How to Make a Delicious Arab Breakfast Recipe
My dearest readers, it is a pleasure to share with you one of my favorite breakfast recipes – Our Arab Breakfast (With Gluten Free Option), a recipe that is sure to make your taste buds dance with joy. As a nutritionist and food blogger, I always try to create recipes that are healthy and packed with flavor. This particular recipe is no exception.
Whether you are looking for gluten-free options or naturally gluten-free recipes, this recipe has got you covered. It’s perfect for anyone who needs to follow a gluten-free diet, but also for those who simply enjoy Middle Eastern cuisine. The dish is versatile and can be customized to suit your personal preferences.
In this recipe, we will be using feta cheese, halloumi cheese, and cream cheese to create layers of flavor that will explode in your mouth. We will also be using aromatic cardamom pods and lemon to give the dish a delightful fragrance. If you prefer vegan options, don’t worry, I have included some substitutions for you as well.
This dish is perfect for starting your day off right or for a lazy weekend brunch with friends and family. So grab your aprons and let’s get started on creating this delightful Middle Eastern breakfast!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
My dearest readers, I am delighted to share with you a recipe that will surely awaken your senses and satisfy your cravings. I present to you our Arab Breakfast – a delightful and mouth-watering Middle Eastern breakfast that will leave you energized and craving for more.
What makes this recipe stand out is its versatility and gluten-free option. Whether you are sticking to a gluten-free diet or simply love trying new dishes, this recipe is perfect for all who seek to start their day with a nutritious meal that’s rich in flavor and aroma.
This breakfast is a celebration of the Middle Eastern culture wrapped in one dish. With feta cheese, cream cheese, earthy cardamom pods, and tart lemon zest, each bite will transport you to the bustling streets of Morocco or Lebanon. It’s a combination of flavors that will sing in your palate and invigorate your mind.
Moreover, this dish is incredibly easy to make, taking just under 30 minutes to prepare. I promise it’s an experience you don’t want to miss- from the exciting sizzle of halloumi cheese being fried in olive oil to the satisfying crunch of aromatic Manakish flatbread fresh out of the oven.
So if you’re looking for a delicious breakfast recipe that’s inspired by the Middle East, offers gluten-free options and an explosion of flavors, then look no further. Properly fueled by our Arab Breakfast, you’ll be ready to take on any adventure that comes your way!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make our Arab Breakfast recipe (with gluten-free options):
For the Dough:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour (for gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend)
- 2 tsp of white sugar
- 1/2 tsp of salt
- 2 tsp of active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup of lukewarm water
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
For the Filling:
- 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese
- 1 cup of grated or crumbled halloumi cheese
- 1/4 cup of cream cheese
- Juice of half a lemon
- 4 cardamom pods, crushed (optional)
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup of melted butter or olive oil
- Heavy cream (optional)
Note: You can also add and experiment with other toppings such as caramelized onions, black olives, or sun-dried tomatoes.
The Recipe How-To
Now, it’s time to get cooking! Follow these simple steps to make our delicious Arab breakfast dish:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour (or gluten-free all-purpose flour, for a gluten-free option)
- 2 tsp of white sugar
- 2 tsp of active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup of warm water
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- A pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup of cream cheese
- 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup of grated halloumi cheese
- 2 tbsp of melted butter
- Juice of half a lemon
- A few crushed cardamom pods
Instructions:
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In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, yeast and salt.
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Add the warm water and olive oil to the bowl and mix well until a dough forms.
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Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
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Place the dough in a clean, oiled bowl and cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise until it doubles in size, about an hour.
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Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
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In another bowl, mix together the cream cheese, feta cheese, halloumi cheese, butter, lemon juice and cardamom pods.
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Roll out the risen dough on a floured surface into a rectangular shape.
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Spread the cheese mixture over the dough evenly.
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Roll up the dough from one end like a jelly roll and pinch the ends to seal.
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Cut the rolled dough into slices about ½ inch thick and place them on a greased baking sheet with some space between them.
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Bake for about 20 minutes or until the rolls become golden brown.
Enjoy your delicious Arab breakfast gluten-free** or not depending on your choice!
These savory rolls are perfect for starting your day right, and they’re great for any meal of the day!
Substitutions and Variations
Have you ever wondered if there was a way to switch up the ingredients in your breakfasts without sacrificing any of the delicious flavors? Well, fear not my dearest readers, as I have a few substitutions and variations for you that can make this Arab Breakfast recipe uniquely yours.
For those with gluten-free diets, look no further than using gluten-free all-purpose flour instead of regular all-purpose flour. With this simple switch, you can still enjoy this recipe all while sticking to your dietary needs.
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try substituting the feta and halloumi cheeses with dairy-free alternatives such as tofu or soy-based cheese. Additionally, replace the butter with a vegan butter substitute or coconut oil for a subtle flavor boost.
For those who are looking to add a little extra flair to their breakfast routine, try adding in some cinnamon rolls or pairing it with Arabic rice dishes. Or if you’re feeling adventurous change it up altogether and go for a different dish from around the middle east like shakshuka or waffles.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and make this recipe work for you. Remember, food is meant to be enjoyed and savored with every bite. So go ahead and give it your own twist!
Serving and Pairing
The Arab Breakfast is one that’s fit for royalty and perfect for starting your day on a high note. The cuisine of the Middle East is bursting with flavors and colors, making for an incredibly satisfying meal that can be served in many ways.
One way to serve this breakfast is by laying out a beautiful platter topped with freshly chopped herbs, juicy tomatoes, crumbly feta cheese, and creamy hummus. Accompanying this would be soft pita bread or crunchy toast – whichever you prefer! You could also add a side of fresh fruits like grapes, oranges, or dates to add some sweetness to the plate.
Another option would be to serve our gluten-free Manakish (Arabian flatbread) along with our Arab Breakfast sides as toppings. This will make for a fun interactive meal where guests can customize their own Manakish with their favorite toppings.
You could even incorporate this dish into your weekly brunch menu by pairing it with cinnamon rolls, waffles or other classic breakfast fare. The Arab Breakfast also pairs well with Arabic rice dishes like Kabsa or Mujadara.
For lunch options, you can turn leftovers from the Arab Breakfast into salads or nourishing bowls by adding avocado, leafy greens and bright flavors like lemon juice. Cold cuts of meat such as roast beef or turkey also work great as part of the platter or perfectly cooked boiled eggs if you want to add some protein.
Whatever pairing you choose, the Arab Breakfast will always start your day off right!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
My dear readers, I understand the struggles of our busy lives and the demands it puts on household chores. So, I have taken great care to develop this recipe with make-ahead, storing and reheating options in mind to make your mornings a little easier. I assure you, you can relax now and enjoy your breakfasts without having to worry about needing to cook fresh food every day.
You can prepare and store the dough for the manakish ahead of time. Simply wrap it up tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge. If stored properly, it will last for up to two days, saving you precious morning minutes.
When craving a warm meal for breakfast, take the dough out of the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature before continuing with the recipe.
Once baked, manakish can be stored at room temperature for one day or refrigerated for up to three days. To reheat them, simply pop them in a preheated oven set at 350 F (175 C) for five minutes or until they are warmed through.
If you have any leftover shakshuka from your breakfast spread, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It can be reheated on the stovetop with an additional splash of water if needed.
In addition, if you are a vegan or have dietary restrictions such as gluten sensitivity or lactose intolerance, feel free to substitute any ingredients with alternatives that align with your needs. The recipe will still taste delicious.
I hope my make-ahead and reheating tips have made breakfast preparation less strenuous and more enjoyable for you. Happy cooking!
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure that you get the best possible results from this Arab Breakfast recipe, I have compiled some essential tips that I believe will be helpful for your cooking process.
1. When working with gluten-free all-purpose flour, it’s a good idea to incorporate xanthan gum, as it can help to bind the ingredients together and create the right texture.
2. If you want to make dairy-free or vegan-friendly versions of this recipe, you can use plant-based cream cheese instead of regular cream cheese and feta cheese. There are also many delicious vegan halloumi substitutes available in grocery stores nowadays.
3. To make sure that your dough doesn’t stick to the rolling pin, dusting it with gluten-free flour before rolling would be a smart move.
4. Use fresh lemon juice when making the dressing for your salad. This will add extra flavor to your salad and enhance the overall taste of your breakfast.
5. While cooking the breakfast wrap, make sure that the wrap is slightly thick but not too thick because a thick wrap will ruin the crispy texture of this recipe.
6. Before serving, sprinkle chopped herbs such as parsley or mint over the tomato salad to add freshness and extra flavor.
7. If you want a sweeter option, use honey as a substitute for sugar when making cardamom syrup. However, remember to adjust the quantity according to taste preference.
8. For an even more Middle Eastern twist on this breakfast recipe, try using pita bread instead of wrapping it in plastic wrap for an authentic experience.
By following these tips and tricks, you’ll have a delicious gluten-free and dairy-free breakfast that’s perfect for starting your day off right in no time!
FAQ
Before you embark on preparing our Arab Breakfast, let me address some common questions that might be running through your mind. I’ve gathered frequently asked questions and their answers to help guide you and ensure that you enjoy a flawless breakfast experience. Without further ado, let’s dive into our FAQ section.
What Lebanese food is gluten-free?
Lebanese cuisine offers a plethora of delicious gluten-free options. From stuffed vine leaves to hummus, the Lebanese have perfected their recipes using ingredients that are naturally free of gluten. “Yakhneh,” a common stew made with cooked vegetables and rice, is another staple dish that is safe for those who are gluten intolerant. Just be sure to avoid adding barley to the mix.
Does hummus have gluten in it?
While hummus is typically considered to be gluten-free, some brands contain wheat or are made on equipment that also processes wheat. It’s important to check the label or reach out to the manufacturer to ensure that the hummus you consume is safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Arab Breakfast recipe has brought a delightful Middle Eastern flavor to my kitchen, and I can assure you that it will do the same for you. The combination of savory cheese, rich spices, and tangy lemon juice creates a symphony of flavors that is sure to start your day off right.
Moreover, by offering gluten-free options, this recipe is accessible to all who want to enjoy a delicious and healthy breakfast regardless of any dietary restrictions. Whether you are following a gluten-free or vegan diet or just looking for some flavorful new options for breakfast, this recipe has got you covered.
So why not give this Arab Breakfast recipe a try? With its naturally gluten-free ingredients and rich Middle Eastern spices, it is sure to bring some excitement and flavor to your breakfast table. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you!
Our Arab Breakfast (With Gluten Free Option) Recipe
Ingredients
BREAKFAST TEA
- 3 orange pekoe tea bags (I use Tetley tea bags)
- 2 1/2 cups water
- heavy cream (or half-and half)
- 6 teaspoons white sugar (to taste)
- 7 cardamom pods, crushed slightly
CHEESE PREPARATION
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (A good quality please!)
- halloumi cheese (Haloom, Arabic, hellim -Turkish)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (to be gluten free I use white rice flour or a mix with tapioca starch in 1/2 the amount)
- 1 lemon, cut in half
THE REST
- 1 large pita bread (1 bag, Do NOT use if gluten free)
- rice crackers (optional, for the gluten free)
- 1/4 cup butter, sliced
- yogurt cheese balls in oil or goat feta cheese, sliced
- assorted gourmet olive
- hummus (homemade or store bought, ours tends to be the later)
- assortment fresh fruit, cut up into chunks (lovely sprinkled with orange blossom water & sugar if needed)
Instructions
- Heat water & cardamom pods covered in a pot until boiling.
- Drop in tea bags and simmer covered for about 1 1/2 minutes add sugar to taste along with the cream and keep simmering and adjusting cream to your desired amount not worrying about the fat content, only the taste 🙂 This is called breakfast tea or you could use, Recipe #286617. Serve in regular tea cup/mugs.
- Now slice the haloumi cheese into thick slices and rinse with water. Do not dry.
- Place the flour on a flat surface and dip each piece of haloumi cheese to coat all sides in a light fashion. You may use just half the package.
- Heat the olive oil on medium high and fry cheese slices until lightly golden reducing the heat as needed.
- Remove to a plate and place halved lemon around it to squeeze on top while eating.
- Place butter, cheeses, gourmet olives, hummus drizzled with some extra virgin olive oil, the fruits (lovely sprinkled with orange blossom water & sugar if needed if wished) on their own plates or in bowls.
- Lay this all out on a low table or blanket/newspapers on the floor. This is both traditional and Islamic to sit on the floor while eating.
- Lay out spoons for the fruit and heat the bread until warm with your preferred method just before serving.
- Scoop up cheeses etc in bread pulled in half. (That's the way to do it traditionally) I serve rice crackers to as we are gluten free.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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