118 middle recipes

Kobeba samakeyah are Lebanese fish-filled bulgur croquettes seasoned with cumin and cilantro, deep-fried golden, and served with homemade tahini sauce. A Middle Eastern classic.

Golden saffron cake with rose water and pistachios, soaked in vanilla sugar syrup and cut into diamonds like baklava. A fragrant Middle Eastern-inspired low-fat dessert.

Curry-spiced soup blending dried apricots with fresh cucumber and orange zest for a refreshing hot or cold starter with Middle Eastern flair.

Nutty tahini paste blended with fresh orange juice and zest creates a uniquely flavored Middle Eastern cake studded with walnuts and golden raisins.

Brown rice pilaf with toasted pine nuts, sweet raisins, garlic, and fresh parsley. A Middle Eastern-inspired whole grain side dish with nutty texture and bright herbs.

Lentil fatta salad with soft-cooked lentils, cubed pita bread, scallions, fresh lemon juice, and olive oil. A warm Middle Eastern salad with hearty texture.

Nanaimo bars with a peppermint twist: cocoa graham cracker base, vanilla pudding buttercream middle, and a dark chocolate top layer. No-bake Canadian classic.

Layered strawberry Jell-O salad with bananas, pineapple, pecans, and a hidden sour cream layer in the middle. A retro Southern potluck classic that sets up beautifully.

Lemon sponge pudding cake that magically separates into three layers as it bakes: meringue top, sponge cake middle, and creamy lemon pudding on the bottom.

Layered strawberry Jello salad with banana, crushed pineapple, and a sour cream layer in the middle. A classic retro gelatin mold that sets up overnight.

Two-crust tuna quiche with leben (Middle Eastern fermented milk), eggs, cheddar, and mushroom sauce. Pantry-friendly weeknight dinner from a quick puff pastry pie.

Broccoli with spicy chickpea sauce, steamed broccoli florets cloaked in a creamy hummus-style sauce of chickpeas, yogurt, blanched garlic, cumin, and cayenne. Vegetable side that doubles as a Middle Eastern main.

Baid masluq, a Middle Eastern spiced egg dish with sumac, marjoram, and olive oil. Hard-boiled eggs crushed with a fork and seasoned, served as a mezze appetizer.

Mediterranean tomato salad with Vidalia onions, fresh herbs, and lemon dressing. Cilantro and mint brighten this Middle Eastern side. Serve with pita or as falafel topping.

Refreshing Middle Eastern cucumber yogurt salad with garlic and mint. This creamy, cooling side dish pairs beautifully with spicy grilled meats, rice dishes, or warm flatbread.

Middle Eastern braised ox ribs in pepper sauce with sumac, mace, and marjoram, slow-cooked with sweet red peppers and onions. Serve over rice or potatoes.