Central West Asia: Location
Central West Asia, which includes Iran and Iraq, has a vibrant culinary tradition deeply rooted in its geographic location.
This historic region is bordered by Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan, the Caspian Sea, and Turkmenistan to the north, Afghanistan and Pakistan to the east, the Persian Gulf, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia to the south, and Jordan and Syria to the west.
Pulse Cultivation and Culinary Traditions
Central West Asia features a mountainous and arid landscape where pulses have been cultivated since the dawn of agriculture.
In this zone, chickpeas, lentils, and beans are commonly grown, often in rotation with wheat and barley to naturally enhance soil health.
Adapted to semi-arid conditions, these crops thrive through a mix of climate resilience and local irrigation practices. Beyond their role in agricultural sustainability, pulses serve as a vital source of plant-based protein in regional diets. At this immense cultural crossroads, they form the backbone of iconic comfort foods that have been shaped by centuries of historical trade routes. These regional food habits illustrate how versatile ingredients like red lentils and chickpeas seamlessly absorb aromatic spices and fresh herbs to create deeply nourishing, communal meals.
We’ll first cover Iran then go to Iraq.
Happy reading!
Coming up next… Pulses in Iranian Cuisine
*******
Dal On The Table 