Egyptian food

Egypt was very dry, and relied mostly on the Nile River to water the crops, so the Egyptians could only grow certain kinds of food. Mainly they grew wheat and barley. The Egyptians made the wheat into bread and into soup and porridge.

For dessert, the Egyptians liked to eat dates. Dates were put into somebody's grave for them to eat in the next world, and which were preserved in the dry climate for three thousand years until archaeologists dug them up again.

Numerous varieties of fruits and vegetables were grown in irrigated gardens. Fruits included figs, grapes, plums, and dates. Archaeologists have also found seeds which show that the Egyptians grew watermelons, and other kinds of melon. They also grew pomegranates. Vegetables included beets, sweet onions, radishes, turnips, garlic, lettuce, chick peas, beans, and lentils. Sugar was unknown and the rich used honey to sweeten their food. The poor used dates and fruit juices.

People believe by art of the ancient Egyptian's feasting on the walls that these were popular recipes.

FUL MEDAMES

11/2lb dried ful or fava beans
(Can substitute with broad beans if unable to obtain above)

2-4 crushed cloves of garlic

Soak beans for 12 hours, put in pan, cover with fresh water, boil, simmer until tender. (Time depends on dryness of beans) Drain and add crushed garlic. Season and serve hot. Nice served with eggs.

Tiger nuts sweets

200g of fresh dates are blended with a little water. Then add a little cinnamon and chopped walnuts to taste. Shape into balls, coat in honey, ground almonds and serve.

Sources:http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/egypt/food/egyptfood.htm
http://www.primaryresources.co.uk/history/powerpoint/farm_egypt.swf
www.aldokkan.com/society/food.html
recipe:www.ancientnile.co.uk/recipes.php
garden pictures oaks.nvg.org/sa5ra5.htm/
Touregypt.net/featurestories/gardens