This collection of Middle Eastern Dinners for the First Day of Autumn is perfect for a week when the evenings are getting darker and you are bored of the same dinners.
The list covers rice dishes that feed a crowd, a couple of salads, some cheap store-cupboard cooking and two air fryer options, so there is something quick and something for when you have more time. Save it, and if you have not been shopping this week, go straight to number 4.
Musakhan
Musakhan is a Palestinian dish of roasted chicken and red onions with olive oil, sumac and toasted pine nuts, all served over warm flatbread. The chicken and the onions cook together, so there is one tray to wash at the end. The bread underneath soaks up the juices from the pan.
To learn more: Musakhan
Lamb Maqluba (Makloubeh)
Maqluba is an upside-down rice dish from the Levant, built in layers with meat at the bottom, fried aubergine and potatoes in the middle and rice on top. The pot is flipped at the table so the layers stand up like a cake. It can be made with leftover roast lamb, so it is a good way to use up a Sunday joint.
To learn more: Lamb Maqluba (Makloubeh)
Chicken Kabsa
Kabsa is an Arabian chicken and rice dish made with basmati, tomatoes and a homemade spice mix, and the same dish is called machboos in the Gulf. It is the national dish of Saudi Arabia, where families eat it from one shared platter. Number 4 is made from store-cupboard ingredients.
To learn more: Chicken Kabsa
Mujadara
Mujadara is a Lebanese dish of lentils and rice cooked with cumin and a generous amount of caramelised onion. Some of the onions are stirred through and the rest go on top. It is vegan, cheap and you can make it from things you already have in the cupboard.
To learn more: Mujadara
Zereshk Polo
Zereshk polo is a Persian dish of saffron rice and barberries with chicken cooked in a light tomato sauce. The barberries are sharp, so it does not taste like an ordinary chicken and rice dinner. Number 10 is a simpler rice to serve alongside other dishes.
To learn more: Zereshk Polo
Kashk e Bademjan
Kashk e bademjan is a warm Persian aubergine dip made with roasted aubergines, caramelised onions, garlic and kashk. It is on the table in about 45 minutes and serves six as a starter. Kashk is hard to find outside Iran, so the recipe gives a substitute that works.
To learn more: Kashk e Bademjan
Lebanese Fattoush Salad
Fattoush is a Lebanese salad of fresh vegetables in a tangy lemon dressing, with crisp pita croutons. Serve it as a side with grilled meat, or on its own as a starter. Put it on the table while something slower finishes cooking.
To learn more: Lebanese Fattoush Salad
Batata Harra
Batata harra is crisp cubes of potato tossed with garlic, coriander, chilli and lemon juice. They are vegan and cheap, and in Lebanon they sit on the meze table next to hummus and tabbouleh. Number 11 is a great dish to serve with them.
To learn more: Batata Harra
Oven Baked Chicken Shawarma
Chicken thighs are baked in the oven with shawarma spices until the edges brown. No vertical rotisserie is needed, and the chicken slices well once it has rested. Serve it in warm pita bread with pickles.
To learn more: Oven Baked Chicken Shawarma
Lebanese Rice Pilaf with Vermicelli
This is rice cooked with toasted vermicelli and a small handful of store-cupboard ingredients. It is ready in 25 minutes and comes out fluffy every time. Serve it with any of the dishes on this list.
To learn more: Lebanese Rice Pilaf with Vermicelli
Vegan Air Fryer Falafel Recipe
These falafel are cooked in the air fryer rather than deep fried, so there is no pan of hot oil to deal with. They are vegan and gluten free as written. Serve them in flatbread with crispy salad and tahini sauce.
To learn more: Vegan Air Fryer Falafel Recipe
Air Fryer Lamb Shish Kebabs
Cubes of lamb cook on skewers in the air fryer, so there is no barbecue to light. The lamb stays tender and it is quick enough for a weeknight. Serve it with rice or flatbread and a refreshing salad on the side.
To learn more: Air Fryer Lamb Shish Kebabs
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