Another year is coming to an end and after years of pandemics and lockdowns, we have finally had a “normal” year, whatever that may mean. Be that as it may, the end of a year is a time for celebration, recalling the past, and looking forward to a new start. The traditions of New Year celebrations have been in place for a very long time and since they work well, tampering with them doesn’t seem worthwhile. That said, a little variety injected into the festivities adds a freshness to the atmosphere and ambiance, so why not try a new twist on the New Year feast? It's not hard, tastes great, will suit all dietary requirements, and is easy to prepare. Middle Eastern food is not just pita bread and Turkish delight. There is so much more to it and a few of these dishes will help to make a meal that people will recall well into the next New Year. 

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Also Read: Flavors of the Mediterranean: Your Ultimate Shopping Guide for Me

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Where to Shop

Getting the ingredients for the meal is not hard, and if you have a Middle Eastern grocery store near you, it’s a piece of cake. And if it’s a true gourmet grocery store, it will even have a deli from where you can pick up great food that you can simply place on the table, and be certain that it will be enjoyed. Look for a specialized Middle Eastern grocery near you or for one from where you can order online, and get started.

The Menu

The range and variety of food from the Mediterranean/Middle Eastern region is vast and suits just about all tastes. Best of all, it is easy to prepare and while it's not a factor that weighs heavily on the mind on New Year’s Eve, it is healthy. What follows are a few ideas that you could consider for your New Year menu. There is a lot more in terms of recipes that you could consider. All you need to do is search the internet for Middle Eastern recipes. Here are some ideas you can expand on.

• Hummus: No, this is not the normal hummus that is so popular which you find almost everywhere. This is not the generic red-pepper dip. This version is made with pomegranate molasses and harissa to add a tongue-tickling tangy sweetness to the dish. Serve it with paprika-coated pita crisps and it’s a winner. Use it as a snack, starter or as part of the main meal.
• Olives: Bowls of lemon, fennel and bay-scented olives placed around the room will give people something special to munch with their drinks. 

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Also Read: Turkish Appetizers Are Great with Any Meal

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• Lamb: Okay, it may not be a traditional New Year offering, but it’s a surefire winner for meat lovers. Cut the lamb into cubes (no need to brown the meat beforehand) and cook with chicken stock, pomegranate juice, paprika, cumin, garlic, ginger, coriander and cinnamon. Let it simmer and allow the scent to permeate the house – you’ll have mouths watering in no time.
• Couscous:This is not the usual couscous. The cooking technique is the traditional one but this uses cauliflower as the base and it is colored with turmeric, paprika and cumin with slivers of dried apricot stirred in.
• Salad: A Mediterranean salad of black-eyed peas and carrot rounds with a spice blend of rose petals (or rose water if the petals are not available), cardamom, coriander, black pepper and cinnamon will be light and refreshing and will add true variety to the meal.
• Dessert: The range of Middle Eastern sweets is vast and worth exploring. But if you want to play it safe, everyone will always love Turkish delight.

Use these ideas to get started on planning a New Year Feast that people will be talking about for many months.

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