Hummus
(Middle East, Ancient Times)
Chickpeas were mashed and mixed with garlic, lemon, and olive oil, creating a high-protein food that was easy to prepare. It became a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine.
Falafel
(Egypt, Ancient Times)
Egyptian Coptic Christians possibly created falafel as a meat substitute during fasting. Originally made with fava beans, chickpeas later became a common ingredient.
Couscous
(North Africa, 13th Century)
Berber communities accidentally steamed crushed wheat instead of boiling it, discovering that it created a light, fluffy grain that became a dietary staple.
Coffee
(Ethiopia, 9th Century)
A goat herder named Kaldi noticed his goats became more energetic after eating red berries from a tree. Curious, he tried them himself, and the stimulating effect led to the discovery of coffee.