12 Dishes That Are Much Older Than We Realized

The world is full of delicious dishes that have been around for centuries and have remained unchanged despite the ever-evolving food industry. In this article, we will examine 12 significantly older dishes than you might think.

Pancakes

Pancake and honey
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Pancakes are a breakfast staple in many cultures, and it’s no surprise that they have been around for thousands of years. The earliest records of pancakes can be traced back to the ancient Greeks, who made them from wheat flour, olive oil, honey, and curdled milk. They were often served at religious ceremonies and believed to have special powers.

Tamales

Tamales
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Tamales are a popular dish in Mexican cuisine that has existed since the Aztecs. The word “tamale” comes from the Nahuatl language, meaning “wrapped food,” which describes how this dish is made.

Corn dough is wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves and steamed, creating a delicious and portable meal. Tamales were often used as a currency in ancient times and are still enjoyed today for their flavorful and filling nature.

Sushi

Sushi
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Sushi may seem modern, but it has existed since the 8th century in Japan. Initially, it was a way of preserving fish by wrapping them in fermented rice. Over time, sushi evolved into the more recognizable form we know today, with various fish and vegetables used as fillings. Sushi has become a global phenomenon and is widely loved for its combination of flavors and textures.

Curry

Chickpea Curry
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Curry, a versatile dish, exhibits remarkable variations across regions and cultures. Its roots can be traced back over 5,000 years to India, where it originated. “Curry” comes from the Tamil word “Kari,” meaning sauce or gravy. Many different spices are used in curries, creating a complex and flavorful dish. Curry has since spread to other parts of the world, with each country adding its own.

Cheesecake

Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars
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Cheesecake is a dessert that has existed since ancient Greece. The earliest cheesecake was made with a mixture of cheese, honey, and wheat flour and served at weddings and religious ceremonies. Cheesecake has many variations today, from New York style to fruit-topped versions.

Noodles

instant noodles
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Noodles are a staple in many Asian cuisines, but their origins can be traced back to China over 4,000 years ago. Noodles were made by hand and served in soup or stir-fried with various meats and vegetables. In recent times, noodles have achieved worldwide acclaim, with different types and styles enjoyed worldwide.

Tacos

tacos
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Tacos have been around since the Aztecs. The word “taco” originated from the Nahuatl word “Tlahco,” meaning “half or in the middle.” Tacos were made with tortillas filled with meat and vegetables and served as an easy-to-eat meal for workers.

Kebabs

kebab
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Kebabs are a popular street food in many Middle Eastern and Mediterranean countries, but their origins can be traced back to ancient Persia. The word “kebab” comes from the Persian word “Kabāb,” meaning grilled meat. Kebabs were made with skewered chunks of meat cooked over an open fire, creating a smoky and flavorful dish that continues to be enjoyed today.

Falafel

Falafel
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Falafel is a Middle Eastern dish made from ground chickpeas, fava beans, and spices, shaped into balls or patties and deep-fried. This dish has been around since ancient Egypt, with the earliest recorded recipe dating back to 1000 BC. Falafel was often served as a vegetarian alternative during Lent and is now enjoyed worldwide as a delicious and filling street food.

Pot Pie

Chicken Pot pie
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Pot pie is a comfort food that has existed since medieval times. Originally, pot pies were made with a crust of flour and water filled with various meats and vegetables. It was often served during feasts and banquets but has become popular at home for its hearty and satisfying nature.

Sausages

canned sausage
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Sausages have been around for thousands of years and can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome. “Sausage” comes from the Latin word “salsus,” meaning salted or preserved. These early sausages were made with minced meat, spices, and grains.

Popcorn

Jiffy Pop Popcorn
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Popcorn has been a beloved snack since the 16th century, but its origins are much further. Archaeologists have found evidence of popcorn in Peru over 6,000 years ago. Native Americans also used popcorn for ceremonial purposes and decoration. Today, popcorn is a movie theater treat or a healthier chip alternative.

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This article was produced on Health Makes You.

Yvonne Alieme

Yvonne Alieme is a passionate writer dedicated to reviving society's reading culture. She strives to inspire and educate others through her work, and her commitment to promoting literacy and knowledge-sharing makes her a valuable contributor to the community.

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