Rich, aromatic and healthy – these are three words that best describes your favorite Middle Eastern Foods. It is not wonder why a lot of people all over the world have fallen in love with Middle Eastern dishes. In a matter of months, the demand for cuisines from this part of the world has skyrocketed and for very good reasons.

Which among the numerous Middle Eastern Foods is your favorite?

• Would you go for the rustic yet simple dishes like the m’jadarrah, also known as the lentil stew? Though referred to as the poor man’s stew, this dish is prepared with slow cooked lentils with caramelized onions with a zesty cabbage side dish.
• How would you love to get a taste of the Kkshik? This porridge is made of fermented yogurt. The burghul is sun-dried for seven days or more before it is ground into really fine powder. This popular dish is soothing to the soul. Though it is not that popular and its taste may not be something you like in the beginning, you’d learn to love it once you have acquired its taste.
• Hummus is the chickpea spread that can be best with bakes potatoes or with a piece of the traditional pita bread. Most old people would prefer the mixture that comes with more garlic.
• The Manakeesh is the pizza of the Middle East. This round bread is filled with ground meat, cheese and zaatar. It has become the perfect dish for breakfast or lunch foods.
• Grilled Halloumi are mini slabs of goat or sheep milk. Unlike the other type of cheeses that you enjoy, these went through the all-natural process, without the use of bacteria or acid in its preparation.

Which of these have you tried? Not only are they deliciously tempting, but they are usually made from fresh, wholesome ingredients that you do not have to worry about your diet. Whenever you are in San Diego, don’t forget to drop by Aladdin Café to get a taste of these and other deliciously healthy Middle Eastern dishes.

Heart disease is the number one killer of Americans, along with diabetes and other chronic illnesses.  According to a recent research, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts and grains, olive oil, fish and even a bit of wine is the best way to combat such health conditions. The Mediterranean Diet is known to be a heart-smart diet that also helps in maintaining a healthy weight.  In fact, research done on about 1.5 adults, over an extended period of time, shows that traditional Mediterranean diet decreases the risk of heart disease, certain cancers, Alzheimer’s and even Parkinson’s disease.

The basics of a Mediterranean diet is quite simple and easy to find. It includes a healthy amount of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, olive oil, beans, herbs and spices in each and every meal. For protein, you can include a portion of fish, lean chicken or a small serving of red meat. Yogurt and some low fat cheese along with drinking lots of water and a glass of red wine is also recommended daily.

What makes the Mediterranean Diet work is that it covers all the requirements for healthy eating while being packed with flavor. Mediterranean cuisine is rich in flavor from olive oil, fresh fruits and vegetables, delicious grilled meats, the occasional red wine and piping hot naan or pita breads and flavorful rice dishes. These are things we generally would not have a problem eating, trying out the cuisine is actually a delicious adventure in itself.

For a healthier heart and a happier stomach, visit us at Aladdin Mediterranean Restaurant where every bite is an unforgettable culinary experience!

Hummus is a Middle Eastern dip that is taking America by storm.  According to the U.S. food retailers report, what used to be a $5-million dollar business a little more than a decade ago, has now blossomed into a $530-million hummus industry. There’s a pretty good reason for. First, it has a creamy texture and an addictively delicious taste. Second, hummus is a nutritional powerhouse.

This simple dip made from chickpeas, olive oil, tahini, lemon juice and salt packs a whole lot of punch, pair it with warm pita or other flatbread and you’ve got a winner. Not a big hummus fan? Well, here are some pretty good reasons to start picking up a hummus habit.

1. It lowers cholesterol and reduces heart disease . Chickpeas, the main ingredient of hummus, has a very high fiber content. Compared to other sources, chickpeas contains about a third of soluble fiber that lowers LDL-cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglycerides. Chickpeas are also rich in Omega-3 fatty acids namely polyunsaturated fatty acids and alpha-linoleic acids, known to be good for the heart. In addition to the chickpeas, the olive oil in hummus is also rich in monounsaturated fats that reduces artery-clogging lipids in the blood. Including hummus in your daily diet can significantly lower cholesterol levels and reduce cardiovascular risks.

1. It is a cancer-fighting super food. The insoluble fibers found in chickpeas provide extra amounts of energy to colon cells, keeping them strong, active and healthy. This means lower risk of colon problems, including colon cancer. Meanwhile, olive oil is also rich in anti-oxidant polyphenols and lipid oleic acids known to reduce inflammation and fight certain cancers.

1. It promotes weight management and busts belly fat. Hummus is rich in protein, stomach-filling fiber and slow digesting carbohydrates. That means when you snack on hummus, you stay fuller and more satisfied for longer periods. The protein and good fat in hummus gives a good energy boost, increases the body’s fat burning potential, helps curb cravings and even balances blood sugar levels.

Hummus is indeed a great addition to your diet, however it is also important to remember to watch your portions and be careful what you pair it with. Whole wheat pita, flat breads and raw veggies are excellent choices, crispy bacon, not so much. Enjoy other hummus varieties like sundried tomato or basil hummus, if you are buying from a store, make sure you get the ones with extra virgin olive oil or fat-free yogurt.