Try Food from Under the Ground (Zarb)

Food from Under the Ground (Zarb):

If you’re a foodie looking for a unique culinary experience, be sure to try the traditional Bedouin  dish of zarb during your visit to Wadi Rum. This intriguing cooking method involves burying a pot filled with meat and vegetables in a pit in the ground, and allowing it to slowly cook over hot coals for several hours. The result is a delicious and tender meal with rich, smoky flavors that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.Originally, the zarb was used to cook whole goats, chickens, and lambs, which were marinated with a special blend of spices and herbs before being placed in the pit. Today, however, many Bedouin families have adapted the recipe to include a variety of vegetables and other ingredients, including potatoes, carrots, onions, and tomatoes.To prepare the zarb, a shallow pit is dug in the ground and lined with rocks. A fire is then built on top of the rocks, and allowed to burn until the rocks are hot and the fire has died down. The meat and vegetables are placed in a large pot or tray, which is then covered with a lid and wrapped in several layers of cloth or burlap. The pot is then buried in the pit, and the whole thing is covered with sand and left to cook for several hours.When the cooking is complete, the pot is unearthed and the lid is removed to reveal a delicious and fragrant meal that is sure to delight your senses. The meat and vegetables are tender and flavorful, with a crispy exterior that is the result of the slow cooking process. The traditional Bedouin way to eat the zarb is to gather around the pot with family and friends, and use flatbread to scoop up the meat and vegetables.

In Wadi Rum, many tour operators offer the opportunity to experience the zarb firsthand, either as part of a traditional Bedouin meal or as a special picnic lunch in the desert. So be sure to add this unique culinary experience to your travel itinerary, and discover the rich flavors and traditions of Bedouin cuisine in Wadi Rum.