211 middle eastern recipes

Greek style appetizer, these spanakopitas are always a hit; they are so delicious and you just always want one more!

Lebanese bulgur wheat salad with marinated chicken, fresh herbs, and crisp vegetables. This protein-packed tabbouleh makes a hearty, healthy main dish bursting with lemon, mint, and garlic.

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.

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

When I have abundant seasonal vegetables, I love making this vegetable casserole, and most of the time I just enjoy it with a loaf of good bread. That is all you need for a good meal.

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

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.

Homemade falafel made from cooked chickpeas mashed with tahini, garlic, cumin, turmeric and cayenne, then deep-fried into golden balls. Stuff into pita with cucumber, tomato, sprouts and your favourite sauce.

Crispy-fried chickpea fritters spiked with cumin, garlic, and red chilies, tucked into warm pita pockets with fresh vegetables for authentic Middle Eastern street food.

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.

Baked falafel balls loaded with sesame seeds, fresh parsley, and whole wheat flour for nutty flavor and extra fiber, with way less oil than traditional fried versions.

Garlicky falafel from soaked dried chickpeas, ground with onion, potato, and four cloves of garlic. The traditional Middle Eastern street food technique with a crisp exterior and fluffy interior.

Slow-simmered brisket chili with dried kidney beans, three kinds of chile peppers, masa harina, and brewed coffee. Bold, beefy, and deeply spiced.

A delicious summer standard at our place. Easy to make with a mix of Southern European and Middle Eastern flavours. I use my Cucumber Raita (posted separately) to dress the lamb salad or you can use the quick yoghurt dressing provided here.

Ground beef kebabs seasoned with allspice, cayenne, and tomato paste, shaped onto skewers and grilled. A kofta-style kebab with Middle Eastern spice that's ready in 30 minutes.

Crispy fried falafel balls with chickpeas, herbs, and warm spices. Classic Middle Eastern vegetarian patties served in pita with fresh vegetables and tahini sauce.