“17 Mouthwatering Middle Eastern Recipes to Spice Up Your Kitchen”

Exploring the Exquisite Flavors of the Middle East: 17 Authentic Recipes to Transport Your Taste Buds

Introduction

Middle Eastern cuisine is a feast for the senses, a tantalizing blend of flavors, spices, and aromas that captivate taste buds and transport you to a world of culinary wonders. In this gastronomic journey, we’ll unravel the secrets behind 17 authentic Middle Eastern recipes that promise not only to satisfy your hunger but to introduce you to the rich tapestry of cultural influences embedded in each dish.

1. Hummus with Tahini

Description: Hummus, a Middle Eastern classic, is a velvety blend of chickpeas, tahini, garlic, and lemon, creating a creamy dip that’s as versatile as it is delicious.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 cup tahini
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

In a food processor, blend chickpeas, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice until smooth.

While blending, drizzle in olive oil until the mixture reaches a creamy consistency.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve with pita bread or fresh vegetables.

2. Falafel with Tahini Sauce

Description: Falafel, those crispy chickpea patties, are a Middle Eastern street food favorite. Paired with zesty tahini sauce, they’re a taste explosion.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon coriander
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

Directions:

Drain soaked chickpeas and blend with onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper until a coarse mixture forms.

Shape into balls and fry until golden brown.

Serve with homemade tahini sauce.

3. Tabouleh Salad

Description: Tabouleh is a vibrant salad bursting with freshness, combining bulgur, parsley, tomatoes, and a zesty lemon dressing.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup bulgur, cooked
• 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

In a bowl, mix cooked bulgur, parsley, tomatoes, and red onion.

Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Toss the salad with the dressing.

Chill before serving.

4. Chicken Shawarma

Description: Chicken Shawarma, a Middle Eastern delight, involves marinating and grilling tender slices of chicken, creating a flavorful experience.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken thighs, sliced
• 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Mix yogurt, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Coat chicken slices in the marinade and refrigerate for at least an hour.

Grill until golden brown.

Serve in warm pita with garlic sauce and pickles.

5. Lamb Kebabs

Description: Lamb kebabs are a Middle Eastern grilling masterpiece, seasoned to perfection and skewered for a juicy, flavorful bite.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb lamb, cubed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon coriander
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Marinate lamb in olive oil, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper.

Skewer and grill until cooked to your liking.

Serve with rice pilaf, grilled veggies, and yogurt sauce.

6. Baba Ganoush

Description: Baba Ganoush, a smoky eggplant dip, is a Middle Eastern delight. Roasted eggplant, tahini, garlic, and lemon unite for a flavorful experience.

Ingredients:

• 2 large eggplants
• 1/4 cup tahini
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Roast eggplants until skin chars.

Scoop out flesh and blend with tahini, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Serve with bread or veggies.

7. Fattoush Salad

Description: Fattoush, a colorful Middle Eastern salad, features crispy pita chips amid a vibrant mix of fresh vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mixed salad greens
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1/2 cup radishes, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
• 1 cup pita chips

Directions:

Toss salad greens, tomatoes, cucumber, radishes, and mint.

Add pita chips just before serving.

Dress with a zesty sumac vinaigrette.

8. Kofta Kebabs

Description: Kofta Kebabs are a Middle Eastern grilling sensation, seasoned ground meat skewers served with rice and yogurt sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground meat (beef or lamb)
• 1/2 onion, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon coriander
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Mix ground meat, onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper.

Shape into skewers and grill until cooked through.

Serve with rice and yogurt sauce.

9. Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolma)

Description: Stuffed Grape Leaves, or Dolma, are a Middle Eastern appetizer delicately filled with rice, herbs, and spices.

Ingredients:

• 1 jar grape leaves, rinsed
• 1 cup rice, cooked
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
• 1 lemon, sliced

Directions:

Mix cooked rice, pine nuts, dill, and mint.

Place a spoonful on each grape leaf and roll.

Steam until leaves are tender.

Serve with lemon wedges.

10. Middle Eastern Rice Pilaf

Description: Middle Eastern Rice Pilaf is a fragrant side dish, featuring basmati rice, aromatic spices, nuts, and dried fruits.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup basmati rice, rinsed
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/4 cup almonds, sliced
• 1/4cup dried apricots, chopped
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions:

Cook rice in chicken broth with cumin and cinnamon.

Stir in almonds, apricots, and cranberries.

Fluff with a fork before serving.

11. Shakshuka

Description: Shakshuka is a hearty Middle Eastern breakfast dish, featuring poached eggs in a spiced tomato and pepper sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 bell peppers, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 eggs
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Sauté onion, bell peppers, and garlic until soft.

Add tomatoes and spices, simmering until thickened.

Make wells in the sauce and crack eggs into them.

Cover and cook until eggs are set.

12. Baklava

Description: Baklava is a sweet Middle Eastern dessert, layers of filo pastry filled with nuts and honey, creating a delectable treat.

Ingredients:

• 1 package filo pastry
• 1 cup nuts (walnuts, pistachios, or almonds), chopped
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1 cup honey
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions:

Layer filo pastry sheets, brushing each with melted butter.

Sprinkle nuts between layers.

Bake until golden brown.

Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with cinnamon.

13. Lentil Soup

Description: Lentil Soup is a comforting Middle Eastern classic, packed with protein and flavor, perfect for chilly nights.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup lentils, rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon turmeric

Directions:

Sauté onion, carrots, and garlic until tender.

Add lentils, broth, and spices, simmering until lentils are soft.

Blend soup until smooth.

Serve with a dollop of yogurt.

14. Middle Eastern Meatballs (Kofta)

Description: Middle Eastern Meatballs, or Kofta, are seasoned with herbs and spices, served in a rich tomato sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground meat (beef or lamb)
• 1/2 onion, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon coriander
• 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes

Directions:

Mix ground meat, onion, garlic, cumin, and coriander.

Shape into meatballs and brown in a skillet.

Simmer in crushed tomatoes until cooked through.

15. Tabbouleh Couscous

Description: Tabbouleh Couscous is a refreshing twist on the classic salad, combining couscous with fresh herbs and vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup couscous, cooked
• 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions:

Toss cooked couscous, parsley, tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.

Whisk lemon juice and olive oil, drizzling over the salad.

Chill before serving.

16. Middle Eastern Grilled Fish

Description: Middle Eastern Grilled Fish is a simple yet flavorful dish, marinated in lemon, garlic, and spices, then grilled to perfection.

Ingredients:

• 4 fish fillets (such as tilapia or sea bass)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika

Directions:

Marinate fish in garlic, lemon juice, cumin, and paprika.

Grill until fish flakes easily.

Serve with tahini sauce and grilled vegetables.

Embrace the Flavors of the Middle East: More Authentic Recipes to Satisfy Your Cravings

Introduction

In our quest to explore the enchanting world of Middle Eastern cuisine, we’ve only scratched the surface of its culinary delights. From savory appetizers to indulgent desserts, the Middle East boasts a treasure trove of recipes waiting to be discovered. Join us as we continue our gastronomic journey with a collection of additional authentic Middle Eastern dishes that are sure to ignite your taste buds and leave you craving for more.

17. Middle Eastern Lentil Salad

Description: Middle Eastern Lentil Salad is a hearty and nutritious dish featuring lentils, fresh vegetables, and a tangy dressing, making it a perfect option for a light lunch or dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup green lentils, cooked
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

In a large bowl, combine cooked lentils, cucumber, tomato, red onion, and parsley.

In a separate small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.

Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Delicious Middle Eastern Recipes for a Flavorful Feast

Are you ready to embark on a culinary journey through the vibrant flavors of the Middle East? Buckle up and get ready to tantalize your taste buds with these mouthwatering dishes. From creamy hummus to aromatic shakshuka, we’ve got you covered with step-by-step instructions for each delectable recipe.

Hummus with Tahini

Instructions:

In a food processor, combine chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, cumin, and salt.

Blend until smooth, adding water as needed to reach your desired consistency.

Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt or lemon juice if desired.

Transfer hummus to a serving dish, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with a dash of paprika for extra flavor.

Serve with pita bread, fresh vegetables, or use as a spread in sandwiches.

Falafel with Tahini Sauce

Instructions:

Drain soaked chickpeas and pat them dry with a paper towel.

In a food processor, combine chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, baking soda, salt, and pepper.

Pulse until mixture is finely ground and holds together when pressed.

Shape the mixture into small balls or patties and place on a baking sheet.

Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat and fry falafel until golden brown and crispy on all sides.

Remove falafel from oil and drain on paper towels.

Serve hot with tahini sauce and your favorite toppings such as lettuce, tomato, and cucumber.

Tabouleh Salad

Instructions:

Place bulgur wheat in a bowl and cover with boiling water. Let sit for 20-30 minutes until tender, then drain any excess water.

In a large bowl, combine cooked bulgur wheat, parsley, mint, tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.

In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.

Pour dressing over salad and toss to coat evenly.

Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld together.

Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or light lunch option.

Chicken Shawarma

Instructions:

In a bowl, combine minced garlic, olive oil, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper to make the marinade.

Add chicken thighs to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.

Remove chicken from marinade and thread onto skewers.

Grill chicken skewers for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and slightly charred.

Remove from grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Serve chicken shawarma with pita bread, tahini sauce, and your favorite toppings such as lettuce, tomato, and cucumber.

Lamb Kebabs

Instructions:

In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper to make the marinade.

Add lamb cubes to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.

Thread marinated lamb cubes onto skewers.

Grill lamb kebabs for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked to your desired doneness.

Remove from grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Serve hot with lemon wedges and your favorite side dishes.

Baba Ganoush

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

Prick eggplants with a fork and place on a baking sheet.

Roast eggplants in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until skin is charred and flesh is soft.

Remove eggplants from oven and let cool slightly.

Peel away charred skin from eggplants and discard.

In a food processor, combine roasted eggplant flesh, minced garlic, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Blend until smooth and creamy, adding more olive oil if needed to reach desired consistency.

Transfer baba ganoush to a serving bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and garnish with fresh parsley.

Serve with pita bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables for dipping.

Fattoush Salad

Instructions:

In a large bowl, combine chopped romaine lettuce, diced cucumber, diced tomatoes, sliced red onion, chopped parsley, and chopped mint.

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, sumac, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.

Pour dressing over salad and toss to coat evenly.

Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.

Just before serving, sprinkle pita chips over the top for added crunch.

Serve as a refreshing and colorful side dish alongside your favorite Middle Eastern main courses.

Kofta Kebabs

Instructions:

In a bowl, combine ground lamb or beef, grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Mix until well combined, then shape mixture into elongated meatballs or sausage shapes.

Thread kofta onto skewers, pressing gently to adhere.

Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.

Grill kofta kebabs for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through and slightly charred.

Remove from grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Serve hot with rice, salad, or flatbread for a satisfying meal.

Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolma)

Instructions:

In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened.

Add ground lamb or beef to the pan and cook until browned.

Stir in rice, pine nuts, parsley, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Place a grape leaf on a flat surface, vein side up, and spoon a small amount of the rice mixture onto the center of the leaf.

Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling, then roll tightly into a cigar shape.

Repeat with remaining grape leaves and filling mixture.

Place stuffed grape leaves in a large pot, seam side down, in a single layer.

Pour enough water over the grape leaves to cover them, then place a heavy plate on top to weigh them down.

Cover the pot and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for 45-60 minutes, or until rice is tender and grape leaves are soft.

Remove stuffed grape leaves from pot and let cool slightly before serving.

Serve dolma warm or

at room temperature, with yogurt or tahini sauce for dipping if desired.

Middle Eastern Rice Pilaf

Instructions:

Rinse basmati rice under cold water until water runs clear. Drain well and set aside.

In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened.

Add basmati rice to the pan and cook until lightly toasted.

Pour chicken or vegetable broth into the pan and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

Fluff rice with a fork, then stir in toasted pine nuts and golden raisins.

Season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Serve hot as a flavorful side dish alongside grilled meats or stews.

Shakshuka

Instructions:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened.

Add diced bell peppers to the skillet and cook until slightly softened.

Stir in diced tomatoes, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

Simmer sauce for 10-15 minutes, or until slightly thickened.

Using a spoon, create small wells in the sauce and crack eggs into each well.

Cover skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until eggs are cooked to your desired doneness.

Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley.

Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping and scooping up the delicious sauce.

Baklava

Instructions:

Unroll phyllo dough and cover with a damp towel to prevent it from drying out.

Brush a 9×13 inch baking dish with melted butter.

Place one sheet of phyllo dough in the bottom of the baking dish and brush with melted butter.

Repeat layering phyllo dough and melted butter until you have used about half of the dough.

Sprinkle nut mixture evenly over the top layer of phyllo dough.

Continue layering remaining phyllo dough and melted butter on top of nut mixture.

Using a sharp knife, cut baklava into diamond or square shapes.

Bake in preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

While baklava is baking, combine remaining sugar, water, honey, and vanilla extract in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until slightly thickened.

Remove baklava from oven and immediately pour hot syrup over the top.

Let baklava cool completely before serving, allowing the syrup to soak into the layers.

Serve at room temperature as a sweet and nutty dessert for any occasion.

Lentil Soup

Instructions:

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic, and sauté until softened.

Add dried lentils, diced tomatoes, vegetable or chicken broth, ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the pot.

Bring soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until lentils are tender.

Use an immersion blender to blend soup until smooth and creamy, or leave it chunky if desired.

Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more salt and pepper if needed.

Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad for a satisfying and nutritious meal.

Middle Eastern Meatballs (Kofta)

Instructions:

In a bowl, combine ground lamb or beef, grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Mix until well combined, then shape mixture into small meatballs.

Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add meatballs to the pan and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through.

Remove meatballs from pan and drain on paper towels.

Serve hot with tahini sauce or yogurt sauce for dipping, or as part of a larger Middle Eastern feast.

Tabbouleh Couscous

Instructions:

In a saucepan, bring water or vegetable broth to a boil. Stir in couscous, cover, and remove from heat. Let sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.

In a large bowl, combine cooked couscous, chopped parsley, chopped mint, diced tomatoes, diced cucumber, and chopped red onion.

In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.

Pour dressing over couscous mixture and toss to coat evenly.

Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld together.

Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or light lunch option.

Middle Eastern Grilled Fish

Instructions:

In a bowl, combine minced garlic, olive oil, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper to make the marinade.

Rub marinade over fish fillets, coating them evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Preheat grill to medium-high heat.

Grill fish fillets for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through and slightly charred.

Remove from grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Serve hot with lemon wedges and garnish with fresh parsley for a bright and flavorful dish.

Middle Eastern Lentil Salad

Instructions:

In a large bowl, combine cooked lentils, diced cucumber, diced tomatoes, chopped red onion, chopped parsley, and chopped mint.

In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.

Pour dressing over lentil mixture and toss to coat evenly.

Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld together.

Serve chilled as a hearty and nutritious salad option.

These delightful Middle Eastern recipes are sure to impress your friends and family at your next gathering. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, these dishes are easy to make and bursting with flavor. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s get cooking! Bon appétit!

Conclusion

With each recipe, we’ve delved deeper into the culinary delights of the Middle East, uncovering a wealth of flavors, textures, and aromas that tantalize the taste buds and evoke a sense of culinary wanderlust. Whether you’re indulging in the creamy goodness of Middle Eastern Lentil Salad, savoring the smoky richness of Moutabbal, or delighting in the savory goodness of Stuffed Bell Peppers, these recipes offer a glimpse into the vibrant and diverse world of Middle Eastern cuisine. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your stove, and embark on a delicious journey through the flavors of the Middle East. Happy cooking!

Embark on a culinary adventure with these 17 authentic Middle Eastern recipes, each offering a taste of the region’s rich heritage and diverse flavors. Whether you’re indulging in the creamy goodness of Hummus, savoring the crispy perfection of Falafel, or delighting in the aromatic spices of Chicken Shawarma, these dishes are sure to transport your taste buds to the bustling streets and bustling markets of the Middle East. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your stove, and prepare to experience the magic of Middle Eastern cuisine right in your own kitchen. Happy cooking!