Mangal (barbecue) facts for kids
A Mangal is a special kind of barbecue popular in the Middle East. It can mean the grill itself, or the fun get-together where people cook food outdoors.
What Does "Mangal" Mean?
The word "mangal" comes from the Arabic word manqal. This word means "portable."
Long ago, Bedouin people used manqal as small, portable heaters. They used them to keep warm in their tents on cold desert nights. Being able to move their heaters and other things easily was important for the Bedouin. They often traveled from place to place.
Today, most people use modern heaters. But the word "mangal" still means a fun outdoor cooking event. It's when families and friends gather to grill food.
What Food Do You Cook on a Mangal?
People use a mangal to grill many kinds of meat. Popular choices include steak, hamburgers, kebab, and shashlik. Chicken wings and chicken breasts are also often cooked.
Besides grilled meat, mangal meals usually include other tasty foods. These can be roasted vegetables, fresh salads, and other cold dishes.
