33 Middle Eastern Recipes

Recipes That Go Beyond Falafel and Hummus

Immerse yourself in the world of Middle Eastern recipes, where every bite tells a story of history, culture, and communal gatherings. The Middle East, a melting pot of civilizations, has fostered a rich culinary tradition that is as diverse as its people. From the fragrant spice markets of Marrakech to the bustling streets of Beirut, each region adds its own flair to a tapestry of flavors.

Among the pantheon of dishes that have reached global fame are falafel and hummus—two iconic staples that have become synonymous with Middle Eastern cuisine. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, falafel balls are a delightful vegetarian option. Hummus, with its creamy texture and garlicky punch, serves as a versatile companion to many meals.

But let's venture beyond falafel and hummus! Prepare to embark on a gastronomic adventure as we uncover recipes that reveal the depth and breadth of flavors waiting to be explored. These lesser-known yet delicious recipes offer an exciting journey through aromatic spices, vibrant colors, and intriguing techniques that define Middle Eastern cuisine. Join us as we delve into this culinary landscape, rich with dishes that promise to transport your taste buds to the bustling souks and serene oases of the Middle East.

Exploring Traditional Middle Eastern Dishes

Middle Eastern cuisine is known for its wide range of flavors and dishes that represent the region's diverse cultures and rich history. Two iconic preparations that stand out are falafel and hummus, each with its own unique story.

The Heritage of Falafel and Hummus

Falafel: Originally from Egypt, falafel has become a popular street food across the Middle East. It is typically made using ground chickpeas or fava beans and has become deeply rooted in the culinary traditions of many countries.

Hummus: The smooth combination of chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic known as hummus originated in the Levant region. It is a staple in Middle Eastern households and is loved for its simplicity and versatility.

Crafting Perfect Falafel

Making falafel that is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside requires some skill. Here are a few variations and tips to help you achieve that irresistible texture:

• Classic Chickpea Falafel: Start with dried chickpeas that have been soaked—this will give you a crunchier texture compared to using canned chickpeas. Add herbs like parsley and cilantro for added color and flavor.

• Herbed Fava Bean Falafel: For a twist, try using fava beans or a combination of fava beans and chickpeas. Incorporate dill or mint into the mixture to enhance the earthy taste of the beans.

• Spiced Falafel: Experiment with spices such as cumin, coriander, or sumac to add warmth and depth to your falafel.

• Tips for Texture: Avoid over-processing the mixture; it should have a coarse texture. Chill the mixture before shaping it into balls or patties to prevent them from falling apart when frying.

Step-by-Step Homemade Hummus

Making your own hummus that is just as good as what you would find in a restaurant is easier than you might think. Follow these steps to create a creamy and delicious spread:

1. Soak and Cook Chickpeas: For the smoothest results, start with dried chickpeas that have been soaked overnight and then cooked until they are tender.

2. Choose Quality Tahini: Invest in high-quality tahini as it plays a crucial role in making good hummus.

3. Blend until Smooth: Combine the cooked chickpeas with tahini, fresh lemon juice, garlic, salt, and some of the cooking liquid or ice water. Blend everything together until you achieve a smooth consistency.

4. Season to Taste & Serve: Adjust the seasoning according to your preference and serve the hummus with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of paprika on top.

Both falafel and hummus are essential components of Middle Eastern cuisine; mastering these recipes will enable any home cook to bring authentic flavors into their own kitchen. Whether you enjoy them separately or as part of a larger meal, these traditional dishes provide a link to centuries-old traditions while also allowing room for culinary creativity.

This exploration of timeless recipes serves as an opportunity to fully appreciate each bite as part of a broader gastronomic journey—one that extends beyond falafel and hummus into a vast world of Middle Eastern delicacies just waiting to be explored.

Beyond Falafel and Hummus: A Gastronomic Adventure

Middle Eastern cuisine offers a wealth of dishes, each brimming with unique flavors and traditional cooking methods. From street foods to sumptuous feasts, the region's gastronomy is much more than just falafel and hummus. Here are some recipes that celebrate this diversity:

Sabich Sandwich Recipe

A hearty Israeli street food classic.

Key Ingredients:

• Pita bread

• Fried eggplant slices

• Hard-boiled eggs

• Tahini sauce

• Israeli salad (diced tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions)

• Parsley

• Amba (mango pickle condiment)

• Zhoug (spicy cilantro sauce)

Instructions:

1. Fry slices of eggplant until they're golden and tender.

2. Slice your pita bread halfway to create a pocket.

3. Spread tahini sauce on the inside.

4. Stuff the pita with fried eggplant, sliced hard-boiled eggs, Israeli salad, and parsley.

5. Drizzle with amba for a tangy kick and zhoug for some heat.

6. Serve immediately.

Kibbeh Saniye Recipe

A beloved Levantine dish—ideal for family gatherings.

Key Ingredients:

• Fine bulgur wheat

• Lean ground beef or lamb

• Pine nuts

• Onions

• Middle Eastern spices (allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg)

• Fresh mint leaves

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Soak the bulgur in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain any excess water.

3. Combine half of the ground meat with the bulgur, minced onion, spices, and some salt in a food processor until well-blended.

4. Press half of this mixture into an even layer in a greased baking dish.

5. Sauté the remaining meat with onions and pine nuts until browned; season with spices.

6. Spread the cooked meat mixture over the layer in the baking dish.

7. Top with the remaining bulgur mixture, pressing it flat.

8. Score into diamonds or squares and dot with butter; bake for 35–40 minutes until golden brown.

9. Garnish with fresh mint leaves before serving.

Lamb Tagine Recipe

A Moroccan specialty full of aromatic spices.

Key Ingredients:

• Lamb shoulder cut into chunks

• Ras el hanout spice mix

• Garlic cloves

• Onions

• Dried apricots or prunes

• Almonds (toasted)

• Fresh cilantro and parsley

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, marinate the lamb chunks with ras el hanout, salt, pepper, grated garlic, and olive oil for at least an hour or overnight in the fridge.

2. In your tagine or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook chopped onions until translucent.

3. Add marinated lamb to the pot; brown on all sides.

4. Pour enough water to cover the lamb; bring to a boil before reducing heat to simmer for 1 ½ hours until meat is tender.

5. Add dried apricots or prunes plus a little honey if desired; cook for another 30 minutes to meld flavors together.

6. Serve garnished with toasted almonds, cilantro, and parsley alongside fluffy couscous.

Roasted Cauliflower Recipe

An easy yet flavorful vegan option.

Key Ingredients:

• Head of cauliflower cut into florets

• Olive oil

• Lemon juice

• Tahini paste

• Garlic powder

• Cumin

• Paprika

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, cumin, and paprika in a bowl until well-coated.

3. Spread the seasoned cauliflower evenly on a baking sheet.

4. Roast for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

5. Drizzle with tahini paste before serving.

These recipes are just a glimpse into the diverse world of Middle Eastern cuisine. Whether you're an adventurous foodie or a home cook looking to try something new, these dishes are sure to delight your taste buds with their bold flavors and cultural richness. So go ahead, embark on a gastronomic adventure and discover the hidden gems of this vibrant culinary tradition!

Enhance Your Middle Eastern Creations with These Delicious Accompaniments

Middle Eastern meals are a symphony of flavors, and the right sauces and condiments are the conductors that bring out the best in each dish. These versatile companions not only add moisture but also enhance and complement the main ingredients, making each bite memorable.

Garlic Toum Sauce

A fluffy, creamy garlic sauce that's as versatile as it is delicious. It pairs perfectly with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a bold dip for vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup garlic cloves

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 3 cups neutral oil (like canola or vegetable)

• 1/4 cup lemon juice

• 1/4 cup ice water

Instructions:

1. Begin by blending garlic and salt in a food processor until finely minced.

2. Slowly drizzle in oil, alternating with lemon juice and ice water, while continuing to blend.

3. Blend until you achieve a light and fluffy consistency.

4. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Halal Cart-Style White Sauce

This creamy, tangy sauce is famously drizzled over New York City street cart dishes but originates from Middle Eastern culinary traditions. It's perfect over chicken, beef, lamb, or even grains.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt

• 1 tablespoon white vinegar

• 2 tablespoons water

• Juice of half a lemon

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until fully combined.

2. Adjust seasoning according to taste.

3. Chill in the fridge for at least one hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Muhammara Sauce

Muhammara is a robust red pepper and walnut spread with origins from Aleppo, Syria. Its complex flavor profile includes sweet pomegranate molasses and spicy red chili flakes.

Ingredients:

• 2 roasted red bell peppers

• 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted

• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust for spice preference)

• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine roasted red peppers, walnuts, and breadcrumbs in a food processor; pulse until coarsely ground.

2. While blending, slowly add olive oil and pomegranate molasses until well incorporated.

3. Season with cumin, chili flakes, and salt.

4. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for later use.

Incorporating these sauces into your culinary repertoire will surely elevate your Middle Eastern dining experience. They not only add depth to each dish but also allow you to customize your meal to match your flavor preferences perfectly. Whether used as spreads on sandwiches or dips for crispy falafel balls, these sauces promise to be showstoppers on any dining table.

Indulge in Sweet Middle Eastern Delights

The symphony of Middle Eastern cuisine is incomplete without the sweet crescendo of its desserts. These treats are not just a feast for the palate but also a visual delight, often adorned with nuts and glistening with syrupy goodness. Two standout sweets that have gained international fame are baklava and halva, each with its own set of fans and time-honored recipes.

Baklava: A Layered Masterpiece

Baklava is a pastry that speaks the language of indulgence. It's crafted with layers of thin phyllo dough, a generous helping of nuts like pistachios or walnuts, and held together by sticky, sweet honey syrup.

Baklava Recipe

Ingredients:

• Phyllo dough sheets

• Unsalted butter, melted

• A mix of ground nuts (traditionally walnuts, pistachios, or almonds)

• Cinnamon powder

• For the syrup:

• Water

• Sugar

• Honey

• Lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Chop your choice of nuts finely and mix them with cinnamon.

3. Unroll phyllo dough and cover it with a damp cloth to prevent drying.

4. Place one sheet of phyllo on a greased baking pan and brush with melted butter. Repeat until you have layered half the dough.

5. Spread the nut mixture over the buttered phyllo layers.

6. Continue layering and buttering the remaining phyllo sheets on top.

7. Slice into diamond or square shapes before baking.

8. Bake for about 50 minutes until golden and crisp.

9. While baklava bakes, prepare the syrup by boiling water and sugar until dissolved. Add honey and lemon juice; simmer for about 20 minutes.

10. Pour the cooled syrup over hot baklava as soon as it comes out from the oven.

11. Let it soak overnight; this ensures perfectly saturated layers.

Halva: A Sweet Confection

Halva can refer to various local dessert delicacies across the Middle East, but perhaps the most well-known version is made from tahini (sesame paste). This type of halva is dense, sweet, and crumbly—a unique texture that makes it an intriguing treat.

Halva Recipe

Ingredients:

• Tahini (sesame seed paste)

• Sugar

• Water

• Optional flavorings: vanilla extract, rose water, or cardamom

Instructions:

1. Prepare a sugar syrup by dissolving sugar in boiling water until it reaches 'soft ball' stage on a candy thermometer.

2. Gradually pour the hot syrup into a bowl of tahini while continuously stirring.

3. Add any optional flavorings at this stage.

4. Keep stirring until the mixture starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl.

5. Transfer to a mold or tray lined with parchment paper and press down firmly.

6. Allow to set at room temperature; cooling can take several hours.

7. Once firm, slice into pieces and enjoy.

The allure of these Middle Eastern desserts lies in their simplicity paired with rich flavors that have been enjoyed for generations. By following these easy-to-follow recipes, one can capture the essence of these delectable treats right in their kitchen.

As these sweets conclude our meal on a high note, remember that Middle Eastern cuisine has much more to offer beyond just savory dishes and appetizers—the desserts are just as much part of the culinary tapestry waiting to be explored and savored.

Final Thoughts

Exploring Middle Eastern recipes is more than just following instructions; it's an opportunity to indulge your senses. Middle Eastern cuisine is a treasure trove of flavors and textures that allows you to unleash your creativity in the kitchen.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Serve a tangy Fattoush salad alongside spicy Kibbeh Saniye.

• Drizzle honey-infused tahini sauce over your morning oats for a sweet twist.

• Add a scoop of creamy garlic hummus on top of a juicy lamb burger.

• Swap out traditional sandwich spreads with Muhammara for a smoky kick.

Your culinary adventure can be as simple as making air fryer falafel for meal prep or as daring as baking homemade pita bread with your family. Each recipe is an opportunity not only to explore new flavors but also to learn about the stories and traditions behind these dishes.

We would love for you to share your Middle Eastern culinary experiences with us. Whether it's a beloved family recipe passed down through generations or an innovative creation that combines Middle Eastern spices with local ingredients, every shared recipe adds to the global tapestry of food culture.

• What are your favorite Middle Eastern dishes?

• Have you come up with any unique recipes inspired by the region's vibrant flavors?

Share them in the comments below and let's keep this delicious conversation going!

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is the focus of the introduction to Middle Eastern cuisine?

The introduction focuses on providing a brief overview of the rich culinary tradition of the Middle East, mentioning the popularity of falafel and hummus as iconic dishes, and highlighting the exciting journey to discover lesser-known yet delicious recipes that showcase the diverse flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine.

What can be expected in the section exploring traditional Middle Eastern dishes?

This section delves into the origins and cultural significance of classic preparations like falafel and hummus, offers different variations of falafel recipes along with tips for perfecting the crispy texture, and provides a step-by-step guide to making creamy homemade hummus.

What dishes are featured in the gastronomic adventure beyond falafel and hummus?

The section introduces a variety of flavorful dishes such as sabich sandwich, kibbeh saniye, lamb tagine, and roasted cauliflower, going beyond the familiar falafel and hummus duo. It also includes detailed recipes with key ingredients and instructions for each dish.

What can readers expect to find in the section about enhancing Middle Eastern creations with accompaniments?

Readers will discover the role of sauces and condiments in elevating the flavors of Middle Eastern meals. The section includes recipes for versatile companions like garlic toum sauce, halal cart-style white sauce, and muhammara.

What is included in the section about indulging in sweet Middle Eastern delights?

This section explores the rich and indulgent world of traditional Middle Eastern sweets such as baklava and halva. It also provides easy-to-follow recipes that capture the essence of these delectable treats.

What are the final thoughts on Middle Eastern cuisine exploration?

The final thoughts encourage readers to embark on their own culinary exploration of Middle Eastern cuisine with diverse recipes provided. It suggests pairing ideas and creative twists they can try in the kitchen, as well as inviting them to share their favorite dishes from the region or any unique recipes they've created inspired by Middle Eastern flavors.