121 eastren recipes

Hummus, perfect for dipping all kinds of veggies or for pita bread or a replacement from mayo.

Shinina is a traditional Middle Eastern salted yogurt drink made with just plain yogurt, water, and salt served over ice. The simplest, most refreshing cooler for hot days. Ready in 10 minutes.

Aubergine or Eggplant dip Serve with warm Pita or Lebanese bread

Sabzi Koofteh: Persian-style giant meatballs of ground beef, rice, split peas, mint, and watercress, simmered in a turmeric-tomato broth. Served with yogurt and pickles for a one-pot Middle Eastern dinner.

Samak curry with white fish fillets braised in a spiced paste of dried lime, curry powder, nutmeg, and fresh herbs. A Middle Eastern-style curried fish ready in 35 minutes over rice.

Lacama spice blend with cinnamon, black pepper, curry powder, ginger, and nutmeg. A warm Middle Eastern and Indian spice mix for curries, stews, and rice dishes.

Marak Perot Kar, an Israeli cold fruit soup with cantaloupe, strawberries, grapes, and apples simmered and pureed with lemon and orange juice. A refreshing chilled summer starter.

While Schwartz describes the name for this Israeli dish as slightly pretentious, he notes that it won a cooking competition and found its way onto the menus of five star hotels. He recommends serving it over a bed or bulgur pilaf.

Tabbouli salad with bulgur soaked in hot vegetable stock, fresh parsley, mint, tomato, and a punchy lemon-garlic dressing. A bright, low-fat vegan Middle Eastern side.

No-cook cashew pita pockets with curried yogurt, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion. A crunchy vegetarian lunch ready in 15 minutes flat.

A traditional Middle Eastern dish containing bulgur wheat and fresh herbs. Serve with Toasted Pita Chips (see separate recipe) and raw vegetables.

Hearty lentils simmered with bell peppers, hot chilies, and fresh tomatoes in Middle Eastern spices. Healthy vegetarian main or side served hot or cold.

A light, fluffy Czech pound cake, known as Babovka, with a delightful two-tone vanilla and cocoa layer. Perfect for tea time or dessert, this cake is simple to make and visually appealing.

Serve as an appetizer spread on thick slices of country-style white bread, or flat pita bread, or use as a side dish to accompany grilled or roasted meats.

Ukrainian cold fruit soup pureed with apples, pears, cherries, plums, and peaches in cinnamon-lemon broth with sweet wine and cranberry juice. A chilled summer soup bursting with orchard flavors.

Ajvar: smoky Balkan roasted pepper and eggplant spread with garlic, lemon, and olive oil. The 'Serbian caviar' that goes on grilled meats, fresh bread, and cheese boards.