Food has been a language of communication between individuals, communities, and even nations for as long as the world has existed. Whether we eat to live or are an avid foodie, we contribute to the deep-rooted culture of sharing and connecting through food in more ways than one. The interesting thing is that many cultures, with shared roots, enjoy similar food ideas, adding their unique spin to it.
One such food item is the famed kebab. Boasting a history that dates back several centuries, this dish is enjoyed worldwide – and different regions have their unique take on it, giving birth to novel kebab varieties.
But where did this journey begin, and how did the kebab travel so far and wide? In this article, we explore its origin, history, and culture… read on to learn interesting facts about your beloved food item!
What are kebabs?
Traditionally, kebabs consist of tender meat cuts, chopped and marinated in olive oil and a variety of spices, and grilled on skewers over an open flame. This method of preparation is what gives them their iconic smoky flavor. However, some types are baked in the oven, pan-fried, or cooked as a stew.
Kebabs are conventionally made from meat but in many cultures pieces of vegetables like tomatoes, onions, eggplant, and more, are alternated through the length of the skewer. The vegetarian shift in recent years has allowed a greater appreciation of the veggie mix kebab dishes and inspired more variations.
What’s great about kebabs is how everyone can customize the dish to their taste. No matter where you live, you can blend the meat with local spices and make your version of them. Not to mention, kebabs are super delicious and you can pair them with anything you feel like – rice, salad, or bread.
If you can get your hands on authentic ready-to-eat kebab products, it is also a quick-to-throw-together, exciting meal that fits any time and occasion. Serve them at a family dinner, or share with friends at a potluck. Wrap them up at lunchtime if you’re a work-at-home mom, or pack for a pick-me-up item for your kids’ school lunch.
The origin & history of kebabs
The origin of kebabs is not well-documented, but resources from the 9th and 10th centuries suggest kebabs have been common to the Mesopotamian, Persian, and Arab culinary legacies. Some also mention Anatolia, Turkey, as one of the kebab’s probable birthplaces. Many traditions tell stories of Persian and Turk soldiers in war, using their swords to grill meat over an open fire. And, if we trace the linguistic origin of the word “kebab”, its present-day variations also come from the same regions – the Persian “kebab”, the Arabic “kabab”, and the Turkish “kebap” – all referring to a variety of roasted meat dishes.
Interestingly, the archaeological excavations in Greece and Homer’s reference to kebab-like recipe favorites imply the idea may be so archaic, that it existed even in the 17th century BCE. Ancient Hindu texts from BCE also mention marinated meats roasted over an open fire. And, the American Heritage Dictionary suggests the word’s linguistic origin could date back to pre-historic times, wherein it implied “to burn, char or roast”.
Presumably, of Mediterranean origin, this meat delicacy has been historically popular in parts of the Mediterranean Basin, Middle East, Central Asia, and the Indian subcontinent. An integral part of the Ottoman Empire’s cuisine, it was also served in the royal houses of the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughals and equally enjoyed by the common folk as a breakfast item. In the 19th century, Turkish immigrants introduced Europe to the kebab, immigrants from Lebanon brought it to the U.S., and the kebab even traveled as far as Australia.
It is therefore not a surprise kebab is a ubiquitously popular food item in the 21st century, and people of all cultures are fans of its delectable variations.
Are you ready to read about some of the most beloved kebab types that transcend time and distance?
