Pulses in Iraqi Cuisine

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Iraq is a West Asian country with Baghdad as its capital. It’s sandwiched between Turkey to the north, Iran to the east, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia to the south, and Jordan and Syria to the west. Iraq’s famously known as the “cradle of civilization” (Mesopotamia), and holds a rich history.

A Few Wonders of Iraq

1. The Ziggurat of Ur:  The Ziggurat of Ur is an ancient Sumerian temple complex in Nasiriyah, Iraq. Built around 2100 BC, this massive ziggurat was dedicated to the moon god Nanna. Its ruins whisper tales of Mesopotamia’s glorious past – you’ll feel history come alive walking through its ancient corridors.

2. Babylon:  Babylon, the ancient capital of Mesopotamia, is a must-visit in Iraq. This UNESCO World Heritage site boasts the famous Ishtar Gate, ruins of the Hanging Gardens, and the imposing walls that once defined a mighty empire. Walk in the footsteps of Hammurabi and Nebuchadnezzar!

3. The Marshes of Mesopotamia:  The Marshes of Mesopotamia, or Hawar Marshes, are Iraq’s wetlands paradise. Home to unique wildlife and traditional Marsh Arab communities, these marshes are a natural wonder shaped by the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. A boat ride here is like stepping into a different world.

4. Erbil Citadel:  Erbil Citadel, or Qalat Erbil, is a historic fortress in Iraqi Kurdistan. This ancient mound has been continuously inhabited for over 6,000 years, making it one of the world’s oldest settlements. Explore its narrow alleys and soak in the rich history and culture.

People of Iraq

Iraqis are a diverse nation with a rich cultural heritage. The population’s a mix of ethnic groups like Arabs, Kurds, Assyrians, and Turkmen, each bringing their own traditions and languages.

Hospitality’s a big deal in Iraqi culture, with food, family, and community playing a huge role. Despite historical challenges, Iraqis are known for their resilience and warmth, taking pride in their history and cultural contributions.

Traditional Dress of Iraq

Iraq’s traditional dress is a vibrant reflection of its culture. For men, it’s often a “dishdasha” (a long, usually white robe) with a “keffiyeh” or “hat” for headwear. Women typically wear colourful, embroidered outfits like the “abayeh” or “thobe” with intricate patterns, often paired with a headscarf. These traditional clothes highlight Iraq’s rich textiles and regional diversity, blending modesty with a flair for style.

Pulses and Recipes

Iraq’s pulse cultivation is pretty significant. The country grows chickpeas, lentils, and beans, mainly in the northern and central regions. Pulses are a key part of Iraqi cuisine, featuring in dishes like “kubba” and “tashrib” (a hearty stew). With its fertile land and irrigation from the Tigris and Euphrates, Iraq’s able to produce a decent yield of pulses, making them an important crop for local consumption and trade.

While searching for a pulse/lentil recipe from Iraq, we came across this simple yet comforting dish of red lentils and rice on Instagram by Ruhama. The comments were full of love and praise for the recipe, so we decided to try Iraqi Kitchri ourselves.

Iraqi Kitchri (Rice and Red Lentils)

This humble dish of rice and red lentils cooked with cumin, garlic, and caramelized onions is a staple in Iraqi homes. It’s simple, nourishing, and full of earthy flavour. The golden onion topping makes it extra special, and a spoonful of cool cucumber raita on the side takes it to the next level. Perfect for a cozy weeknight meal.

You need:

150 gm basmati rice

75 gm red lentils

1 large onion

2 garlic cloves

½ tsp cumin 

3 tbsp olive oil/ refined oil

Salt to taste

Method:

  1. Rinse rice and red lentils together under cold running water.
  2. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear.
  3. Drain well and set aside.

4. Peel the garlic and grate. 

5. Peel the onion, chop half the onion finely and slice the remaining half.

6. In a large pot, heat 1 tbsp refined oil over medium heat.

7. Add the chopped onion and half of the grated garlic. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant. 

8. Add the drained rice and lentils along with ½ tsp of salt. Sauté for another minute to lightly coat everything in oil.

9. Pour in about 3 cups of hot water and stir well. Once it comes to a boil, reduce the heat to the lowest setting.

10. Cover the pot tightly and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice and lentils are tender.

11. While the rice is cooking, heat 2 tbsp refined oil in a separate pan.

12. Add the sliced onions and remaining grated garlic. Sauté on low heat for a minute.

13. Add the cumin and continue cooking until the onions turn golden and crisp.

14. Once the rice is cooked, remove the lid and gently fluff it with a fork.

15, Pour the fried onions, garlic, and cumin with the oil over the rice. Mix well so the flavours coat everything.

Serve it hot with cucumber raita on the side.

To make the raita: Mix yogurt with finely chopped onion and cucumber, and season with salt.

Enjoy your Iraqi Kitchiri!

Happy reading and Heathy cooking!

Coming up next…. Pulses in Mediterranean Basin Cuisine.

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8 thoughts on “Pulses in Iraqi Cuisine”

  1. Love how simple ingredients like rice and red lentils come together to create such a nourishing dish. The recipe is beautifully explained and easy to follow. Thank you for sharing aai.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thank you so much for your kind words from Iraq, Protima! I’m so glad the simple rice and red lentils came together beautifully for you. Sending love all the way from our kitchen to yours.

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