Middle Eastern food is known for its bold flavors, aromatic spices, and simple ingredients that come together to create unforgettable meals. These 17 recipes showcase the region’s diverse dishes, from hearty mains to fresh salads and comforting sides. Each one brings a unique blend of flavors that’s easy to recreate at home. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or trying something new, these recipes offer something for everyone.
Zaalouk Roasted Eggplant Dip
This smoky, savory dip blends roasted eggplant, tomatoes, and spices into a rich, creamy spread. Ready in about 40 minutes, it’s made with olive oil, garlic, and paprika for a bold flavor. Perfect as a starter or side, it pairs well with pita bread or fresh vegetables. It’s a classic Middle Eastern appetizer.
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Moroccan Salmon Sheet Pan Dinner
This dish combines tender salmon with roasted vegetables seasoned with Moroccan spices. It’s ready in 30 minutes and includes ingredients like cumin, paprika, and lemon for a bright, aromatic flavor. The vegetables caramelize beautifully, while the salmon stays moist and flaky. It’s a balanced and flavorful dinner option.
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Israeli Salad
This refreshing salad features diced cucumbers, tomatoes, and parsley tossed with olive oil and lemon juice. Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s a light and versatile side dish that complements any meal. The fresh vegetables give it a crisp texture and vibrant taste. It’s a staple of Middle Eastern cuisine.
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Green Shakshuka
A twist on the classic, this dish uses greens like spinach and herbs instead of tomatoes for a fresh, earthy flavor. Ready in 30 minutes, it features poached eggs nestled in a garlicky, herb-packed sauce. The vibrant green color makes it as appealing visually as it is to eat. Serve it with warm bread for dipping.
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Eggplant Shakshuka
This shakshuka incorporates tender eggplant into the traditional tomato and pepper base for a hearty, smoky flavor. It’s ready in 40 minutes and includes ingredients like eggs, garlic, and spices. The eggplant adds depth and a creamy texture to the dish. It’s a satisfying option for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
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Circassian Fried Cheese With A Middle-Eastern Field Salad
Crispy, golden cheese paired with a fresh salad of greens, cucumbers, and herbs makes for a delightful combination. This dish is ready in 20 minutes, using ingredients like halloumi, olive oil, and a tangy lemon dressing. The contrast between the salty cheese and the vibrant salad is unforgettable. It’s perfect as a starter or light meal.
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Middle Eastern Spiced Butternut Squash Pickles
These pickles combine butternut squash with a blend of spices for a tangy, slightly sweet snack or side dish. Ready in about an hour, they use vinegar, garlic, and Middle Eastern seasonings for a bold, unique flavor. The squash stays firm while absorbing the spices. Serve them alongside grilled meats or salads.
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Instant Pot Chicken With Sweet Peppers
This quick and flavorful dish combines chicken and sweet peppers cooked with Middle Eastern spices. Ready in under 30 minutes, it features garlic, cumin, and tomatoes for a savory, slightly sweet sauce. The chicken is tender and juicy, making it perfect for serving over rice or with bread. It’s a great weeknight dinner.
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Middle Eastern Roasted Carrots
Roasted carrots seasoned with Middle Eastern spices and a drizzle of honey create a sweet and savory side dish. Ready in 40 minutes, they’re caramelized to perfection with ingredients like cumin, coriander, and olive oil. The flavors are warm and aromatic, perfect alongside roasted meats. It’s a simple yet flavorful addition to any meal.
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Middle Eastern Spiced Cauliflower Soup With Caramelized Onions And Raisins
This soup blends roasted cauliflower with caramelized onions, raisins, and warm spices for a comforting, slightly sweet dish. It’s ready in about an hour and uses ingredients like cumin, turmeric, and vegetable broth. The flavors are rich and layered, making it a satisfying starter or main. Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
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Hummus With Crispy Chickpeas
Creamy hummus topped with spiced, crispy chickpeas offers a flavorful and textural contrast. Ready in 20 minutes, this dish uses ingredients like tahini, garlic, and olive oil for the hummus, with paprika and cumin seasoning the chickpeas. It’s great as a snack or appetizer with pita or veggies. It’s a staple that never disappoints.
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Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab
Ground chicken seasoned with Middle Eastern spices is shaped into skewers and grilled to juicy perfection. This dish is ready in about 30 minutes, featuring garlic, parsley, and cumin for bold flavor. The kebabs are tender and slightly smoky, ideal for serving with rice or a fresh salad. It’s a versatile main course.
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Baked Turkey Kofta Pita Sandwich
This sandwich features spiced turkey kofta baked until juicy and served in a warm pita with fresh toppings. Ready in 40 minutes, it’s made with garlic, onion, and Middle Eastern spices for a balanced flavor. The combination of tender meat and crisp vegetables makes it satisfying and fresh. Add tahini or yogurt sauce for extra flavor.
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Pomegranate Chicken With Walnuts
This dish pairs tender chicken with a rich walnut and pomegranate sauce for a unique, sweet, and savory meal. Ready in about an hour, it uses ingredients like pomegranate molasses, garlic, and ground walnuts. The sauce is creamy with a hint of tanginess, perfect for serving over rice. It’s a bold and elegant dinner choice.
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Jerusalem Kugel
A savory-sweet noodle dish, kugel combines caramelized sugar, black pepper, and egg noodles for a unique flavor. Ready in about an hour, it uses simple ingredients like oil, sugar, and spices to create a rich, satisfying side. The noodles are soft with a slightly crisp top layer. It’s a traditional comfort food with a twist.
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Moroccan Pearl Couscous Salad
This salad combines pearl couscous with dried fruits, nuts, and a spiced citrus dressing for a vibrant dish. Ready in 30 minutes, it uses ingredients like orange juice, cinnamon, and mint for a fresh yet hearty flavor. The textures of chewy couscous and crunchy nuts make it stand out. Serve it as a side or light main.
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Air Fryer Falafel
These crispy falafels are packed with herbs and spices, making them a flavorful, meat-free option. Ready in 25 minutes, they’re made with chickpeas, parsley, and cumin for a warm, herby taste. The air fryer ensures they’re crispy on the outside and soft inside. They’re great in pitas, salads, or as a snack.
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