166 delicious middle eastern recipes from around the world
Qidreh, meaning 'pot,' is a traditional Palestinian dish originating from Hebron. It features tender, slow-cooked lamb (or chicken) simmered with fragrant basmati rice, chickpeas, and a warm blend of spices like cardamom, turmeric, and allspice. Traditionally cooked in a clay pot and often in a wood-fired oven, this hearty dish is a symbol of hospitality and is served during feasts and special occasions.
A fragrant and flavorful one-pot rice dish where chicken is slow-cooked with aromatic spices, dried limes, and tomatoes, then topped with fluffy basmati rice. The compression of ingredients in one pot is key to its name and deep flavor.
Shish Barak are small, savory dumplings filled with spiced ground meat, typically lamb or beef, and cooked in a creamy, tangy yogurt sauce. This comforting dish is a staple in many Middle Eastern cuisines, including Israeli.
Kebab Halabi, also known as Aleppo Kebab, is a flavorful Middle Eastern dish featuring spiced ground meat (typically lamb or beef) formed into kebabs and grilled. It's often served with a tangy tomato and onion sauce, making it a popular and satisfying meal.
A flavorful and aromatic dish where a whole chicken is stuffed with seasoned freekeh (a roasted green wheat grain) and then roasted to perfection. It's often garnished with toasted nuts for added texture.
A beloved Levantine mezze, Mutabal is a smoky and creamy eggplant dip. It features fire-roasted eggplant mashed with tahini, garlic, and lemon juice, often garnished with pomegranate seeds and fresh parsley. It's a testament to the region's love for simple yet flavorful ingredients.
Tender baby zucchini hollowed out and generously filled with a savory mixture of spiced ground lamb and rice, then gently simmered in a light tomato broth. A classic and comforting Lebanese dish.
Kofta bil Tahini is a comforting and flavorful Saudi Arabian dish featuring seasoned meatballs or patties baked with potatoes in a creamy tahini sauce. It's a hearty meal that showcases the rich flavors of the region.
A rich and flavorful Omani stew featuring tender lamb simmered with sweet dried apricots, aromatic spices, and a hint of tomato. This dish balances savory and sweet notes, making it a comforting and exotic meal.
A comforting and flavorful one-pan Lebanese dish featuring seasoned ground meat (kafta) baked with layers of thinly sliced potatoes and tomatoes. This 'sayniyeh' (meaning 'on a tray') is a classic home-cooked meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a gathering.
Flavorful lamb or beef kofta (meatballs) simmered in a rich, tangy yogurt sauce (laban). This comforting dish is often served with rice or bread.
Tender, marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection, infused with a vibrant blend of yogurt, lemon, garlic, and Middle Eastern spices. A popular choice for gatherings and everyday meals.
Tender, yogurt-marinated chicken cubes grilled to perfection with a slight char. A ubiquitous and beloved Lebanese favorite, traditionally served with a potent garlic sauce (Toum).
A visually stunning and flavorful upside-down rice dish featuring layers of spiced shrimp, fried vegetables, and aromatic rice, cooked together and then inverted onto a serving platter.
Kabab Koobideh is the quintessential Persian ground meat kebab, renowned for its incredibly juicy and flavorful texture. Typically made with lamb, this dish is considered the king of Persian kebabs, best enjoyed grilled and served with traditional accompaniments.
Bell peppers stuffed with a flavorful mixture of seitan, vegetables, and spices, served alongside fragrant basmati rice infused with lemon.
A vibrant and flavorful Middle Eastern dish featuring eggs gently poached in a rich, spiced tomato and pepper sauce. Perfect for a hearty breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner, this one-pan wonder is both simple to make and incredibly satisfying.
Juicy and flavorful lamb kofta kebabs, seasoned with a blend of Middle Eastern spices, grilled to perfection, and often served with tahini sauce and pita bread.
A delicate and fragrant dessert, this pudding is a celebration of aromatic spices and floral notes. Saffron lends a beautiful golden hue and subtle earthy flavor, while rosewater adds a distinct perfumed sweetness, creating a luxurious and refreshing treat.
Madrouba, meaning 'beaten' in Arabic, is a comforting Omani porridge made from long-grain rice and chicken, slow-cooked until tender and then mashed to a creamy consistency. It's flavored with a blend of aromatic spices and often finished with a drizzle of cardamom-infused ghee and fried onions.
Crispy fried bulgur and meat shells filled with a savory spiced meat mixture, served in a tangy yogurt sauce. This is a variation on the more common Shish Barak, focusing on the fried kibbeh element.
Tender chicken pieces marinated and roasted in a sweet and savory date molasses glaze, infused with aromatic spices and citrus notes. This dish offers a delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, showcasing a popular ingredient in Bahraini cuisine.
A popular Syrian appetizer or snack, Jibneh Makleh features cheese that is coated and fried to a golden crisp, offering a delightful contrast between its crunchy exterior and gooey, melted interior. It's often seasoned with herbs and spices, making it a flavorful bite.
A staple in Jordanian cuisine, this fragrant and fluffy rice dish is cooked with butter and toasted vermicelli noodles, offering a simple yet deeply satisfying flavor. It's the perfect accompaniment to a variety of main courses.
