Weeknight dinners can often feel repetitive, but these Middle Eastern recipes bring bold flavors and fresh ingredients to your table with minimal effort. Packed with spices, hearty staples, and vibrant combinations, they offer something for everyone. These dishes are easy to make and perfect for busy evenings while still feeling like a treat. Add variety and excitement to your weeknight meals with recipes that are simple, satisfying, and full of rich, traditional flavors.
Middle Eastern Roasted Carrots
This recipe features whole roasted carrots flavored with harissa, preserved lemons, and cilantro, then topped with goat cheese and nuts. Ready in 40 minutes, it’s a savory-sweet dish with bold, earthy flavors. The preserved lemons add a tangy brightness to balance the carrots’ natural sweetness. It pairs well with rice or pita.
Get the Recipe: Middle Eastern Roasted Carrots
Chicken and Date Casserole
A hearty casserole combining tender chicken, dates, and warm spices like cinnamon and cumin. This dish takes about an hour and delivers a balance of savory and sweet flavors. The dates lend a natural caramel-like sweetness that complements the spiced chicken. Serve it over rice for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Date Casserole
Middle Eastern Spiced Cauliflower Soup With Caramelized Onions And Raisins
This soup blends roasted cauliflower with caramelized onions and golden raisins for a comforting, spiced flavor. It takes about 50 minutes and features cinnamon, cumin, and nutmeg for warmth. The sweetness of the raisins contrasts with the savory cauliflower and onions. It’s ideal for a satisfying and light dinner.
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Instant Pot Chicken and Peppers
This recipe combines chicken with bell peppers, tomatoes, and spices in a hearty stew. It’s ready in just 30 minutes using an Instant Pot, making it a quick and flavorful meal. The dish has a tangy and slightly sweet flavor from the peppers and tomatoes. Serve with crusty bread or rice for a complete dinner.
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Delicata Squash With Feta, Red Onions And Dukkah
This dish showcases roasted delicata squash with tangy feta, red onions, and a sprinkle of dukkah. Ready in 45 minutes, it combines nutty and sweet flavors with a touch of earthiness from the dukkah spices. The squash is tender and caramelized, balanced by the creamy feta. It works well as a side or light main course.
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Jerusalem Kugel
A traditional noodle kugel that’s both sweet and peppery, with caramelized sugar lending depth to every bite. This dish takes about an hour to prepare and is crispy on the outside while chewy inside. It features noodles, black pepper, and sugar for a unique flavor combination. Serve it as a side dish or snack.
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Vegetarian Kofta Kebabs Recipe
These plant-based kofta kebabs are made with Beyond Meat and seasoned with Middle Eastern spices. They take about 35 minutes to prepare and deliver a smoky, savory flavor that rivals traditional kebabs. The combination of fresh herbs and spices makes them perfect for weeknight meals. Serve with tahini or pita bread.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Kofta Kebabs Recipe
Moroccan Pearl Couscous Salad
This salad combines Israeli couscous with feta, pumpkin, tomatoes, and a turmeric-spiced tahini dressing. It’s ready in 30 minutes and features fresh herbs for added vibrancy. The couscous has a slightly chewy texture, complemented by the creamy feta and earthy pumpkin. It’s an excellent option for a light, flavorful dinner.
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Middle Eastern Tofu Rice Bowl
A simple bowl with spiced tofu, rice, and vegetables, offering bold and comforting flavors. This dish is ready in 40 minutes and incorporates warming spices like cumin and paprika. The tofu is crispy outside and tender inside, with a satisfying flavor that pairs well with the rice. Great for work-from-home lunches or dinners.
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Israeli Salad
A refreshing mix of finely chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and parsley dressed with lemon and olive oil. This salad takes 15 minutes to prepare and delivers a bright, tangy flavor. It’s perfect as a side or topping for grilled meats, sandwiches, or falafel. Add tahini for an extra layer of flavor.
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Baked Turkey Kofta Pita Sandwich
Ground turkey mixed with herbs and spices is baked into koftas and served in pita with tahini sauce. This dish is ready in about 35 minutes and offers a balance of juicy, savory flavors. The warm spices in the kofta pair perfectly with the creamy tahini sauce. It’s a satisfying and healthy option for busy weeknights.
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Eggplant Shakshuka
A rich, tomato-based dish with tender eggplant and poached eggs, infused with bold spices. This recipe takes 45 minutes and features cumin, paprika, and fresh parsley for a warming and flavorful meal. The eggplant adds a hearty texture that complements the zesty tomato sauce. Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
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Lebanese Baba Ganoush Recipe
This creamy eggplant dip is made with tahini, garlic, and lemon, offering a smoky and tangy flavor. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s a versatile dish that works as an appetizer or spread. The roasted eggplant provides a smooth and slightly smoky base. Serve with pita bread or fresh vegetables for dipping.
Get the Recipe: Lebanese Baba Ganoush Recipe
Mujadara
A comforting combination of lentils, rice, and caramelized onions seasoned with warm spices. This dish takes about 40 minutes and is a filling vegetarian option with earthy and savory flavors. The caramelized onions add sweetness that contrasts with the spiced lentils. It’s a satisfying main or side dish.
Get the Recipe: Mujadara
Roasted Lemon Potatoes, Broccoli And Peppers
This recipe features roasted potatoes, broccoli, and bell peppers flavored with lemon and turmeric. It’s ready in 40 minutes and offers a combination of bright, earthy, and slightly tangy flavors. The vegetables are tender and caramelized, perfect as a side dish or light vegetarian main. Serve with yogurt or tahini.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Lemon Potatoes, Broccoli And Peppers
Pomegranate Chicken With Walnuts
Juicy chicken thighs are cooked with pomegranate molasses and walnuts for a tangy-sweet flavor. This dish takes about 50 minutes and features warm spices like cinnamon to deepen the flavor. The pomegranate molasses provides a fruity tartness that complements the nutty richness of the walnuts. Serve over rice for a hearty meal.
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Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab
Ground chicken mixed with herbs and spices is grilled on skewers for a smoky, savory dish. These kebabs are ready in 40 minutes and pair perfectly with flatbread and a tangy yogurt sauce. The fresh herbs and spices add a robust flavor to the juicy chicken. It’s a versatile meal that works for both casual and festive occasions.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab
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