Sephardi cuisine

Sephardi cuisine is a diverse collection of culinary traditions that evolved among the Sephardi Jews. These Jews are the descendants of the Jewish communities of the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal), many of whom were expelled in the late 15th century. The cuisine is influenced by the places the Sephardi Jews eventually settled, including the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and North Africa.

History

The origins of Sephardi cuisine can be traced back to the Jewish communities of medieval Spain and Portugal. The expulsion of the Jews from these countries in the late 15th century led to a diaspora, with Sephardi Jews settling in various parts of the world. The cuisine evolved over time, incorporating elements from the host cultures while maintaining its unique Jewish character.

Characteristics

Sephardi cuisine is characterized by its use of fresh, local ingredients and a variety of spices. Common ingredients include olive oil, honey, fresh fruits and vegetables, and a variety of meats and fish. The cuisine is also known for its wide range of breads and pastries, many of which are baked in a communal oven.

Dishes

Some of the most popular Sephardi dishes include bourekas, flaky pastries filled with cheese or other fillings; shakshuka, a dish of eggs poached in a spicy tomato sauce; and sufganiyot, a type of jelly doughnut traditionally eaten during Hanukkah. Sephardi cuisine also includes a variety of stews, such as cholent, a slow-cooked stew traditionally eaten on the Sabbath.

Dietary laws

Like all Jewish cuisine, Sephardi cuisine adheres to the dietary laws of kashrut. These laws dictate what foods can be eaten and how they must be prepared. For example, meat and dairy products cannot be mixed, and certain animals and their by-products are forbidden.

Influence

Sephardi cuisine has had a significant influence on the cuisines of the countries where Sephardi Jews have settled. This is particularly true in Israel, where Sephardi dishes have become an integral part of the national cuisine.

See also

• Ashkenazi cuisine
• Mizrahi cuisine
• Jewish cuisine