212 middle eastern recipes

A creative fusion filling that brings together Middle Eastern hummus and Mexican tamales. Chickpeas, tahini, garlic, vinegar, and soy sauce blended into a thick paste, then wrapped in corn husks.

Homemade falafel made from cooked chickpeas mashed with tahini, garlic, cumin, turmeric and cayenne, then deep-fried into golden balls. Stuff into pita with cucumber, tomato, sprouts and your favourite sauce.

Traditional Armenian braided string cheese made from mozzarella curd, flavored with aromatic mahleb and black seeds. Hand-stretched, twisted, and braided into beautiful ropes.

Garlicky falafel from soaked dried chickpeas, ground with onion, potato, and four cloves of garlic. The traditional Middle Eastern street food technique with a crisp exterior and fluffy interior.

Crispy-fried chickpea fritters spiked with cumin, garlic, and red chilies, tucked into warm pita pockets with fresh vegetables for authentic Middle Eastern street food.

Tender braised pot roast with Mediterranean spices, olives, and tomatoes. This aromatic one-pot dinner fills your kitchen with the warm scent of cumin, cinnamon, and garlic.

Tender lamb chunks braised with turmeric, cardamom, and nutmeg, then folded with wilted spinach and tangy yogurt. This Afghan stew packs warm spice and bright citrus over fluffy rice pilaf.

Serve as an appetizer spread on thick slices of country-style white bread, or flat pita bread, or use as a side dish to accompany grilled or roasted meats.

Ajvar: smoky Balkan roasted pepper and eggplant spread with garlic, lemon, and olive oil. The 'Serbian caviar' that goes on grilled meats, fresh bread, and cheese boards.

Baked falafel balls loaded with sesame seeds, fresh parsley, and whole wheat flour for nutty flavor and extra fiber, with way less oil than traditional fried versions.

Lebanese bulgur wheat salad with marinated chicken, fresh herbs, and crisp vegetables. This protein-packed tabbouleh makes a hearty, healthy main dish bursting with lemon, mint, and garlic.

When I have abundant seasonal vegetables, I love making this vegetable casserole, and most of the time I just enjoy it with a loaf of good bread. That is all you need for a good meal.

Slow-simmered brisket chili with dried kidney beans, three kinds of chile peppers, masa harina, and brewed coffee. Bold, beefy, and deeply spiced.

A delicious summer standard at our place. Easy to make with a mix of Southern European and Middle Eastern flavours. I use my Cucumber Raita (posted separately) to dress the lamb salad or you can use the quick yoghurt dressing provided here.

Ground beef kebabs seasoned with allspice, cayenne, and tomato paste, shaped onto skewers and grilled. A kofta-style kebab with Middle Eastern spice that's ready in 30 minutes.

Cardamom-spiced coffee sweetened with condensed milk, in the Middle Eastern and South Asian style. A 4-ingredient brew that turns regular coffee into something exotic.