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    Cooking Gorgeous » MSN Posts

    Authentic Middle Eastern Food Recipes

    Published: Sep 18, 2024 by Ayla Clulee · This post may contain affiliate links.

    If you're looking for something fun and flavorful to try, these authentic Middle Eastern food recipes are a great choice. Packed with rich spices, fresh herbs, and simple ingredients, they are perfect for anyone who enjoys bold and vibrant flavors. From crispy falafel to creamy hummus, Middle Eastern food offers a variety of dishes that are both easy to make and exciting to eat.

    Chicken Doner Kebab

    chicken doner kebab nicely charred on the outside
    Ayla Clulee

    Chicken Doner Kebab, or Tavuk Döner as it's called in Turkey, is a delicious Turkish street food that is also popular around the world. It is made with tender and juicy marinated chicken thighs, cooked until charred, and wrapped in warm flatbread along with fresh vegetables. 
    To learn more: Chicken Doner Kebab - Tavuk Döner

    Lamb Shish Kebab

    Ayla Clulee

    Lamb Shish Kebab (or Shish Kabob) is a very popular Turkish / Middle Eastern dish typically served in restaurants or takeaway kebab shops. 

    This simple recipe explains how to make your homemade version of this lamb kebabs from scratch with a few ingredients.

    To learn more: Lamb Shish Kebab

    Icli Kofte - Kibbeh

    Image Credit: Image credit goes to.

    Icli Kofte (some call it Bulgur Kofte) is the Turkish version of the famous Middle Eastern dish called "Kibbeh". 

    They are made with a combination of ground meat, fine bulgur wheat, and Middle Eastern spices. These savory treats are usually shaped like a football and can be fried, boiled, or baked.

    To learn more: Icli Kofte (Turkish Kibbeh)

    Middle Eastern Walnut Baklava

    a picture showing the layers of a authentic Middle Eastern walnut baklawa dessert
    Ayla Clulee

    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

    Tabbouleh

    taboule garnished with pomegranate seeds
    Ayla Clulee

    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 Recipe (Lebanese Tabouli Salad)

    Lahmacun

    lahmacun wrapped with parsley and tomatoes
    Ayla Clulee

    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

    Falafel

    falafel served in a pita bread with salad and tahini sauce
    Ayla Clulee

    This Authentic Homemade Lebanese Falafel Recipe is perfect for you if you want to learn how to make perfectly crisp and extremely flavourful falafels. 

    Whether you serve them stuffed in warm Greek Pita Bread or along with a bowl of refreshing Lebanese Fattoush Salad, this iconic street food will be a family favorite!

    To learn more: Authentic Homemade Lebanese Falafel Recipe

    Meat Stuffed Grape Leaves

    stuffed grape leaves served on a plate with lamb
    Ayla Clulee

    Meat Stuffed Grape Leaves (a.k.a Dolmas or Dolmades) is a Turkish dish that is also very popular in many Mediterranean and Middle Eastern countries. This dish is known as "Etli Yaprak Sarma" in Turkey and is made with ground meat, fresh herbs, and rice wrapped in vine leaves.

    To learn more: Meat Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolmas)

    Fatayer

    12 pieces of fatayer
    Ayla Clulee

    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 - Homemade Lebanese Pies

    Hummus

    Ayla Clulee

    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: Mediterranean Hummus Dip

    Lebanese Rice Pilaf

    Lebanese rice served with koftas and salad
    Ayla Clulee

    Lebanese Rice Pilaf with Vermicelli is an absolute delight from the heart of the Middle East. It is packed with flavor and made with just a handful of pantry staples.

    Simple, and incredibly easy to prepare, ready in just 25 minutes, and turns out fluffy every single time.

    To learn more: Lebanese Rice Pilaf with Vermicelli

    Chicken Shawarma

    shawarma wrap cut in 2
    Ayla Clulee

    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: Easy Homemade Lebanese Chicken Shawarma

    Arabian Chicken Kabsa

    chicken pieces and rice are served on a plate
    Ayla Clulee

    Arabian Chicken Kabsa, also known as Machboos, is a deliciously authentic dish that's popular across the Gulf countries and enjoyed throughout the Middle East.

    This fragrant chicken and rice dish comes in various versions and traditionally includes rice (often basmati), onions, tomatoes, and a blend of 'kabsa' spices.

    To learn more: Arabian Chicken Kabsa - Machboos

    Ghormeh Sabzi

    Ghormeh Sabzi stew with lamb
    Ayla Clulee

    Ghormeh Sabzi is a traditional Persian Herb Stew consisting of lamb (or beef), kidney beans, a mixture of sautéed herbs, and dried limes.

    It is effortless to make with everyday ingredients and tastes even better after a day or two - the perfect dish for entertaining!

    To learn more: Ghormeh Sabzi - Persian Herb Stew

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    Welcome to Cooking Gorgeous, where delicious easy-to-follow recipes and culinary inspiration await you! My name is Ayla Clulee, a passionate and professional Cordon Bleu-trained chef, recipe developer, and food content creator with decades of experience. I am based in the UK, and I'm thrilled to have you here.

    The kitchen is my happy place and cooking is my therapy.

    More about me →

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