Check out my collection of 15 authentic and incredibly delicious Middle Eastern recipes, including baklava, falafel, shawarma, dolmas, and many more.
These popular recipes, highlighting Middle Eastern staples such as olive oil, sumac, chickpeas, and rice, are a must-try this summer.
Walnut Baklava from Scratch
This Authentic Middle Eastern Walnut Baklawa is a scrumptious creation that beautifully combines layers of filo pastry with the richness of walnuts and a sweet simple syrup.
But what truly makes this recipe special is the love and artisanship that goes into creating each delicate layer of hand-rolled phyllo sheets.
To learn more: Authentic Middle Eastern Walnut Baklawa
Lebanese Falafel
This Authentic Homemade Lebanese Falafel Recipe is perfect for you if you want to learn how to make perfectly crisp and extremely flavourful falafels.
This delicious Middle Eastern dish is very easy to make and is especially popular among vegetarians and vegans.
They are inexpensive, freezer-friendly, and perfect for meal planning.
To learn more: Authentic Homemade Lebanese Falafel Recipe
Check out the healthier air fryer version: Air Fryer Falafel Recipe
Vegetarian Stuffed Grape Leaves
Yaprak Sarma (or Yalanci Dolma) is an authentic Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dish made from grape leaves stuffed with aromatic rice, fresh Mediterranean herbs, and spices.
You can serve these delicious bite-sized appetizers as a part of a mezze platter or warm as a main meal.
To learn more: Yaprak Sarma - Stuffed Grape Leaves
Turkish Chicken Shish Kebab
Turkish Chicken Shish Kebab, also known as Tavuk Sis, is a popular Turkish dish made of chicken pieces marinated in olive oil, milk, tomato & pepper paste, and aromatic spices.
These tender and juicy kebabs are ready in just 25 minutes plus the marinating time.
To learn more: Turkish Chicken Shish Kebab
Fried Kibbeh - Icli Kofte
Icli Köfte (a.k.a Kibbeh, Kibbi, or Kebbe) is a ball-shaped stuffed meatball made with bulgur, ground meat, walnuts, and spices.
These savory treats are usually shaped like a football and can be fried, boiled, or baked.
To learn more: Icli Kofte (Turkish Kibbeh)
Hummus Dip
Hummus Dip is a Mediterranean/ Middle Eastern spread made with chickpeas and tahini, then seasoned with lemon, garlic, and cumin.
This extremely creamy, smooth & fresh dip comes together in just 25 minutes!
To learn more: Meditteranean Hummus Dip
Lebanese Tabbouleh Salad
This Taboule Recipe (Lebanese Tabouli Salad) is a refreshing and healthy Middle Eastern salad made with fresh parsley, tomatoes, and bulgur.
It is full of flavor, color, and nutrition and is extremely easy to make with just a handful of ingredients.
To learn more: Taboule (Lebanese Tabouli Salad)
Lebanese Chicken Shawarma
This easy recipe for Homemade Lebanese Chicken Shawarma is perfect for you if you want to bring the authentic taste of this Middle Eastern street food to your home.
It is packed with exotic flavors, extremely easy to make with a few simple ingredients, and ready in just 20 minutes!
To learn more: Homemade Lebanese Chicken Shawarma
Fatayer - Lebanese Pies
Fatayer are bite-sized Lebanese mini Pies made with an easy homemade dough, stuffed with a savory filling consisting of either spinach, meat, or cheese.
These crowd-pleaser pastries are incredibly easy to make with just a handful of simple pantry/fridge ingredients.
To learn more: Fatayer - Lebanese Mini Pies
Lahmacun
Homemade Turkish Lahmacun (or Lahmajun-Lahmajoun) is a super-thin crispy flatbread topped with minced beef or lamb mixed with vegetables, herbs, and spices.
You can find this popular street / fast food everywhere in Turkey, in restaurants, cafes, and fast-food shops.
To learn more: Turkish Lahmacun
Zereshk Polo
Zereshk Polo Morgh is a well-known traditional Persian dish consisting of barberry rice and succulent chicken.
This delightful dish is a harmonious blend of colors, aromas, and textures, which beautifully represents the lively nature of Persian cuisine.
To learn more: Zereshk Polo Morgh
Middle Eastern Lavash Bread
Lavash bread is a thin and soft Middle Eastern flatbread that has been a staple in many countries for centuries.
Traditionally cooked in a tandoor oven, this flatbread is particularly popular in Turkey, Iran, and Armenia, where it's enjoyed with a variety of dishes, such as kebabs, soups, and mezes.
To learn more: Middle Eastern Lavash Bread
Grilled Lamb Kofta
Grilled Lamb Kofta (Izgara Kofte in Turkish) is one of the most popular street foods in Turkey made with minced lamb and aromatic spices such as coriander and paprika.
It is extremely easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking skills.
To learn more: Turkish Grilled Lamb Kofta - Izgara Kofte
Musakhan - Palestinian Sumac Chicken
Musakhan - Palestinian Sumac Chicken is a traditional Middle Eastern dish made with marinated chicken legs served over a flatbread with caramelized red onions, sumac, and pine nuts.
This chicken recipe is also extremely easy to make using everyday ingredients that you may already have in your fridge or pantry.
To learn more: Musakhan - Palestinian Sumac Chicken
Sekerpare - Turkish Semolina Cookies
Sekerpare (Turkish Semolina Cookies) is a sweet, moist, and tender dessert that's traditionally served for religious celebrations, such as Seker Bayrami which marks the end of Ramadan.
It is a great alternative to Turkish Baklava, Tulumba - Turkish Fried Dough Dessert, or Baklava Cheesecake for your sweet cravings when you want something much simpler & quicker.
To learn more: Sekerpare - Turkish Semolina Cookies
Leave a Reply