Traditional Egyptian Recipes - 8 Must Try Dishes in Egypt

14 Mar, 2024

Egypt, a country with a history as rich as its culinary palette, offers a gastronomic experience that is both ancient and vibrant. The traditional dishes in Egypt are a testament to the country’s long-standing love affair with food, a crucial part of its cultural heritage. From the bustling streets of Cairo to the tranquil banks of the Nile River, Egyptian cuisine is a fusion of flavors that have been shaped by centuries of history, trade, and tradition.

 

Pharaonic Era to Modern Table

 

The journey of Egyptian cuisine dates back to the Pharaonic era, where staples like bread and beer were central to the diet. Hieroglyphs depict the harvesting of wheat and scenes of baking, indicating the importance of these foods in ancient times. Today, this tradition continues with bread remaining a central element of every Egyptian meal, that you can enjoy during our 2 Days Trip to Cairo.

 

Egypt’s Famous Plates: A Taste of Tradition

 

In the heart of every Egyptian city and town, the essence of tradition can be tasted in the famous plates that have been cherished for generations. These traditional dishes in Egypt are not just meals; they are stories told through spices and flavors, each bite a testament to Egypt’s rich culinary legacy. Here, we present a selection of Egypt’s most renowned plates, inviting you to savor the history and soul of Egyptian cuisine.

  • Ful Medames: This fava bean dish is often enjoyed as a hearty breakfast, seasoned with cumin, garlic, and lemon juice.
  • Ta’meya (Falafel): These deep-fried balls made from ground fava beans are a popular street food, often served in pita bread with tahini.
  • Shawarma: Though not originally Egyptian, shawarma has found a home in Egypt, with spiced meat grilled on a spit and served with vegetables and garlic sauce.
  • Baba Ghanoush: A delicious dip made from roasted eggplants, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and various seasonings
  • Fattah: A special occasion dish, fattah combines pieces of flatbread with rice, meat, and a garlic-tomato sauce.

 

Read more about the Alabaster Mosque

 

3 Must Try Traditional Dishes in Egypt

 

Koshari: Egypt’s Comfort Food

Considered the national dish, Koshari is a hearty meal that combines lentils, rice, pasta, and chickpeas, topped with a spicy tomato sauce and crispy fried onions. It’s a dish that tells a story of Egypt’s history, incorporating ingredients introduced by various cultures over the centuries.

Mahshi: Stuffed Delights

Mahshi refers to a variety of vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and grape leaves stuffed with a flavorful mixture of rice, herbs, and spices. This dish showcases the Egyptian knack for turning simple ingredients into a celebration of flavors.

Molokhia: A Green Soup

Molokhia, a green leafy vegetable, is cooked into a soup that is both nutritious and flavorful. Often served with rabbit or chicken, it is a dish that has been savored since ancient times and continues to be a beloved comfort food.

 

Molokhia: One of the most traditional Egyptian recipes

 

Ingredients:

  • 10 cups of dry Jews Mallow Leaves (or 5 cups hydrated or fresh/frozen)
  • ¼ cup of ghee (or vegetable oil)
  • 17 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 bunches of cilantro, finely chopped
  • 4 teaspoons of salt
  • 1 tablespoon of dried coriander
  • 2 lemons, juiced
  • 2 whole chicken breasts
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 5 cloves
  • ½ onion
  • 1 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil

 

Instructions:

Prepare the Chicken: In a large pot, add the chicken breasts, bay leaves, cloves, half an onion, and black pepper. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken, reserve the broth, and shred the chicken.

Cook the Molokhia: In a separate pot, heat the ghee or oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until golden. Stir in the chopped cilantro and dried coriander, cooking until fragrant.

Combine: Add the Jews Mallow Leaves to the pot with the garlic and cilantro mixture. Pour in the reserved chicken broth, stirring well. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the leaves are tender and the flavors have melded.

Final Touches: Stir in the lemon juice and shredded chicken. Adjust the seasoning with salt and

pepper to taste. Let it cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Serve: Serve the Molokhia hot, traditionally over a bed of rice or with Egyptian bread on the side.

 

Read more about the desserts of Egypt

 

Horizon Travel: Your Gateway to Culinary Adventures

 

As you immerse yourself in the flavors of Egypt, let Horizon Travel be your guide. Our trips to Egypt 2024 not only include visits to historical landmarks but also offer culinary tours that allow you to taste these traditional dishes in Egypt, and their authentic settings. Experience the magic of Egypt as you dine under the stars in a Bedouin camp or enjoy a meal on a felucca sailing down the Nile.