Middle Eastern Recipes
Browse our collection of Middle Eastern recipes — 16 dishes with photos, cook times and nutrition. Find your next favourite Middle Eastern meal.
Falafel Bowl
A vibrant Falafel Bowl delivers crisp-tender chickpea patties infused with fresh parsley, cilantro, garlic, and earthy cumin, all drizzled with a bright tahini-lemon dressing. The falafel’s golden, slightly crunchy exterior gives way to a tender, herbaceous interior, while the creamy, tangy sauce ties everything together with rich depth. Worth the effort for its bold, balanced flavors and satisfying texture, this dish brings the essence of a Middle Eastern street food experience to the home kitchen.
Spicy Indian-Style Hummus
This vibrant Spicy Indian-Style Hummus blends earthy ground coriander and cumin with fiery cayenne, sharp ginger, and aromatic asafetida for a dip that’s bold and complex. Creamy chickpeas provide a rich base, while fresh parsley and chives add brightness, and a squeeze of lemon juice cuts through the heat with a bright zing. The result is a creamy yet textured dip with layers of spice, warmth, and freshness—perfect for scooping with warm naan or crudités. Worth making for its ability to transform a simple hummus into something unforgettable.
Easy Tabouleh
This bright and herbaceous tabouleh is a classic Middle Eastern salad where nutty bulgur meets crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and a generous handful of fresh parsley. The dressing—tangy lemon juice and fruity olive oil—lends a light, zesty brightness, while the texture stays satisfyingly chewy from the perfectly cooked wheat. It’s a dish that’s as effortless as it is vibrant, ideal for warm days or as a refreshing counterpoint to richer meals. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, it delivers bold Mediterranean flavor without the fuss.
Winter Fattoush Salad
Winter Fattoush Salad reimagines the classic Levantine dish with a hearty, seasonal twist. Earthy lentils anchor the salad, their tender bite contrasting with the crisp, slightly charred croutons and the bright crunch of fresh kale. A punchy dressing of lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil—balanced with a touch of agave—brings sharp acidity and depth, while crumbled feta and fresh parsley add creamy texture and herbal brightness. Finished with a dusting of sumac and flaky salt, each bite delivers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, making it a satisfying, nutrient-packed meal that’s as nourishing as it is vibrant.
Lebanese Lentil Soup
Lebanese Lentil Soup is a deeply comforting dish where tender lentils and fluffy rice swim in a fragrant broth perfumed with coriander, garlic, and a bright squeeze of lemon. The ham bone lends a subtle, savory depth that’s balanced by the spinach’s fresh finish, creating layers of earthy, citrusy richness in every spoonful. It’s a simple yet soul-warming bowl that’s as nourishing as it is flavorful, ideal for cozy evenings or any day you crave a taste of Lebanon.
Colorful Red Quinoa Not So Tabbouleh Salad
This vibrant Red Quinoa Not So Tabbouleh Salad swaps traditional bulgur for nutty, protein-packed quinoa, mingling with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and fresh herbs in a bright lemon-dill dressing. The dish balances earthy, tangy, and herbal notes with a satisfying texture—chewy quinoa, snappy vegetables, and a hint of crunch from toasted pine nuts. It’s a refreshing, nutrient-dense bowl that’s as visually striking as it is delicious, perfect for warm days or meal prep.
Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad
Hey there, folks! Today, I'm gonna share with you my take on a Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad. Trust me, it's a burst of flavors that you won't forget! Ingredients: - 1 cup quinoa - 2 cups water - 3 green onions - 1 tomato - 1 cucumber - Fresh mint - Fresh parsley - Olive oil - Lemon juice - Garlic powder Instructions: 1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions. 2. Chop green onions, tomato, cucumber, mint, and parsley. 3. In a bowl, mix cooked quinoa with the chopped veggies. 4. Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice, sprinkle garlic powder, and mix well. 5. Chill in the fridge before serving. Anecdote: One time, I mistook garlic powder for cinnamon in a salad like this. Let's just say, the result was... interesting. Pro tip: Add a handful of toasted pine nuts for an extra crunch in your salad. Trust me, it's a game-changer! So, go ahead, give this Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad a try. Your taste buds will thank you later!
Middle Eastern Chopped Salad
This vibrant chopped salad delivers a bright, herbaceous punch with crisp parsley, briny niçoise olives, and juicy tomatoes, all brought together by a zesty dressing of lemon, olive oil, and warm cumin. The toasted walnuts add a satisfying crunch, while a hint of chili flake lends a subtle, lingering heat. It’s a refreshing yet deeply flavorful dish that balances textures and tastes effortlessly, making it a standout at any table. Perfect for warm days or as a light meal, it’s as nourishing as it is delicious.
Lebanese Falafel
Lebanese falafel delivers crisp, golden patties packed with earthy cumin and coriander, their texture yielding just enough to the crunch of the fry. The chickpea base, brightened by fresh parsley and a whisper of garlic, pairs effortlessly with a tangy lemon tahini sauce that ties each bite together. Worth making for its bold, balanced flavors and the way it transforms simple ingredients into something deeply satisfying.
Grilled Fattoush
Grilled Fattoush is a vibrant Mediterranean salad where charred vegetables meet briny olives, tangy feta, and fresh herbs, all tied together with a bright lemon dressing. The dish balances crisp textures—from the grilled cucumbers and green onions to the toasted pita chips—with rich, salty bites of feta and kalamata olives. A sprinkle of cumin and fresh mint adds depth, while the smoky notes from the grilled veggies give it an irresistible depth. Worth making for its bold flavors and satisfying crunch, this salad is a celebration of summer’s best produce.
Middle Eastern Stuffed Lentil Zatar Bread
Middle Eastern Stuffed Lentil Zatar Bread is a fragrant, golden loaf where tender lentils spiced with zatar meet a soft, herby dough kissed with cumin. The texture is pillowy yet sturdy enough to hold its shape, with the earthy warmth of zatar and the bright, citrusy punch of fresh cilantro weaving through every bite. Worth making for its bold, layered flavors and the way it fills the kitchen with the scent of the Levant, this bread is a satisfying centerpiece that bridges simplicity and depth in every slice.
Air Fryer Falafel Crispy Healthy
Enjoy these deliciously crispy air fryer falafels that are not only healthy but bursting with flavor. Perfect as a snack or a meal, they are a nutritious treat that everyone will love.
Dubai Chocolate Bark Homemade
Indulge in the rich flavors of a homemade chocolate bark infused with the exotic spices and nuts of Dubai. This delightful treat is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth and impressing your friends and family.
Vegan Dubai Chocolate Bark
This elegant vegan chocolate bark blends rich, velvety dark chocolate with warm, aromatic cardamom for a sophisticated twist on a classic treat. Topped with crunchy pistachios and a whisper of sea salt, each bite offers a luxurious contrast of textures—silky, nutty, and subtly spiced. Inspired by the vibrant flavors of Dubai, it’s a simple yet impressive dessert that’s as effortless to make as it is satisfying to eat. Perfect for gifting or savoring with a cup of tea, this bark delivers indulgence without compromise.
Vegan Shakshuka with Chickpeas
This vibrant Vegan Shakshuka with Chickpeas delivers a rich, smoky depth from slow-simmered tomatoes, cumin, and paprika, balanced by the earthy bite of garlic and bell pepper. The chickpeas add a satisfying, protein-packed chew, while fresh parsley brightens the dish just before serving. Served with creamy avocado and crusty bread for scooping, it’s a hearty, flavorful meal that proves plant-based cooking can be just as indulgent as it is nourishing.
Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cups
Imagine biting into a fresh, juicy strawberry, only to be met with a layer of crunchy, buttery kunafa pastry, a cloud of velvety pistachio cream, and a final dip in rich, melted chocolate. That's the magic of these Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cups—the viral dessert that's taken TikTok by storm. You'll feel like a pastry chef as you assemble these little cups of heaven in just 30 minutes. Each spoonful delivers a symphony of textures: the crispness of the toasted kunafa, the nutty sweetness of the pistachio cream, and the burst of berry freshness. This is the ultimate showstopper for your next party or a decadent treat for yourself. Trust me, you won't be able to stop at one.