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Arabic 101

Arabic Word of the Day

Shami and Levantine Dialect

Arabic:

'At-shaan (m)

English:

Thirsty

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Coffee Coffee production was commercialized in Yemen by the year 1400.

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Recipe

Ftat, an Ancient Libyan Flatbread

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Found in Misrata and Jebel Nafusa, Ftat (فتات) is an ancient Libyan Amazigh flatbread that originated within western Libya’s agricultural communities. The bread is made of a simple mix of flour and water and cooked on a hot flat surface. Its thin, layered technique distinguishes it within Libyan cuisine. Despite its long history, it remains largely unknown outside both regions. Arab America Contributing writer, Nourelhoda Alashlem, outlines the historical background and preparation method. Read more for the full history and recipe.

Bound by Asida: A Shared Dish Across Continents

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By: Nourelhoda Alashlem / Arab America Contributing Writer Asida (also known as Aseed or عصيدة) is a traditional grain-based dish shared across Southwest Asia and Africa, particularly in Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, and across North Africa, including Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, and Sudan. The dish is eaten directly by hand from a single communal bowl, … Continued

5 Unique and Simple Ways to Dress Up your Manakeesh

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By: Monica Haddad / Arab America Contributing Writer Hailing from Lebanon, Manakeesh are a popular flatbread eaten throughout the Arab world, especially for breakfast. Manoushe is traditionally flatbread dough topped with cheese or Zaatar (thyme mix). We all know Mankeesh is delicious, it is perfect just the way it is, I will not argue against … Continued

Rewriting the Music Playbook: Harget Kart’s Art of Fusion

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By: Yara Marei / Arab America Contributing Writer Imagine a band that takes the ordinary, lights it on fire, and from the ashes creates something extraordinary. This is Harget Kart—a name that, in the Arabic Jordanian dialect, means “to burn a photo card.” Just as their name suggests, Harget Kart has set the conventional boundaries … Continued

Chickpeas and Checkpoints: Hummus in the Shadow of Arab-Israeli War

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By: Yara Marei / Arab America Contributing Writer Food has a unique way of bringing people together, and celebrating it will make you enjoy your meal and feel grateful to receive grandma’s recipes generation after generation. So can you imagine that this great moment of grace and pleasure can be easily stolen, just like the … Continued

From Tradition to Triumph of Michael Rafidi

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By: Yara Marei / Arab America Contributing Writer Palestinian cuisine is a rich reflection of the region’s cultural traditions, emphasizing communal dining and the importance of family. Traditional cooking techniques are central to their culinary heritage, such as slow cooking in earthenware pots, marinating meats with aromatic spices, and baking bread in taboon ovens. Each … Continued

Egg or Dairy Allergy? Try Vegan Basbousa

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By: Alison Norquist / Arab America Contributing Writer Likely originating in Egypt, basbousa is a semolina cake soaked in rose water syrup. Going by many names throughout the Middle Eastern region. The sweet combination of semolina flour, butter and yogurt, and almonds or other nuts has been a Ramadan staple for centuries. This basbousa recipe, … Continued

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