Hi all! For this field note, I will be sharing with you the foods that I have eaten while in Jordan, especially those that are popular in this region. Jordanians love to cook, and I would consider it a love language of the country. Whenever you meet a Jordanian, they will almost always ask you to come eat at their home or in some way try to cook for you. One thing I learned very quickly during my time here is that Jordanians cannot cook simply for one person, and they will always cook in bigger portions and continuously serve you until you are stuffed. Jordanian foods are very balanced and typically contain a protein (usually a type of lamb or chicken), carbs and veggies. After meals, drinking tea is a popular practice, usually with a herb mixed in, as it helps the digestion of the food.
I was very lucky to be able to try mansaf during my second day here, as it is very popular and the national dish of Jordan. Mansaf is a lamb dish slow-cooked in a yogurt called jameed. After the lamb has been cooked, it is served on a large plate over rice, and served with a thin bread called shrak, garnished with pine nuts or sliced almonds. Since the dish is served in a larger portion, it is usually eaten by hand with many people, and everyone eats the portion that is closest to them.
