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Syria Cuisine

Asia · Western Asia

86 recipes

Signature Syria Dishes

🥗 Ingredient:

Aish El Saraya

Aish El Saraya, meaning 'palace bread,' is a beloved Middle Eastern dessert featuring layers of toasted bread soaked in a fragrant syrup, topped with a creamy custard (ashta), and often garnished with pistachios. It's a rich and decadent dessert perfect for special occasions.

Syria·Expert (Distillation)·N/A (Aging required)

Arak Esmer

Arak Esmer is a traditional anise-flavored distilled spirit from Syria, known for its clear appearance and the characteristic milky white cloudiness when mixed with water. It's typically made from fermented grapes and aniseed, then distilled multiple times.

Syria·Medium·1 hour 50 minutes

Bamia bil Lahmeh

A comforting and flavorful stew featuring tender lamb and okra simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce. This dish is a staple in Syrian cuisine, often served with rice.

Syria·Easy·45 minutes

Batata Harra

Batata Harra, meaning 'spicy potatoes' in Arabic, is a popular Levantine dish with Syrian and Lebanese origins. These crispy, pan-fried or roasted potato cubes are tossed in a vibrant mixture of garlic, chili flakes, cumin, smoked paprika, and fresh cilantro, offering a delightful balance of heat and herbaceousness.

Syria·Easy·55 minutes

Dajaj bil Riz bil Sharieh

A fragrant and comforting one-pot dish featuring tender chicken, fluffy rice, and toasted vermicelli noodles, seasoned with aromatic spices. This simplified version focuses on ease of preparation while retaining authentic flavors.

Syria·Easy·1 hour 35 minutes

Djej w Batata

A classic one-pan Syrian dish featuring chicken and potatoes baked in a vibrant, tangy sauce made with lemon juice, abundant garlic, and olive oil. This flavorful and easy-to-prepare meal is a beloved family favorite.

Syria·Easy·1 hour

Fasoliyyeh Bi Zayt

A simple yet flavorful Syrian dish featuring green beans slowly cooked in olive oil with garlic and cilantro, often served as a main or side dish. It highlights the fresh produce common in Syrian cuisine.

Syria·Easy·30 minutes

Fattet Hummus

Fattet Hummus is a popular Levantine dish, enjoyed across Syria, Lebanon, and Palestine. It's a layered creation of crispy pita bread, tender chickpeas, creamy tahini-yogurt sauce, and often topped with toasted nuts and herbs. This dish is a delightful combination of textures and flavors, perfect for breakfast or a light meal.

Syria·Hard·1 hour (plus chilling time)

Halawet el-Jibn

A delicate and elegant Syrian dessert consisting of sweet cheese and semolina rolls filled with clotted cream (ashta) and drizzled with a fragrant rose or orange blossom water syrup. It's a popular sweet treat for special occasions.

Syria·Medium·1 hour 15 minutes

Haraq Osbao

A hearty and flavorful stew made with lentils, a unique pasta-like dough, and a tangy pomegranate molasses dressing. Often called 'the rich and poor man's meal,' it's a testament to its deliciousness and affordability.

Syria·Medium·2 hours 50 minutes

Hraisseh

A hearty and comforting porridge made from cracked wheat (freekeh or burghul) and chicken, slow-cooked to a tender, flavorful consistency. Traditionally prepared for special occasions or when someone is recovering, Hraisseh is a nourishing dish with a unique texture.

Syria·Easy·25 minutes

Jibneh Makleh

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.

Syria·Medium·2 hours 30 minutes

Kawaj

A hearty and flavorful Syrian dish that celebrates summer vegetables, typically featuring eggplant, bell peppers, potatoes, and onions, all roasted together with a fresh tomato sauce and often meat. It's a versatile dish that can be enjoyed over several days.

Syria·Medium·1 hour 10 minutes

Kebab Karaz

Kebab Karaz, a specialty of Aleppo, is a unique and flavorful dish featuring tender lamb meatballs simmered in a sweet and tart cherry sauce, often finished with toasted pine nuts and fresh mint. It beautifully balances the richness of the lamb with the bright, fruity notes of the cherries, showcasing the sophisticated flavors of Syrian cuisine.

Syria·Medium·1 hour 5 minutes (plus rising time)

Khibz bil Joz

Khibz bil Joz is a subtly sweet and fragrant bread, often made for special occasions or holidays in Syria. It features a soft, enriched dough studded with chopped nuts, typically walnuts, and flavored with rose water or orange blossom water.

Syria·Hard·1 hour 15 minutes

Kibbeh bil Laban

A comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender kibbeh balls simmered in a tangy, creamy yogurt sauce, often enriched with garlic and mint.

Syria·Hard·1 hour 30 minutes

Kibbeh Labanieh

Kibbeh Labanieh is a traditional Syrian dish, particularly popular in Aleppo. It features tender kibbeh (dumplings made from bulgur wheat and meat) gently simmered in a creamy, tangy yogurt sauce. Often garnished with fried garlic and mint, it's a comforting and flavorful meal.

Syria·Hard·2 hours

Kibbeh Musharabeh

A comforting and hearty porridge-like dish made with fine bulgur, ground lamb or beef, and aromatic spices. It's a traditional dish often served during colder months or for special occasions.

Syria·Medium·2 hours

Kousa bil Laban

Tender zucchini stuffed with a savory mixture of ground meat and rice, simmered in a tangy, creamy yogurt sauce infused with garlic and mint. This comforting dish is a staple in Syrian homes, often served with vermicelli rice.

Syria·Hard·2 hours 30 minutes

Kousa Mahshi

Kousa Mahshi is a beloved Syrian dish of zucchini stuffed with a flavorful mixture of rice and minced meat, then simmered in a rich tomato broth. It's a hearty and comforting meal that showcases the essence of Syrian home cooking.

Syria·Medium·45 minutes

Lahm bi Ajeen

A popular Levantine dish consisting of a thin, crispy flatbread topped with a flavorful mixture of minced meat, tomatoes, onions, and spices.

Syria·Hard·2 days (including pickling)

Makdous

Makdous is a traditional Syrian dish of small eggplants stuffed with a mixture of walnuts, red pepper, and garlic, then preserved in olive oil. It's a staple appetizer or side dish, often enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack.

Syria·Hard·2 hours 15 minutes

Maqluba

A visually stunning and flavorful Syrian dish where rice, lamb, and fried vegetables are cooked together and then inverted onto a platter, creating a beautiful 'upside-down' presentation. It's a celebratory dish often served on special occasions.

Syria·Easy·45 minutes

Mfarakeh Batata wa Bayd

Mfarakeh Batata wa Bayd is a comforting and hearty Syrian dish of potatoes and eggs, often referred to as 'Syrian potato hash'. It's a flavorful one-pan meal, typically seasoned with spices and sometimes includes onions, making it a popular breakfast or light dinner option.

Syria·Medium·55 minutes

Mfarakeh Dajaj

Mfarakeh Dajaj is a comforting and flavorful one-pan dish originating from Syria, featuring tender chicken and potatoes cooked with aromatic spices and topped with soft scrambled eggs. The name 'Mfarakeh' comes from the Arabic word for 'to crumble' or 'separate,' referring to the way the eggs are stirred into the pan. This dish is a popular breakfast or brunch item, known for its hearty texture and satisfying taste.

Syria·Easy·50 minutes

Mfaraket Kousa

Mfaraket Kousa is a simple yet flavorful Syrian dish that combines sautéed zucchini with seasoned ground meat and onions. It's a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or a side, often accompanied by yogurt.

Syria·Easy·25 minutes

Muhammara

A vibrant and flavorful Syrian dip made from roasted red peppers, walnuts, and pomegranate molasses, offering a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy notes.

Syria·Easy·1 hour

Mujaddara Safra

Mujaddara Safra, translating to 'yellow mujaddara,' is a comforting and simple Syrian dish made primarily from red split lentils and rice. Its vibrant yellow hue comes from the lentils themselves when cooked. Often served as a porridge-like consistency, it's a nutritious and hearty vegetarian meal, historically dating back to the 13th century.

Syria·Easy·50-60 minutes

Mutabbal

Syrian smoky eggplant dip - fire-roasted eggplant blended with tahini and pomegranate molasses. This mutabbal offers a deeper, more intense smoky flavor than traditional baba ganoush.

Syria·Medium·50 minutes

Qatayef Asafiri

Qatayef Asafiri, meaning 'little bird qatayef,' are delicate, small pancakes originating from Syria and Lebanon. They are traditionally filled with a sweet, creamy cheese filling (ashta) and often drizzled with a fragrant syrup. Unlike their larger, fried counterparts, these mini qatayef are typically served soft and uncooked, offering a light and delightful dessert, especially popular during Ramadan.

Syria·Medium·50 minutes

Samkeh Harra

A vibrant and flavorful Syrian dish featuring baked or pan-fried fish coated in a rich, spicy tomato and pepper sauce, often garnished with fresh herbs and nuts.

Syria·Medium·45-50 minutes

Sfeeha

Sfeeha are delightful open-faced meat pies, a popular Syrian street food and appetizer. A flavorful mixture of spiced ground meat, onions, and tomatoes is spread generously over a soft, pliable dough and baked until golden. They are often enjoyed dipped in yogurt.

Syria·Medium·2 hours

Shami Kousa bil Aban

Tender zucchini stuffed with a savory mixture of spiced ground lamb and rice, simmered in a tangy yogurt sauce. This dish is a beloved classic in Syrian cuisine, often served during special occasions and family gatherings.

Syria·Hard·2 hours 15 minutes

Shish Barak

Shish Barak is a beloved Levantine dish consisting of small, delicate dumplings filled with seasoned ground meat, simmered in a tangy, garlicky yogurt sauce. It's a comforting and flavorful meal, often considered a labor of love due to the intricate process of making the dumplings.

Syria·Medium·35 minutes

Shish Tawook

Tender, juicy chicken skewers marinated in a flavorful blend of yogurt, lemon, garlic, and Middle Eastern spices, then grilled to perfection. Shish Tawook is a beloved dish across the Levant, with variations found in Syrian cuisine that emphasize a balance of savory, tangy, and aromatic notes.

Syria·Easy·55 minutes

Shorbat Adas

A comforting and nutritious Syrian red lentil soup, enriched with vegetables and warm spices. It's a staple in Syrian households, known for its simplicity and wholesome flavor.

Syria·Hard·1 hour 45 minutes

Syrian Baked Kibbeh in Yogurt Sauce

A comforting and flavorful baked dish featuring tender kibbeh balls simmered in a rich, tangy yogurt sauce, often enriched with pine nuts and served with rice.

Syria·Hard·2 hours 15 minutes

Syrian Baked Kibbeh in Yogurt Sauce with Meat

A comforting and flavorful dish featuring baked kibbeh (bulgur wheat and meat patties) submerged in a rich, tangy yogurt sauce with tender pieces of lamb or beef. This is a variation of Kibbeh Laban, but baked in a tray for a different texture and presentation.

Syria·Medium·1 hour 55 minutes

Syrian Bamia with Lamb

A hearty and flavorful stew made with tender lamb, okra, and a rich tomato-based sauce, often served with rice.

Syria·Easy·1 hour 5 minutes

Syrian Bulgur and Lentil Pilaf

A hearty and flavorful one-pot pilaf made with lentils, coarse bulgur wheat, and deeply caramelized onions. This comforting dish is a staple in Syrian cuisine, often served as a main course or side dish.

Syria·Easy·45 minutes

Syrian Chicken and Chickpea Rice

A fragrant and flavorful one-pot dish featuring tender chicken, fluffy rice, and hearty chickpeas, seasoned with aromatic Middle Eastern spices.

Syria·Medium·1 hour 5 minutes

Syrian Chicken and Rice Pilaf with Vermicelli

A comforting and flavorful Syrian rice pilaf cooked with tender chicken pieces and toasted vermicelli, often garnished with nuts and herbs.

Syria·Medium·45 minutes

Syrian Chicken Shawarma Plate

A flavorful and aromatic chicken shawarma, marinated in a blend of Middle Eastern spices, served with garlic sauce, pickles, and pita bread. This is a popular street food and home-style meal in Syria.

Syria·Easy·35 minutes

Syrian Fattoush Salad

A vibrant and refreshing Levantine salad made with a mix of fresh vegetables, herbs, and toasted or fried pieces of pita bread, all tossed in a tangy sumac dressing. It's a staple in Syrian cuisine, perfect as a side or light meal.

Syria·Medium·1 hour 45 minutes

Syrian Freekeh with Chicken and Nuts

A hearty and flavorful dish made with roasted green wheat (freekeh), tender chicken, aromatic spices, and a generous topping of toasted nuts. It's a staple for special occasions and family gatherings.

Syria·Easy·45 minutes

Syrian Fried Cauliflower with Tahini and Pomegranate

Crispy fried cauliflower florets tossed in a creamy tahini sauce and garnished with fresh pomegranate seeds and parsley. This dish is a popular appetizer or side dish, showcasing the vibrant flavors and textures of Syrian cuisine.

Syria·Easy·45 minutes

Syrian Fried Eggplant with Tahini and Pomegranate

A delightful appetizer or side dish, this Syrian specialty features crispy fried eggplant slices generously drizzled with a creamy tahini sauce and sprinkled with vibrant pomegranate seeds and fresh parsley. It's a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

Syria·Hard·1 hour 5 minutes

Syrian Fried Kibbeh with Ghee and Spices

A delectable variation of kibbeh, these fried dumplings are infused with aromatic spices and cooked in clarified butter (saman) for an exceptionally rich flavor.

Syria·Medium·1 hour 5 minutes

Syrian Fried Kibbeh with Pomegranate Molasses

Crispy fried kibbeh balls, a beloved Syrian delicacy, enhanced with a tangy and sweet pomegranate molasses glaze. This recipe offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors, making it a perfect appetizer or main course.

Syria·Medium·45 minutes

Syrian Halab Kibbeh

A sophisticated Syrian dish featuring delicate, raw kibbeh patties served in a flavorful yogurt sauce, often garnished with pomegranate seeds and mint.

Syria·Hard·1 hour (plus chilling time)

Syrian Halawet el Jibn

Halawet el Jibn are delicate, sweet cheese and semolina rolls filled with clotted cream (Ashta) or mascarpone, drenched in a rose or orange blossom scented syrup, and garnished with pistachios. This dessert is a beloved Syrian specialty, known for its unique texture and fragrant sweetness.

Syria·Medium·55 minutes

Syrian Khebez bel Haleeb

A soft, slightly sweet bread enriched with milk and a hint of mahlab, often enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack. It has a delicate crumb and a subtle aroma.

Syria·Hard·1 hour 45 minutes

Syrian Kibbeh Bil Sayniyeh

A baked dish of layered bulgur wheat and spiced ground meat, often with a pine nut filling, creating a savory and satisfying casserole.

Syria·Hard·1 hour 45 minutes

Syrian Kibbeh bil Sayniyeh with Pomegranate

A baked kibbeh dish featuring a flavorful bulgur and meat mixture layered with a spiced pomegranate filling, offering a sweet and savory contrast.

Syria·Hard·1 hour 45 minutes

Syrian Kibbeh bis Siniyeh bil Roz

A baked kibbeh dish featuring a flavorful mixture of bulgur, minced lamb, and spices, layered with a savory rice and yogurt sauce. This is a distinct variation from the more common baked kibbeh with just meat.

Syria·Hard·1 hour 45 minutes

Syrian Kibbeh Hamidieh

A unique and flavorful Syrian dish featuring tender kibbeh (bulgur wheat and meat dumplings) simmered in a rich, tangy pomegranate molasses sauce, often garnished with toasted pine nuts and fresh mint.

Syria·Hard·105 minutes

Syrian Kibbeh Hamidiyeh

A unique and flavorful dish featuring bulgur and lamb kibbeh balls simmered in a tangy pomegranate molasses and tamarind sauce, often garnished with pine nuts.

Syria·Hard·1 hour 5 minutes

Syrian Kibbeh Makhliyeh

Crispy, deep-fried bulgur wheat shells filled with spiced minced meat and pine nuts, a beloved Syrian appetizer or main course.

Syria·Medium·1 hour 5 minutes

Syrian Kibbeh Mishwiyeh

A delightful variation of kibbeh, where the bulgur and meat mixture is shaped into patties and grilled to perfection, offering a smoky flavor and a tender interior.

Syria·Hard·1 hour

Syrian Knafeh Bil Jibneh

Knafeh Bil Jibneh is a popular Middle Eastern dessert made with shredded phyllo dough (kadaif) layered with a mild, meltable cheese and soaked in a sweet syrup. It's known for its delightful contrast of crispy, golden dough and gooey, savory-sweet cheese.

Syria·Medium·1 hour

Syrian Knafeh Nabulsieh

A beloved Levantine dessert, Knafeh Nabulsieh features a base of shredded phyllo dough or semolina dough, layered with a sweet, stretchy cheese, and soaked in a fragrant sugar syrup. This Syrian variation often incorporates rose water and orange blossom water for an aromatic touch.

Syria·Easy·1 hour

Syrian Kousa bil Banadoura

A comforting and flavorful stew of tender zucchini cooked in a rich tomato sauce, often served with rice. This is a simpler, saucier preparation than stuffed zucchini (Kousa Mahshi).

Syria·Hard·2 hours

Syrian Kousa Mahashi bil Aban

Tender zucchini hollowed out and stuffed with a savory mixture of rice and ground lamb, then simmered in a tangy and creamy yogurt sauce. A comforting and classic Syrian dish.

Syria·Medium·90 minutes

Syrian Kousa Mahshi bil Banadoura

Tender zucchini stuffed with a flavorful mixture of rice and ground lamb, simmered in a rich tomato sauce. This is a comforting and classic Syrian dish.

Syria·Medium·1 hour 55 minutes

Syrian Lamb and Apricot Stew

Khalta is a rich and flavorful Syrian stew that beautifully balances tender lamb with the sweet-tartness of dried apricots and a warming blend of spices. Often prepared for special occasions, it's a comforting dish that showcases the depth of Syrian cuisine.

Syria·Medium·2 hours

Syrian Lamb and Chickpea Rice Pilaf

A fragrant and flavorful rice pilaf featuring tender lamb, hearty chickpeas, and aromatic spices. This dish, inspired by Palestinian Qidreh, is a celebratory meal often served on special occasions.

Syria·Medium·2 hours 25 minutes

Syrian Lamb and Chickpea Stew with Apricots

A rich and flavorful stew featuring tender lamb, hearty chickpeas, and sweet dried apricots, simmered in a fragrant broth with warming spices. This dish offers a delightful balance of savory and sweet, characteristic of Syrian cuisine.

Syria·Hard·2 hours 15 minutes

Syrian Lamb and Eggplant Moussaka

A rich and savory layered dish featuring tender lamb, fried eggplant, and a tomato-based sauce, often topped with a creamy béchamel or yogurt sauce. This Syrian variation offers a unique blend of spices and textures.

Syria·Medium·1 hour 45 minutes

Syrian Lamb and Eggplant Stew

A layered lamb and vegetable stew, traditionally made in Damascus, featuring tender lamb and a medley of vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, potatoes, and tomatoes, slow-cooked to perfection. It's often served with rice or bulgur.

Syria·Medium·2 hours 50 minutes

Syrian Lamb and Pomegranate Stew

A rich and flavorful lamb stew, slow-cooked with the tartness of pomegranate molasses and the warmth of spices. This hearty dish is often served with rice or couscous.

Syria·Medium·1 hour 55 minutes

Syrian Lamb and Rice with Yogurt Sauce

A comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender lamb, fragrant rice, and a tangy yogurt sauce, often garnished with toasted nuts and herbs.

Syria·Hard·3 hours 30 minutes

Syrian Lamb Shanks with Pomegranate and Spices

Tender, fall-off-the-bone lamb shanks braised in a rich, aromatic sauce infused with traditional Syrian spices, pomegranate molasses, and a hint of sweetness. This dish is a celebration of slow-cooked flavor, perfect for special occasions.

Syria·Easy·1 hour 5 minutes

Syrian Lentil and Rice with Caramelized Onions

A comforting and flavorful dish of lentils and rice, slow-cooked to perfection and topped with deeply caramelized onions. This is a staple in Syrian cuisine, known for its simplicity and wholesome taste.

Syria·Easy·55 minutes

Syrian Lentil and Spinach Stew

A hearty and nourishing stew combining earthy lentils with fresh spinach, flavored with aromatic spices and a bright touch of lemon. This dish is a staple in Syrian cuisine, offering a comforting and healthy meal.

Syria·Easy·1 hour

Syrian Lentil and Vegetable Stew with Herbs

A hearty and nutritious vegetarian stew featuring red lentils, seasonal vegetables, and a generous amount of fresh herbs, creating a fragrant and wholesome meal.

Syria·Medium·2 hours 15 minutes

Syrian Moghrabieh

Moghrabieh, often called 'Lebanese couscous,' features large, pearl-like semolina grains simmered in a rich, spiced broth with chicken and chickpeas. It's a hearty and flavorful stew, originating from North Africa but adapted with distinct Middle Eastern flavors.

Syria·Easy·1 hour

Syrian Mujadara Hamra

A hearty and flavorful one-pot dish from Syria, Mujadara Hamra is a rustic pilaf made with red lentils and coarse bulgur wheat, often enriched with caramelized onions and a blend of warm spices. Its distinctive reddish hue comes from the lentils and sometimes a touch of tomato paste.

Syria·Easy·40 minutes

Syrian Rice Pudding

A comforting and creamy Syrian rice pudding, delicately flavored with rose water and orange blossom water, and often garnished with pistachios. This classic dessert is simple to make and a delightful end to any meal.

Syria·Medium·50 minutes

Syrian Samak bil Tahini

A comforting and flavorful dish where baked or fried fish is bathed in a rich, creamy tahini sauce, often served with rice.

Syria·Medium·2 hours 30 minutes

Syrian Shakriyeh

Shakriyeh is a comforting and creamy yogurt-based stew, traditionally made with tender slow-cooked lamb or beef, infused with warm spices, and enriched with a velvety yogurt sauce. It's a celebration of Syrian flavors, often served with fluffy rice.

Syria·Medium·1 hour 45 minutes

Syrian Stuffed Peppers

Bell peppers generously filled with a flavorful mixture of rice, ground meat, and aromatic Syrian spices, then simmered in a tangy tomato broth. This is a hearty and comforting dish that showcases the Syrian love for stuffed vegetables.

Syria·Medium·1 hour 55 minutes

Syrian Stuffed Zucchini in Yogurt Sauce with Meat

Tender zucchini hollowed out and stuffed with a savory mixture of rice, ground meat, and spices, then simmered in a creamy, tangy yogurt sauce. This is a beloved classic in Syrian cuisine, often served for special occasions.

Syria·Medium·1 hour 45 minutes

Syrian Tabakh Roho

Tabakh Roho is a traditional Syrian lamb and vegetable stew, known for its layered preparation. This method allows each vegetable to cook to perfection while infusing the dish with rich flavors. It's typically served with rice or bulgur.

Syria·Hard·3 hours

Syrian Yabrak

Yabrak, also known as dolma or stuffed grape leaves, is a labor of love featuring tender grape leaves filled with a mixture of rice, ground meat, and aromatic spices, slow-cooked to perfection. It's a testament to patience and care, often served during gatherings.

Syria·Easy·35 minutes

Syrian Za'atar Manakeesh

A popular Levantine flatbread topped with a fragrant mixture of za'atar, olive oil, and sumac, often enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack.

Syria·Medium·1 hour 10 minutes

Syrian Zucchini in Yogurt Sauce with Meat

Tender zucchini cooked in a rich, tangy yogurt sauce, enriched with savory ground meat. This comforting dish is a staple in Syrian homes.

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