The 35 BEST Middle Eastern Recipes (2024)

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Middle Eastern food is amazing in its variety of flavors and cooking techniques. And it’s one of the most delicious cuisines in the world.

That’s why we’ve compiled this list of Middle Eastern Recipes for you to cook in your own home!

Here you’ll find everything from hearty aromatic stews to impressive rice dishes, delicious dips to fun kebabs, and so much more.

Cook your way through all of these amazing Middle Eastern recipes, you’ll be glad you did!

Middle Eastern Recipes:

1. Chicken Shawarma

This easy Chicken Shawarma brings the flavors, big time! Marinated with vibrant and aromatic spices, it can be your easy weeknight dinner, or a big crowd pleaser for company nights.

You can grill it, cook it in a skillet, or bake it. Whichever way you choose, you’re in for one delicious dinner.

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2. Falafel

Now, this Falafel is all vegetarian’s dream come true, as these chickpeas balls are just divine!

The recipe shows how to make the ultimate Middle Eastern Falafel, which is best eaten in a pita, wrap, or sandwich, and has deep-fry or baked options.

So just relish these amazing and flavorful balls, and see them becomes everyone’s favorite in no time.

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3. Hashweh

Lebanese Hashweh rice is a hearty one pot meal where rice is cooked with ground meat and plenty of warm Middle Eastern spices.

Top it up with fresh parsley and a variety of nuts, and you have a totally company worthy dish that can serve as an entrée or a side.

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4. Homemade Hummus

Make our Homemade Hummus at home, and you will completely ditch the store-bought stuff for sure. This creamy, rich, and luscious dip is a perfection of delicious ingredients and flavors.

Serve this hummus at your get-togethers with some pita bread or other munchies, and see everyone’s happy faces.

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5. Shish Tawook

This Shish Tawook is a Lebanese-style grilled chicken that melts in your mouth deliciously.

The yogurt, lemon, and garlic marinade make the chicken super luscious and tasty. It’s one of our go-to Middle Eastern Recipes.

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6. Balela Salad (Middle Eastern Bean Salad)

Our colorful and vibrant Middle Eastern Balela Salad is brimming with delicious flavors.

This effortless recipe is all about the perfect combination of ingredients. Wow, your loved ones by serving this tasty and satisfying salad, and get ready for compliments.

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7. Kofta Kebab

These scrumptious Kofta Kebabs are one of our favorite Middle Eastern recipes. They are super easy to make, and are packed with super delicious flavors.

You can enjoy them as is with some salad, or along with any of your favorite Middle Eastern meals.

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8. Shakshuka

Start your day with some Middle Eastern flavors with our best Shakshuka recipe!

You will love this gorgeous dish, which is a tasty, spicy, tangy, and savory sauce with perfectly poached eggs. It’s a great weekend morning dish for you to try.

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9. Israeli Couscous Salad

This Israeli Couscous Salad is going to be your new favorite salad recipe, as it’s loaded with all fresh, vibrant flavors and superb textures.

It’s an ideal and hearty salad to serve for your coming summer cookouts or potlucks. Simply enjoy.

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10. Saffron Rice

Searching for simple and delicious side dish recipes? Then search no more, as this Saffron Rice is as easy as they get.

This easy rice takes hardly any time to make, and is filled with amazing flavor and fragrance. It makes a great side dish to any of your favorite mains.

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11. Turkish Menemen

Kickstart your day with some Turkish delicacy that is super tasty and satisfying and keeps you full for a long time, is famously known as Turkish Menemen!

This Middle Eastern scrambled egg recipe is incredibly easy to make with some basic ingredients. Serve with some crusty bread and enjoy a hearty Turkish breakfast.

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12. Tabbouleh

You will simply love this classic Tabbouleh salad, which is a bowl full of fresh and green ingredients.

It’s a tasty Middle Eastern salad that is an amazing side dish for your favorite main, or you can enjoy it on its own.

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13. Moutabal (Middle Eastern Eggplant Dip)

If you like dips, then you are in a serious treat with our ultimate Moutabal recipe! This smoky, creamy, nutty, zingy dip will completely get you hooked to it with its incredible flavors.

It’s an amazing and delicious dip for when you crave some classic Middle Eastern flavors.

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14. Lebanese Batata Harra

Jazz up your potatoes with an exotic Middle Eastern twist by making our Lebanese Batata Harra recipe!

A mix of special spices and fresh herbs coat the roasted or fried potatoes. It’s a wonderful side dish.

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15. Loaded Layered Hummus Dip

Give your beloved hummus a fancy makeover with this outstanding Loaded Layered Hummus Dip recipe!

It makes a fantastic party appetizer that is loaded with delicious ground beef, colorful fixings, and toasted pine nuts. We bet it will be a super hit dish on any of your special occasions.

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16. Baba Ganoush

This easyBaba Ganoushrecipe makes the perfect party dip. Roasted eggplant, creamy tahini, and a variety of great flavors enhancers come together beautifully.

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17. Fesenjan

Fesenjan is an exotic Persian dish made with duck or chicken, and it will be a super hit dish at any of your special events.

The main two ingredients to make this dish excellent are walnuts and pomegranate molasses. It’s a must-try recipe for those who love interesting and new foods.

Get the Recipe @ honest-food

18. Tahdig(Crispy Persian Rice)

Tired of your regular rice? Try this Persian-style Tahdig, which is an amazing crispy rice that we just love.

The golden crust with awesome flavors and fragrance makes this rice special. Just follow some tips and tricks to make it perfect every time.

Get the Recipe @ themediterraneandish

19. Persian Lamb Shanks

Try this traditional Persian Lamb Shank dish, and feed some serious flavors to your family.

The melt-in-your-mouth juicy meat is braised in a perfectly seasoned broth that tastes just out of this world delicious. Serve with tasty saffron rice and salad, and enjoy an amazing feast.

It may become one of your top Middle Eastern recipes!

Get the Recipe @ recipetineats

20. Persian Saffron Chicken

Give this classic Persian Saffron Chicken a sure try at your next get-together, and get ready for rave reviews!

This authentic recipe is made with chicken simmered in a delicious red sauce made with superb spices and flavors, and then served over a pile high of tasty saffron rice.

Get the Recipe @ yammiesnoshery

21. Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolmas)

Stuffed Grape Leaves, popularly known as Dolmas, are a great Middle Eastern appetizer or side dish.

The leaves are stuffed with an irresistible mixture of rice and meat with a lot of spices and herbs. Just follow the recipe to make these rolls perfect every time.

Get the Recipe @ themediterraneandish

22. Muhammara

Try this Muhammara, a boldly flavored Syrian dip that we know you gonna love it!

This recipe introduced you to the best red pepper dip, which is full of spicy, nutty, zingy, and sweet flavors, and is best served with fresh pita or crunchy veggies. It’s so good!

Get the Recipe @ loveandlemons

23. Persian Herb Frittata (Kuku Sabzi)

This Persian Herb Frittata, known as Kuku Sabzi, is going to be your top breakfast.

It’s made with fresh cilantro, parsley, chives, and dill, and you can add any of your favorite leafy veggies and make the most delicious frittata.

Get the Recipe @ thekitchn

24. Musakhan

Try this Musakhan, a Palestinian national dish, and wow everyone with the delicious flavors.

It’s a flatbread with juicy chicken, onions, sumac, pine nuts, and olive oil. Just follow this easy recipe and make the best Middle Eastern dish for your family.

Get the Recipe @ cheftariq

25. Grilled Zaatar Chicken

Give this Grilled Zaatar Chicken a definite try, and sees it become your family’s number one chicken appetizer.

The juicy and tasty chicken’s secret is in its magical marinade, which is made with zaatar and citrus. Sure shot a super hit dish for your summer grilling events.

Get the Recipe @ unicornsinthekitchen

26. Chicken Mandi (Yemeni Chicken & Rice)

Chicken Mandi is a very famous Yemeni Chicken and Rice dish, which is full of delicious unique flavors!

It’s made with Chicken marinated in Yemeni mixed spices called Hawaij, which make it really special. Serve it along with yellow rice and garnish with fried onions, almonds, and raisins. It’s too good!

Get the Recipe @ hungrypaprikas

27. Doner Kebabs

Tired of the same old kebabs? Then, we got you the best Doner Kebabs to try, they will definitely make a permanent entry on your favorites list.

This Turkish kebab is full of exotic flavors and it is super easy to make. You will love this dish, as it’s perfect for meal prep and is super versatile.

Get the Recipe @ carlsbadcravings

28. Mezze Platter

Are you planning to throw a Middle Eastern themed party at home? Then, this Mezze Platter is a must to include on your menu.

This flavorful platter is made of assorted dips and spreads, fresh veggies, pita bread, salad, and other goodies. It will be the super hit dish of the night, and a crowd favorite too.

Get the Recipe @ loveandlemons

29. Imam Bayildi

Imam Bayildi, a famous Turkish stuffed eggplant, is really something to try.

You will enjoy cooking this eggplant with an onion tomato sauce stuffing. Try it to believe it!

Get the Recipe @ vidarbergum

30. Turkish Gozleme

Are you a fan of flatbreads? Then you must try this Turkish version, and get completely obsessed with it!

This splendid recipe is made totally from scratch. The fluffy flatbread is filled with flavorful and perfectly spiced ground meat, spinach, herbs, and feta cheese.

It tastes just out of this world delicious.

Get the Recipe @ jocooks

31. Middle Eastern Chicken Kabobs

Middle Eastern Chicken Kabobs which are simply to die for. This easy recipe is yogurt-marinated chicken cooked on a skewer to juicy perfection, and then served with some saffron rice.

It’s one of our favorite Middle Eastern recipes.

Get the Recipe @ amiraspantry

32. Quzi (Iraqi Lamb over Rice)

Try Quzi, an authentic Iraqi Lamb over Rice that is sure to be a star attraction to your next get-together.

This traditional recipe is jam-packed with delicious flavors, and it’s super easy to make it too. Impress your family with this grand Middle Eastern dish.

Get the Recipe @ hungrypaprikas

33. Chicken Kabsa

Yet another specialty of Middle Eastern cuisine is this Chicken Kabsa!

This Saudi Arabian dish is made with rice that is cooked in a delicious chicken gravy, and then topped with baked chicken, roasted almonds, and raisins for extra flavor and crunch. YUM!

Get the Recipe @ hinzcooking

34. Dawood Basha

Give your comfort food a Middle Eastern twist by making this Dawood Basha recipe!

This Lebanese-style meatball dish that is full of awesome flavors. You will definitely devour this easy and satisfying Dawood Basha.

Get the Recipe @ everylittlecrumb

35. Maqluba with Lamb

We are ending this exotic list of Middle Eastern Recipes with the ultimate Maqluba with Lamb recipe. It’s an Arabic rice dish that will be a total crowd pleaser!

The unique way of layering the rice, veggie, and meat makes it super special, but don’t worry it’s super easy to make!

Get the Recipe @ hungrypaprikas

So many amazing Middle Eastern recipes to cook. Where to start?

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35 BEST Middle Eastern Recipes

This collection of authentic Middle Eastern Recipes highlights the wide variety their cuisines and cooking techniques. We love this essential homemade hummus:

Ingredients

• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas or 1.5 cups cooked chickpeas
• 1/3 cup tahini
• 1 .5 to 2 lemons, juiced
• 2 medium cloves garlic
• ½ tsp sea salt
• 3-4 Tbsp cold water
• ½ tsp cumin
• 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 3 Tbsp toasted pine nuts - divided
• Pinch of paprika

Instructions

1. Soak and cook chickpeas according to package directions, if using dried. If using canned, boil for additional 20 minutes to soften. Remove skins.
2. Mix tahini, cold water, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, half of pine nuts, cumin and salt in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth.
3. Add chickpeas and puree for 3-4 minutes, stopping a few times to scrape the hummus down off the sides of the blender. Blend until ultrasmooth. If needed, add additional cold water to get that creamy smoothhummus.
4. Taste and adjust the lemon juice, cumin and salt according to your taste.
5. Scoop the hummus into a bowl. Make a well, or some design into the hummus with a spoon. Drizzle in additional olive oil. Garnish with paprika and remaining pine nuts.

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