Asida is a type of simple wheat or semolina porridge dish that is commonly considered an Arab-inspired cuisine eaten in areas of Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. This dish, often served in a bowl, was generally eaten by hand in classical societies where it was originally enjoyed. The asida dish uses wheat, or in some cases, barley or other grains, along with flavoring ingredients like butter and honey.
In addition, some recipes for this dish use ghee, or clarified butter. Others substitute other sweeteners for honey. For example, some other variations of the dish will include date syrup or other sweeteners found in areas where the dish originated.
The culinary history of this dish dates back to the 13th century, and experts suggest it has had lasting appeal. Historians have identified various common uses for asida, including being a favorite for sustaining women in labor, and its use in various festivals and annual events. It was commonly a breakfast dish, according some to some experts in Arabic cuisine.
Regarding its specific origin, historians attribute the rise of asida to Muslim Andalucia, or southern Spain and parts of northern Morocco. Spain and Morocco share a border separated only by a thin channel of water, which helps to explain the intercontinental nature of dishes such as asida. Arab culture made a lasting impression in Andalucia, and areas of southern and central Spain, after Muslim conquest of much of the country.
Asida is not without its counterparts in other world cuisines. Porridge is a popular breakfast dish across England and areas of the European Union. In America, oatmeal tends to dominate. Other regions of the world use various local grains to form similar dishes.
In some parts of the world where asida and similar dishes are eaten, new research is pointing to some potential nutritional benefits of these types of foods. Scientists are suggesting that the fiber and other elements in some of these foods can help with issues like cholesterol. Also, contrasted with fatty r breakfast foods like eggs, sausage, and bacon, these grain based dishes are less high in these elements overall. The butter and honey in asida can lower the holistic health value by adding fat and sugar, but a balanced approach can still produce a relatively healthy result.