Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure to the dazzling world of Middle Eastern cuisine? Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with an array of exotic flavors and aromatic spices that will transport you to the bustling markets and ancient streets of the region.
In this blog post, we will explore the best Middle Eastern recipes that have captured the hearts and palates of food enthusiasts around the world. From mouthwatering mezze platters to succulent kebabs and fragrant rice dishes, these recipes will surely ignite your passion for Middle Eastern cooking. So, grab your apron and let's dive into the vibrant and flavorful world of Middle Eastern cuisine!
1. Middle Eastern Chicken
Middle Eastern Chicken is a flavorful and juicy dish made with marinated chicken legs, yogurt sauce, and warm Middle Eastern spices. The combination of fresh veggies, herbs, and spices creates a unique and delicious flavor profile.
It pairs well with various sides such as Vermicelli rice and cucumber & tomato salad. This recipe is perfect for a filling and nutritious dinner.
2. One Pot Middle Eastern Chicken
One Pot Middle Eastern Chicken is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines turmeric-spiced chicken with aromatic basmati rice. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal, as it can be prepared quickly in just one pot.
The chicken is seared to perfection before being cooked with the rice, resulting in layers of bold flavors. Overall, this dish offers a healthy twist on traditional comfort food and is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
3. Muhammara Chickpea Skillet
Muhammara Chickpea Skillet is a quick and flavorful Middle Eastern dish that captures the essence of the classic Muhammara dip. With ingredients like roasted red peppers, chickpeas, walnuts, and spices, this skillet meal offers a rich and smoky flavor profile.
It can be served as a vegetarian entree or appetizer with pita or naan bread. The recipe is easy to make and perfect for those looking for a delicious and satisfying Middle Eastern dish.
4. Middle Eastern Syrian Salad
The Middle Eastern Syrian Salad is a flavorful and refreshing dish that combines crisp romaine lettuce, juicy tomatoes, crunchy radishes, sweet red peppers, and mild cucumbers. The salad is dressed with a tangy lemon juice and olive oil dressing, infused with the pungent flavors of fresh garlic and aromatic mint.
A sprinkle of za'atar adds a warm and savory touch to the salad. Overall, this salad is a delightful combination of textures and flavors that perfectly captures the essence of Middle Eastern cuisine.
5. Middle Eastern Kofta Kebabs
The Middle Eastern Kofta Kebabs are a delightful summertime treat that captures the rich flavors of the region. Made with ground beef, fresh parsley, diced onion, and a blend of spices, these kebabs are bursting with bold and aromatic tastes. Grilled to perfection, they offer a juicy and tender texture that is simply irresistible.
Served with homemade naan bread, tzatziki sauce, and fresh vegetables, these kebabs make for a satisfying and delicious meal. Whether you're a fan of Middle Eastern cuisine or looking to explore new flavors, the Kofta Kebabs are a must-try.
6. Lahm Bi Ajeen
Lahm Bi Ajeen is a delicious Middle Eastern dish that can be described as mini pizzas topped with a flavorful ground beef mixture.
The dough is thin and crispy, while the meat mixture is seasoned with pomegranate molasses, tomato paste, and spices, giving it a unique and tangy taste. These mini pizzas are quick to make and perfect for a snack or appetizer.
7. Mujadara
Mujadara is a classic Middle Eastern dish consisting of cumin-scented brown rice and lentils, topped with caramelized onions and served with garlicky yogurt. The combination of nutty rice, earthy lentils, and sweet-savory onions creates a mind-blowingly delicious flavor profile.
This simple yet satisfying dish is packed with protein and complex carbs, making it a perfect meal. The recipe offers slight variations, but toasting the rice is crucial for its nuttiness and fluffy texture. Mujadara is an easy-to-make dish that can be enjoyed throughout the week.
8. Lebanese Kebab-Kafta
The Lebanese Kebab-Kafta is a delicious Middle Eastern dish made with a blend of beef and lamb, flavored with fresh parsley, onions, garlic, and fragrant kafta spices. These oblong-shaped kebabs can be grilled, baked, or air fried, making them versatile and easy to prepare. The mix of spices adds a burst of flavor without overwhelming the dish.
This recipe is kid-friendly and can be enjoyed in various ways, such as in sandwiches or with a side of fries. The meat mixture can also be used to make meatballs or a meatloaf topped with tomato and potato slices. Overall, the Lebanese Kebab-Kafta is a must-try Middle Eastern recipe that is simple, juicy, and packed with flavor.
9. Middle Eastern Meatballs
These Middle Eastern meatballs are bursting with flavor and are incredibly easy to make. Seasoned with warm spices, including turmeric, cumin, and paprika, they have a deliciously aromatic taste. The addition of pine nuts adds a delightful crunch, while the bed of sumac-infused onions adds a tangy twist.
These meatballs are versatile and can be enjoyed with rice, in sandwiches, or as a protein-packed addition to salads. Overall, these Middle Eastern meatballs are a must-try for anyone looking to explore the flavors of the region.
10. Halva
Halva is a delightful Middle Eastern confection that is easy to make and requires only 5 ingredients. It is a sweet and tender treat with a rich nutty flavor, thanks to the tahini and pistachios.
The combination of flavors and textures in halva is truly satisfying. Whether enjoyed as a dessert at home or served at a party, halva is sure to impress with its unique taste.
11. Vegan Za'atar Tofu
The Vegan Za'atar Tofu is a Middle Eastern delight. The tofu is coated in a flavorful blend of spices including oregano, sumac, cumin, and sesame seeds, then baked to perfection.
It is served with a tangy herb yogurt sauce that complements the tofu beautifully. This dish is aromatic, healthy, and satisfying, making it a must-try for any Middle Eastern cuisine lover.
12. Arayes
Arayes is a delicious Middle Eastern dish consisting of stuffed pita bread filled with seasoned ground beef or lamb. The pita is then baked until crispy, creating a satisfying crunch.
This traditional recipe is easy to make and is a favorite in many Middle Eastern households. It can be enjoyed as a standalone meal or paired with refreshing salads and dips. Arayes is a must-try for those looking to explore the flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine.
13. Air Fryer Kofta Kebab
Air Fryer Kofta Kebab is a Middle Eastern dish made with juicy and flavorful minced meat kebabs. This recipe is perfect for appetizers, snacks, and main dishes. It's a quick and easy way to enjoy the taste of grilled kofta without a grill. The beef kofta is seasoned with garlic, onions, Greek seasoning, and sumac, giving it a delicious Middle Eastern flavor.
Cooking the kofta in an air fryer for 10 minutes at 350F results in perfectly cooked kebabs. Serve them on their own or with accompaniments like French fries, potato chips, rice, or tzatziki sauce. Overall, Air Fryer Kofta Kebab is a must-try recipe for anyone craving Middle Eastern flavors.
14. Za'atar
Za'atar is a versatile Middle Eastern spice mix that adds a tangy, herbal, nutty, and toasty flavor to any dish. Made with a blend of sumac, dried thyme, sesame seeds, dried oregano, sea salt, and dried marjoram, Za'atar can be used as an ingredient or sprinkled on top to enhance the taste of various Middle Eastern and Mediterranean recipes.
It is commonly used on bread, hummus, labneh, and in meat and vegetable marinades. With its unique flavor profile, Za'atar is a must-have spice mix for anyone looking to explore Middle Eastern cuisine.
15. Chicken Maqluba
Chicken Maqluba is a traditional Middle Eastern rice dish that is popular in Jordan, Palestine, Syria, and Iraq. It is made with chicken, cauliflower, eggplant, potatoes, and aromatic spices such as baharat or garam masala. The vegetables are fried to a golden brown before being layered with rice and chicken in a pot.
The dish is then cooked until the rice is fluffy and the flavors have melded together. Chicken Maqluba is typically served with plain yogurt and Arabic salad, adding a refreshing contrast to the rich and flavorful rice. This dish is a must-try for anyone looking to explore Middle Eastern cuisine.
16. Za'atar Spice
Za'atar Spice is a flavorful Middle Eastern spice blend that adds a unique tanginess to dishes. It is made with dried herbs like oregano or thyme, toasted spices like cumin and coriander, sesame seeds, salt, and sumac.
This versatile spice can be used as a rub for meats, sprinkled over dips like hummus or baba ganoush, or added to roasted vegetables. It is a must-have for anyone looking to add Middle Eastern flavors to their cooking.
17. Beef Shawarma
Beef Shawarma is a popular Middle Eastern street food that is packed with flavor. The beef is thinly sliced and marinated in a tangy and aromatic blend of spices, including homemade Shawarma spice blend. The addition of tahini paste adds a nutty flavor to the dish.
Once cooked, the beef is served in a wrap or pita bread with a variety of toppings such as garlic sauce, hummus, fresh vegetables, and pickles. This recipe is a delicious and satisfying option for a homemade weeknight dinner.
18. Chicken Shawarma
Chicken Shawarma is an incredibly tasty Middle Eastern dish that will transport you to the streets of the Middle East. This recipe offers an authentic marinade with exotic Middle Eastern spices, resulting in a shawarma that is unlike any other.
The chicken is tender and flavorful, infused with a tangy and slightly sweet marinade. Whether grilled or oven-baked, this effortless recipe delivers amazing results. Served in warm pita bread, Chicken Shawarma is a must-try for those craving a taste of the Middle East.
19. Chicken Shawarma Marinade
The Chicken Shawarma Marinade is a Middle Eastern-inspired recipe that adds incredible flavor to grilled, roasted, baked, or shredded chicken. It incorporates unique spices like sumac, which gives it an authentic taste.
The marinade is easy to make and can be used for various cooking methods. It is a crowd-pleaser and pairs well with salads, wraps, tzatziki, and hummus. Overall, this marinade is a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy the delicious flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine.
20. Middle Eastern Lentil Soup
Middle Eastern Lentil Soup is a flavorful and nutritious dish that combines the distinct spices of turmeric and cumin. Made with red split lentils, this soup can be enjoyed as a side or a light meal. The combination of cumin and turmeric gives it a unique Middle Eastern flavor.
The recipe is easy to make on the stovetop, requiring just a few basic ingredients. Quick-cooking red lentils create a creamy texture without the need for blending. Overall, Middle Eastern Lentil Soup is a simple and delicious option for lentil lovers.
21. Beef Kafta
Beef Kafta is an easy and authentic Lebanese dish made with ground beef, parsley, onion, and simple spices. It can be cooked in the oven or on the grill, resulting in a flavorful and juicy meatball-like texture.
Served with Lebanese Vermicelli Rice and a side of yogurt, it makes for a satisfying and complete meal. Whether you're a fan of Middle Eastern cuisine or new to it, Beef Kafta is a must-try recipe that is sure to impress with its delicious flavors.
22. Lebanese Slaw
Lebanese Slaw is a refreshing and addictive Middle Eastern side dish made with crunchy cabbage, fresh herbs, lemon, garlic, and scallions. It's a simple yet spectacular combination of flavors that pairs well with grilled chicken shawarma, falafels, or Zaatar Meatballs.
The slaw is traditionally made with mint, parsley, and dill, and dressed with lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. It can be customized with seasonal ingredients like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or radishes. Overall, Lebanese Slaw is a delicious vegan option that adds a burst of flavor to any Middle Eastern feast.
23. Authentic Middle Eastern Chicken Shawarma
The Authentic Middle Eastern Chicken Shawarma is a flavorful and delicious dish that showcases the traditional flavors of the Middle East. Marinated in a blend of spices, including Aleppo pepper, shawarma spices, paprika, ginger powder, garlic powder, and black pepper, the chicken breast becomes tender and juicy.
The addition of olive oil, yogurt, mayo, and fresh garlic further enhances the flavors. Served in a tortilla or Shrak bread, and paired with Middle Eastern pickled cucumbers and turnips, this chicken shawarma is a must-try for those seeking an authentic Middle Eastern culinary experience.
24. Middle Eastern Zaatar
Middle Eastern Zaatar is a versatile and aromatic spice blend commonly used in Middle Eastern cuisine. It typically consists of sumac, thyme, sesame seeds, and optional herbs like oregano, cumin, and marjoram.
This flavorful blend is often mixed with olive oil and spread over a dough to create a delicious zaatar bread. The bread can be topped with cheese, olives, or red pepper flakes for added taste. The aroma of freshly baked zaatar bread is truly comforting and makes it a must-try recipe for any Middle Eastern food lover.
25. Creamy Yogurt Garlic Sauce
Creamy Yogurt Garlic Sauce is a Middle Eastern condiment that adds a burst of flavor to dishes like Doner Kebabs, Shawarma, Kofta, Souvlaki, and Falafels.
Made with Greek yogurt, minced garlic, and lemon juice, this sauce is creamy, tangy, and packed with garlic goodness. It is a versatile sauce that can also be used as a dip for vegetables or a pizza crust. The simplicity of the recipe allows for easy preparation at home.
26. Middle Eastern Eggplant
The Middle Eastern Eggplant recipe is a delightful dish that showcases the flavors of the region. Roasted eggplant is paired with a creamy tahini yogurt sauce and garnished with pomegranate arils. It can be served as a side dish or as an impressive appetizer.
The combination of sumac, garlic, and tahini creates a burst of Middle Eastern flavors that is both satisfying and delicious. This recipe is versatile and can be enjoyed year-round. Overall, the Middle Eastern Eggplant is a must-try for anyone looking to explore Middle Eastern cuisine.
