10+ Middle Eastern Recipes to Savor and Share

Middle Eastern cuisine is known for its rich flavors and diverse ingredients. Exploring these recipes can bring a burst of color and taste to your meals.

From fragrant spices to fresh vegetables, Middle Eastern dishes offer something for everyone.

You can enjoy a variety of meals, from warm stews to light salads. Each recipe reflects the culture and history of the region.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, you’ll find plenty of inspiration here.

1) Shakshuka – Poached eggs in spicy tomato sauce

Shakshuka is a vibrant and flavorful dish from the Middle East. It features poached eggs cooked in a spicy tomato sauce.

This dish is simple to prepare and packed with nutrients. You will need fresh ingredients like tomatoes, bell peppers, and spices.

The warmth from the spices brings a delightful kick to the sauce. Serve it with warm bread to soak up the sauce.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 4 eggs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add diced onion and bell pepper; cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in garlic, paprika, and cumin; cook for 1 minute.
4. Add tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Make small wells in the sauce and crack an egg into each well.
6. Cover and cook until the eggs are set, about 5-7 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
7. Season with salt and pepper, then garnish with parsley.

2) Authentic Chicken Shawarma

Authentic chicken shawarma is a delicious meal that you can easily make at home. You will love the blend of spices that brings out great flavors in the chicken.

To prepare, marinate the chicken with spices like cumin, coriander, and paprika. The marination helps the chicken become juicy and flavorful.

Cook it on a grill or stovetop for a nice char. Serve chicken shawarma with fresh vegetables, like tomatoes and cucumbers, and wrap it in flatbread.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken thighs
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon coriander
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix olive oil and spices.
2. Coat the chicken thighs in the marinade and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
3. Preheat your grill or stovetop to medium-high (about 375°F/190°C).
4. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until done.
5. Slice the chicken thinly and serve.

3) Baked Falafel with herbs

Baked falafel is a healthy way to enjoy Middle Eastern flavors. This version uses chickpeas and fresh herbs for a wonderful taste.

Gather chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, garlic, cumin, and coriander. These herbs add freshness and depth to your falafel.

Baking instead of frying makes it a lighter choice. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for optimal baking.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried chickpeas (soaked overnight)
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for drizzling

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Drain and rinse the soaked chickpeas.
3. In a food processor, combine all ingredients, and blend until mixed but not smooth.
4. Form the mixture into small balls or patties.
5. Place them on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

4) Lemony Lebanese Tabbouleh

Lemony Lebanese Tabbouleh is a fresh and vibrant salad. It combines bulgur wheat, fresh herbs, and a bright citrus dressing.

Start with finely chopped parsley and mint. Add diced tomatoes, cucumber, and onion for crunch.

The key to its flavor is a generous amount of lemon juice and olive oil. Toss everything together and let it sit so the flavors blend.

Serve it chilled for a refreshing taste.

Ingredients

• 1 cup bulgur wheat
• 2 cups parsley, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup mint, finely chopped
• 1 cup tomatoes, diced
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the bulgur wheat and soak it in water for 30 minutes.
2. Drain and press out excess water.
3. In a large bowl, combine the bulgur, parsley, mint, tomatoes, cucumber, and onion.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well.
6. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.

5) Classic Hummus with Tahini

Classic hummus is a creamy dip made with tahini. It’s perfect for spreading on pita bread or using as a veggie dip.

To make hummus, use chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. These ingredients blend together to create a smooth texture and rich flavor.

You’ll enjoy the freshness of the lemon with a hint of garlic.

Ingredients

• 2 cans (15 ounces each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 cup tahini
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1/3 cup lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a food processor, combine chickpeas, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. Add olive oil and salt, then blend again.
4. If needed, add a little water for desired consistency.
5. Serve with a drizzle of olive oil on top.

6) Beef Kofta Kebabs

Beef Kofta Kebabs are easy to make and full of flavor. These skewers combine ground beef with spices.

Mix ground beef with onions, garlic, and warm spices. Shape them onto skewers.

Grilling adds a nice char. Serve these kebabs with sides like rice or fresh salad.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix ground beef, onion, garlic, parsley, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Shape the mixture onto skewers.
3. Preheat your grill to medium-high (about 400°F or 200°C).
4. Grill the skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through.
5. Serve warm with your favorite sides.

7) Middle Eastern Mujadara (lentils and rice)

Mujadara is a classic Middle Eastern dish made with lentils, rice, and caramelized onions. This recipe is simple and hearty.

You need just a few ingredients. Cook the lentils and rice together for a flavorful base.

Caramelized onions on top add sweetness and depth. Serve Mujadara with yogurt or a simple salad.

Ingredients

• 1 cup lentils
• 1 cup rice
• 2 large onions
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cups water
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the lentils under cold water.
2. In a pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Slice the onions and add them to the pot. Cook until caramelized.
4. Add lentils and water, then bring to a boil.
5. Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
6. Add rice, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 20 minutes.
7. Serve topped with caramelized onions.

8) Vegan Shakshuka with Peppers

Vegan shakshuka is a healthy dish you can enjoy for breakfast or brunch. It’s made with a sauce of tomatoes, peppers, and spices.

Start by sautéing onions and garlic in a pan. Add chopped bell peppers and cook until soft.

Stir in diced tomatoes and spices like cumin and paprika. Use silken tofu to create the egg-like texture.

Gently add tofu to the sauce and let it simmer. Serve warm with crusty bread.

Ingredients

• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 bell peppers, chopped
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 block silken tofu
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan.
2. Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant.
3. Add bell peppers and cook until soft.
4. Stir in diced tomatoes and spices.
5. Gently add silken tofu and let simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve warm with bread.

9) Fatteh with yogurt and spiced beef

Fatteh with yogurt and spiced beef is a delicious Middle Eastern dish. It combines crispy pita bread, seasoned ground beef, and creamy yogurt sauce.

Start by preparing the beef with spices like cumin and paprika. Layer crispy pita chips on a serving dish and add the spiced beef on top.

Drizzle yogurt sauce over the beef. Add nuts and fresh herbs for extra flavor.

Serve warm and enjoy the mix of textures and tastes.

Ingredients

• Pita bread
• Ground beef
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Yogurt
• Garlic
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Fresh herbs (like parsley)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bake pita bread until crispy.
3. Cook the beef with cumin, paprika, and salt in a skillet.
4. Mix yogurt with minced garlic and a pinch of salt.
5. Layer crispy pita, spiced beef, and yogurt sauce.
6. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve.

10) Tunisian Couscous with Vegetables

Tunisian couscous with vegetables is a hearty and flavorful dish. It features fluffy couscous and fresh veggies.

You can use vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots. These add color and taste.

Spices like cumin and coriander bring out rich flavors. Add a touch of harissa for some heat.

Ingredients

• 2 cups uncooked couscous
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, cubed
• 1 large green pepper, cubed
• 1 large zucchini, cubed
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon coriander
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 1/2 cups water

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.

2. Add onion and sauté until soft. This takes about 5 minutes.

3. Stir in green pepper, zucchini, and carrots. Cook for 5 more minutes.

4. Add cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

5. Pour in water and bring it to a boil.

6. Stir in couscous and cover the pot. Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes.

7. Fluff the couscous with a fork. Serve and enjoy!