86 middle eastern recipes

Layers of buttery shredded kadayif dough sandwich rich cream filling, then get soaked with lemon syrup for this indulgent Middle Eastern dessert.

Kobeba samakeyah are Lebanese fish-filled bulgur croquettes seasoned with cumin and cilantro, deep-fried golden, and served with homemade tahini sauce. A Middle Eastern classic.

Golden saffron cake with rose water and pistachios, soaked in vanilla sugar syrup and cut into diamonds like baklava. A fragrant Middle Eastern-inspired low-fat dessert.

Curry-spiced soup blending dried apricots with fresh cucumber and orange zest for a refreshing hot or cold starter with Middle Eastern flair.

Nutty tahini paste blended with fresh orange juice and zest creates a uniquely flavored Middle Eastern cake studded with walnuts and golden raisins.

Brown rice pilaf with toasted pine nuts, sweet raisins, garlic, and fresh parsley. A Middle Eastern-inspired whole grain side dish with nutty texture and bright herbs.

Lentil fatta salad with soft-cooked lentils, cubed pita bread, scallions, fresh lemon juice, and olive oil. A warm Middle Eastern salad with hearty texture.

Two-crust tuna quiche with leben (Middle Eastern fermented milk), eggs, cheddar, and mushroom sauce. Pantry-friendly weeknight dinner from a quick puff pastry pie.

Broccoli with spicy chickpea sauce, steamed broccoli florets cloaked in a creamy hummus-style sauce of chickpeas, yogurt, blanched garlic, cumin, and cayenne. Vegetable side that doubles as a Middle Eastern main.

Baid masluq, a Middle Eastern spiced egg dish with sumac, marjoram, and olive oil. Hard-boiled eggs crushed with a fork and seasoned, served as a mezze appetizer.

Mediterranean tomato salad with Vidalia onions, fresh herbs, and lemon dressing. Cilantro and mint brighten this Middle Eastern side. Serve with pita or as falafel topping.

Refreshing Middle Eastern cucumber yogurt salad with garlic and mint. This creamy, cooling side dish pairs beautifully with spicy grilled meats, rice dishes, or warm flatbread.

Middle Eastern braised ox ribs in pepper sauce with sumac, mace, and marjoram, slow-cooked with sweet red peppers and onions. Serve over rice or potatoes.

Roasted eggplant caviar dip with fresh tomatoes, garlic, basil, and a splash of soy sauce. A smoky, rustic Middle Eastern-style spread for pita or crackers.

Fraykee (freekeh) with toasted pine nuts, dry-roasted bulgur simmered with cinnamon and butter. A nutty, fragrant Middle Eastern grain side dish ready in 40 minutes.

Pine nut dressing with sauteed ground beef, onions, and toasted pine nuts tossed with orzo pasta. A savory, Middle Eastern-inspired stuffing ready in 20 minutes.