Saudi Arabia is commonly known for its amazing culinary heritage and diverse food culture.
As home of many incredible foods in the world, Saudi Arabia dishes are based on their cultural heritage.
Some of the popular ingredients in Saudi Arabia cuisine includes spices, chicken, lamb, yogurt, potatoes, bread, and dates.
Similarly, Saudi Arabia dishes are much-loved by citizens and those on pilgrimage because, it plays a pivotal role in many bodily functions.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia is located around Middle Eastern parts of Asian country; Its source of revenue is mainly on crude oil export and agriculture.
Let’s explore 15 popular Saudi Arabia food & Health Benefits
1. Kabsa
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Kabsa is a fantastic traditional food of Saudi Arabia. It is highly celebrated in this region because of it’s a nutrient-dense food.
To cook Kabsa you need varieties of spices, rice, meat, and vegetables. It is eaten with raisins, almonds, and side of yogurt.
Interestingly, Kabsa contains protein, carbohydrates, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, calcium, selenium, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, copper, antioxidant.
2. Mandi
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A spicy rice dish commonly prepared in Saudi Arabia. Its one of the popular dish sold in Saudi restaurants and streets.
Mandi consists of tender meat like chicken, lamb, or fish prepared with rice.
Traditionally, the meat is marinated with spices and then slow-cooked, leading to a flavorful and aromatic dish.
3. Shawarma
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Saudi Arabia shawarma, consists of sliced marinated chicken or lamb wrapped in a flatbread with tahini sauce, vegetables, pickles, and garlic sauce.
There is no doubt that Saudi Arabia shawarma has high protein content, vitamins, minerals, dietary as well as bioactive compounds.
4. Mutabbaq
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It is prepared by stuffing a thin pastry with a combination of minced beef or chicken, onions, and spices.
5. Jareesh
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Jareesh can be refer as a national dish, made from cooked wheat grains. It is cooked by a mixture of chicken or Lamb, seasoned with spices.
Jareesh has a porridge-like consistency when it is done. Incorporating jareesh regularly gives you a generous amount of nutrients like vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, fat and antioxidant.
6. Harees
It is specifically reserved for the holy month of Ramadan. The traditional dish is made by combining ground wheat and chicken, or lamb.
Be sure you allow the meat and grains to tenderise and gives a porridge-like consistency when cooking Harees.
People often enjoy Harees owing to the abundance of nutrients and phytochemical such as dietary fibre, protein, minerals, vitamins and antioxidant.
7. Saleeg
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Saleeg is a staple food widely consumed in Saudi Arabia. It consists of rice, chicken, milk and varieties of spices. Saleeg is often seasoned with nuts, raisins, and served as a comforting main course.
Saleeg is an excellent source of protein, calcium, magnesium, potassium, vitamin E, vitamin A, omega-3 fatty acids, copper, zinc, vitamin C, and natural compounds.
8. Ruz Al Bukhari
This is a popular rice dish, originated from Bukhara. It is served with roast chicken, tomatoes sauce, and ingredients such as cinnamon, cumin, cardamom, and star anise.
Ruz Al Bukhari houses numerous nutrients like protein, dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, selenium, zinc, iron, potassium, magnesium, carbohydrates.
9. Tamiya or falafel
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Tamiya served as a staple food in many Asian cuisines. It often mixed with khubz and served as sandwiches.
Tamiya consists of eggplant, pickles, and tomatoes and sliced boiled eggs. These make it a store-houses of protein, vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber and antioxidant.
10. Ful wa Tameez
A popular breakfast dish, commonly eaten during early stage of Ramadan fasting.
Containing mashed fava bean dip and thick bread; though some ingredients like clove, garlic, tomatoes, onions, and spices. It is eaten with flatbread, olive oil, and fresh herbs.
There are presence of nutrients including, protein, Vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, potassium, magnesium, zinc, copper, dietary fiber.
11. Gahwa
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Gahwa is highly reverred and consumed extensively in Saudi Arabia. In terms of welcoming visitors, Gahwa is superb.
While enjoying the amazing taste of the coffee, ingredients like ground roasted coffee beans joined with cloves as well as cardamom are used in preparation of Gahwa.
Some of the ingredients found in Gahwa are vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, and antioxidant. This helps promote immune system and aid digestion.
12. Kunafah
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You can either prepare kunafah with semolina or shredded phyllo and stuffed with cheese filling.
However, you may need talk to a dietician or health practitioner prior consumption of kunafah if you’re diagnosed of heart-related diseases as it contains high fat content and carbohydrates.
13. Dajaj Mashwi
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This is a rich source of protein and vitamins as it is prepared from chicken breast with varieties of spices.
Specifically, the spicy barbecue contains paprika, red chili powder, black pepper, sumac, and zaatar.
Eating with garlic sauce, and rice in order to obtain all the nutrients in the food groups.
14. Sambusak
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Sambusak is eaten as snacks; consists of cheese, ground beef, and chicken.
15.Tharid
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People consume generous amount of tharid especially during the holy month of Ramadan. It is delicious spicy lamb mixed with vegetables.
In terms of nutrients and phytochemical that promote overall well-being of the body, tharid can be recommended confidently.
Popular Saudi Arabia food Health Benefits
Source of Energy: people consume Saudi Arabia foods to obtain energy in order to carry out many functions. Its serve as fuel to the body. Always consume recommended amount daily.
Promote immunity: Lack of nutrients and bioactive compounds are thought to increase risk of weak or poor immune system, whereas adequate intake of essential nutrients help strengthen your immune system. Saudi Arabia food contains vital nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin A, protein, dietary fiber, iron and antioxidant
Moderate cholesterol: many of the Saudi Arabia foods are loaded with dietary fiber, vitamin E, selenium and natural compounds. Research has indicated that these nutrients can regulate cholesterol levels as they can reduce absorption of cholesterol, cholesterol oxidation as well as prevent build up. Some of them decrease bad cholesterol and systematically increase good cholesterol.
May prevent heart disease: consume foods rich in vitamin E, magnesium, selenium, vitamin C, quercetin, flavonoid, capsaicin, may assist improve your heart. Science has revealed that they support in overall well-being of the body.
Inhibit cancerous growth: Another reason people eat some Saudi Arabia foods is cancer prevention, the presence of antioxidant helps reduce factors linked to cancer.
Conclusion
Saudi Arabia foods are numerous and provide nutrients that helps promote immune system.
Be sure you talk to a dietician or health officer before consumption of any food, if you’re diagnosed of heart-related diseases.
15 popular Saudi Arabia food & Health Benefits; shawarma, Tharid, Sambusak, Kabsa, Ruz Al Bukhari etc
