat, and green herbs. This flavorful creation is a favorite street food in the Middle East, commonly served with spiced rice or flatbread, accompanied by a side of white yogurt garlic sauce.
Chicken Molokhia
Chicken Molokhia is a classic Arabic green stew created by simmering molokhia leaves with chicken, garlic, assorted herbs, and spices. The chicken is cooked in a flavorful broth until tender. Dry molokhia leaves are introduced to the broth, infusing it with their distinctive earthy flavor. Typically accompanied by Arabic white rice or pita bread, this dish is widely found In Egypt, Lebanon and Jordan.
Chicken Maqluba
The Maqluba Recipe, a renowned dish in Palestinian and Jordanian cuisine, features spiced rice combined with fried cauliflower, eggplant, potatoes, and meat. In Arabic, Maqluba (Makloubeh or Maqlooba) translates to "Upside Down," as the pot is flipped directly onto a large plate during serving.
Zaatar Bread (Zaatar Manakish)
The Zaatar Bread Recipe is a Levantine zaatar bread infused with a blend of zaatar spices. Commonly referred to as Zaatar Manakish or Manakeesh in the Middle East, this dish showcases the aromatic herb-infused goodness of zaatar.
Spinach Fatayer Recipe
Spinach Fatayer, a Middle Eastern spinach pie, boasts a filling of onions, sumac spices, and olive oil. Known as "fatayer sabanekh" in Arabic, this dish is a popular breakfast option among Middle Eastern locals, showcasing the delightful flavors of spinach and aromatic spices.
Cheese Fatayer Recipe
Cheese Fatayer is a Middle Eastern pasty that is blend of feta and mozzarella cheese with parsley, encased in a savory pie. This popular dish serves as a flavorful breakfast or snack enjoyed in Lebanon, Jordan, and various other Middle Eastern countries.
Beef Galayet Bandora
The Galayet Bandora Recipe presents a sautéed tomato dish blended with onion, olive oil, chopped beef, and potatoes. This traditional Jordanian breakfast fare is typically enjoyed with flatbread/pita bread or rice.
Cheese Manakish
Cheese Manakish is a baked Arabic flatbread topped with a delightful combination of mozzarella and cream cheese. This popular dish is enjoyed across the Levant and Middle Eastern countries, making it a common breakfast choice.
Khubz / Kuboos
Kuboos Bread is an Arabic flatbread crafted from whole wheat flour, distinguishing it as a healthier alternative due to its high fiber content. This type of flatbread, also known as pita bread, aligns with a nutritious choice.
Makdous Recipe (Pickled Eggplant)
Makdous, a Levantine recipe, involves stuffing eggplants with a mixture of walnuts, garlic, and red chili pepper, then curing them in olive oil. This well-loved eggplant dish is commonly enjoyed for breakfast or dinner in Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria.
Traditional Arabic Salad Recipe
The Arabic Salad Recipe is a classic Middle Eastern salad combining cucumber, tomatoes, parsley, olive oil, and sumac spices. Often served as a side dish, this flavorful salad complements main meals, particularly those featuring meat and rice dishes such as Maqluba.
Kofta Tahini Recipe
Kofta Tahini, a Middle Eastern recipe popular in Jordan that contain ground beef kofta, is immersed in tahini sauce and baked. This Arabian kofta stands out with its juicy, saucy, and meaty qualities, surpassing the typical kofta. Tradition dictates serving it with pita bread, although it pairs well with rice as an alternative.
Fasolia Recipe (Arabic Bean Stew)
Fasolia, a Middle Eastern delight, combines dry beans, beef cubes, coriander leaves, and tomato sauce in a delectable Arabic beef stew. Widely enjoyed in Jordan, Lebanon, and Iraq, this popular dish is ideally served with rice for a satisfying meal.
Kousa Mahshi
Kousa Mahshi, a Levantine dish, consists of stuffed zucchini filled with a flavorful mixture of ground beef, rice, and various spices, all cooked in a luscious tomato sauce. This renowned Middle Eastern dish is a perfect choice for family gatherings, showcasing a harmonious blend of ingredients.
Malfouf (Stuffed Cabbage Rolls)
Malfouf, a Middle Eastern delight, comprises Stuffed Cabbage Rolls filled with a mixture of rice, ground beef, herbs, and spices. Regarded as one of the finest cabbage recipes, it offers a satisfying solo dining experience. This cabbage roll is a culinary gem found in Lebanon, Jordan, and other Levantine countries.
Warak Enab (Stuffed Grape Leaves)
Warak Enab is a Levantine specialty cherished in Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria. It showcases grape leaves filled with a flavorful mix of rice, ground beef, and an assortment of spices and herbs. This wholesome and nutritious dish stands out as a satisfying option, perfect for solo enjoyment and perhaps enhanced with a refreshing touch of lemon.
Falafel Recipe
Falafel is a beloved Middle Eastern dish made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, mixed with herbs and spices, and deep-fried into crispy, flavorful balls or patties. This iconic street food is often served in pita bread, wraps, or salads, accompanied by tahini sauce or yogurt-based dressings. Falafel is a widely enjoyed vegetarian or vegan option, renowned for its delicious taste and crunchy texture.
Roasted Aubergine Dip (Baba Ganoush)
Aubergine Dip entails Middle Eastern roasted eggplant blended with tahini, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and parsley. This dish is commonly referred to as Baba Ganoush in the Middle East.
Hummus Recipe
Hummus is a popular Middle Eastern dip or spread made from mashed chickpeas blended with tahini (sesame paste), olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. This creamy and flavorful mixture is a versatile dish that can be served as a dip for pita bread or vegetables, or as a spread in sandwiches and wraps. Hummus is appreciated for its smooth texture and the harmonious combination of savory and tangy flavors, making it a staple in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines.
Loved this article. We are travelling to Jordan later this year and i was keen to cook some traditional things to get us excited! Cannor wait to try some of these recipes!
Awesome. I am sure you will enjoy in Jordan. Its an amazing country.
I absolutely love Jordanian food and these recipes are a must try! I can't wait to try them all!
Thanks, Gianne.
What a wonderful collection of recipes. I love trying out new recipes and I cant wait to make a Jordanian meal!
Thank you Lima.
My husband and I love trying foods from different cultures. I don't think we've ever specifically explored Jordanian foods, thought we've had a few on this list. Saving this to dig even deeper and try some really new-to-us dishes. They all sound really good!
Thanks Lauren.
Such a fantastic collection of recipes! I especially love the Cheese Fatayer and Malfouf. Yum!
Thanks Tara.