Looking for authentic and flavorful Middle Eastern recipes? These 26 dishes will satisfy your hunger for adventure and offer a delicious variety of Mediterranean cuisine you can make in under an hour. Ranging from classic dips and salads to hearty mains, these recipes will transport you to the markets and kitchens of the Levant without requiring hard-to-find ingredients or complex cooking techniques. With aromatic spices, bright citrus, and nutty tahini, you can easily bring the flavors of the Middle East to your own kitchen.
Spiced Grilled Corn
Spiced Grilled Corn is a simple yet flavorful dish that can be ready in just 30 minutes. It combines the sweetness of corn with a blend of Middle Eastern spices, creating a smoky and slightly spicy taste. This dish uses corn on the cob, olive oil, and a special spice mix. It’s a perfect side dish that brings a taste of the Middle East to any barbecue.
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Sabich Sandwich Recipe with Eggplant and Potatoes
The Sabich Sandwich Recipe with Eggplant and Potatoes is a hearty and satisfying option for lunch that takes about 45 minutes to make. It stacks fried eggplant, boiled potatoes, and boiled eggs within pita bread, creating a mix of soft and crunchy textures. Key ingredients include eggplant, potatoes, eggs, and tahini sauce. Its taste is a delightful combination of earthy flavors and creamy tahini.
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Tahini Sauce
Tahini Sauce is a versatile condiment that takes just 10 minutes to whip up. Made with just sesame paste, lemon juice, garlic, and water, it’s a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine. The sauce is creamy with a nutty flavor that has a slight tang from the lemon. It’s an essential addition that complements many dishes, from salads to grilled meats.
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grilled chicken kofta kebab
Grilled chicken kofta kebab is a popular Middle Eastern dish that takes about 40 minutes to prepare. Ground chicken is mixed with onions, garlic, and a blend of spices before being formed around skewers and grilled. The main ingredients are chicken, onions, and a mix of Middle Eastern spices. The taste is smoky, savory, and slightly spiced, perfect for a protein-packed meal.
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Baked Turkey Kofta Pita Sandwich
The Baked Turkey Kofta Pita Sandwich is a flavorful meal that can be ready in about 1 hour. It’s made with seasoned ground turkey formed into patties and baked, then served in pita with toppings. Ingredients include ground turkey, herbs, spices, and pita bread. It offers a taste that is both juicy and aromatic, with a hint of Middle Eastern spices.
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Vegetarian Kofta Kebabs Recipe
Vegetarian Kofta Kebabs Recipe is a plant-based twist on the classic kebab, taking about 45 minutes to prepare. It uses a blend of chickpeas, herbs, and spices to create a meat-free alternative. The main ingredients are chickpeas, onions, and a variety of Middle Eastern spices. These kebabs have a savory taste with a satisfying texture that even meat-lovers can appreciate.
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Classic mushroom bourekas recipe
The Classic mushroom bourekas recipe is a delightful snack that takes about 1 hour to make. It consists of a flaky pastry filled with a savory mushroom and cheese mixture. The main ingredients include mushrooms, cheese, and puff pastry. They offer a taste that is rich and earthy, with a buttery pastry that melts in your mouth.
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Mujadara
Mujadara is a comforting dish that combines rice, lentils, and caramelized onions, requiring about 40 minutes to cook. It’s a simple dish with ingredients that are staples in any pantry. The main components are rice, lentils, and onions. Mujadara has a deeply satisfying taste, with sweetness from the onions balancing the earthiness of the lentils.
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Pomegranate chicken with walnuts
Pomegranate chicken with walnuts is a luxurious dish that takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes to prepare. It features chicken cooked in a sauce made with pomegranate molasses and crushed walnuts. The key ingredients are chicken, pomegranate molasses, and walnuts. This dish has a tangy, sweet, and nutty flavor profile that’s rich and complex.
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Eggplant Tomato Stacks
Eggplant Tomato Stacks are a visually appealing and tasty dish that can be prepared in about 1 hour. Layers of roasted eggplant and tomato are seasoned and stacked, creating a tower of flavor. The main ingredients are eggplant, tomatoes, and a variety of herbs. The taste is a delightful blend of sweet tomato and smoky eggplant.
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Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate and Balsamic
Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate, and Balsamic can be ready in just 20 minutes. This dish pairs the earthy taste of Brussels sprouts with the saltiness of feta and the sweetness of pomegranate. The main ingredients are Brussels sprouts, feta cheese, pomegranate seeds, and balsamic reduction. It’s a dish with a complex taste profile and a satisfying crunch.
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Fish with pomegranate sauce
Fish with pomegranate sauce is a dish that takes about 40 minutes to prepare and is perfect for those who appreciate a sweet and sour flavor. The fish is baked and then drizzled with a tangy pomegranate sauce. Main ingredients include whole fish, pomegranate molasses, and garlic. It offers a taste that is both refreshing and slightly tangy, with a hint of sweetness.
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Eggplant Shakshuka
Eggplant Shakshuka is a twist on the classic dish, ready in about 45 minutes. It’s a one-pan meal featuring poached eggs in a sauce of tomatoes and roasted eggplant. The main ingredients are eggplant, tomatoes, eggs, and spices. The taste is a harmonious blend of smoky eggplant and rich tomato sauce.
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Sweet Potato Hummus
Sweet Potato Hummus is a unique take on traditional hummus that can be prepared in just 45 minutes. It combines cooked sweet potatoes with chickpeas and tahini to create a creamy spread. The main ingredients are sweet potatoes, chickpeas, and tahini. The taste is slightly sweet, nutty, and perfect for dipping or spreading.
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Kid-friendly beet hummus
Kid-friendly beet hummus is a colorful and healthy snack that takes about 15 minutes to make. It’s made with roasted beets, chickpeas, and tahini, resulting in a vibrant pink spread. The main ingredients are beets, chickpeas, and tahini. It has a sweet and earthy flavor that’s appealing to both kids and adults.
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Orange Vegetable Tagine with Peaches
Orange Vegetable Tagine with Peaches is a sweet and savory stew that takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to cook. This dish uses a variety of orange vegetables and sweet peaches, simmered with Moroccan spices. The main ingredients are carrots, sweet potatoes, peaches, and spices. It offers a taste that is both comforting and exotic, with a subtle sweetness.
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Crispy Ottolenghi’s Air Fryer Asparagus
Crispy Ottolenghi’s Air Fryer Asparagus takes just 15 minutes to make and is a light, healthy side dish. Asparagus is seasoned and cooked in an air fryer until it’s perfectly crispy. The main ingredients are asparagus, olive oil, and seasoning. The taste is fresh, with a satisfying crunch and a hint of smokiness.
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Moroccan pearl couscous salad
Moroccan pearl couscous salad is a refreshing dish that can be served in about 30 minutes. It combines pearl couscous with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a lemon dressing. The main ingredients are pearl couscous, cucumbers, tomatoes, and a zesty dressing. The taste is light and citrusy, with a pleasant mix of textures from the couscous and vegetables.
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Irresistibly smooth garlic hummus
Irresistibly smooth garlic hummus can be made in just 10 minutes and is a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine. This version is extra creamy with a pronounced garlic flavor. The main ingredients are chickpeas, tahini, and garlic. It’s a smooth, rich spread that’s perfect for dipping or as a complement to any meal.
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Quinoa with kabocha squash and chickpeas in green tahini sauce
Quinoa with kabocha squash and chickpeas in green tahini sauce is a nourishing meal that takes about 1 hour to prepare. It features a blend of quinoa, roasted squash, and chickpeas, all dressed in a vibrant tahini sauce. The main ingredients are quinoa, kabocha squash, chickpeas, and tahini. The taste is nutty and hearty, with a creamy sauce that ties everything together.
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Smoky Baba Ghanoush without Tahini
Smoky Baba Ghanoush without Tahini is a classic Middle Eastern dip that takes about 45 minutes to make. It’s prepared by blending roasted eggplant with olive oil and various seasonings for a smoky flavor. The main ingredients are eggplant, garlic, and lemon juice. The taste is rich and smoky, with a smooth texture that’s perfect for dipping.
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Vegan Shawarma Pita with Tahini Sauce
Vegan Shawarma Pita with Tahini Sauce is a plant-based meal that’s ready in about 1 hour. It features spiced tofu or tempeh wrapped in pita with vegetables and drizzled with tahini sauce. The main ingredients are tofu or tempeh, pita bread, and tahini. It has a savory taste with a hint of Middle Eastern spices and a creamy sauce.
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Homemade labneh cheese balls
Homemade labaneh cheese balls take about 24 hours to set but require minimal active preparation time. The cheese is strained yogurt that’s rolled into balls and often coated with herbs or spices. The main ingredients are yogurt, salt, and optional coatings like za’atar or herbs. The taste is tangy and creamy, similar to cream cheese but with a distinct tang.
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Middle Eastern Mint Limonana (Mint Lemonade)
Middle Eastern Mint Limonana (Mint Lemonade) is a refreshing drink that can be made in just 10 minutes. It’s a blend of fresh mint, lemon juice, sugar, and water. The main ingredients are mint, lemons, and sugar. The taste is invigorating and sweet, with a cooling minty finish.
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Roasted bell pepper salad
Roasted bell pepper salad is a vibrant dish that takes about 30 minutes to prepare. It combines roasted bell peppers with garlic, olive oil, and herbs. The main ingredients are bell peppers, garlic, and olive oil. The taste is sweet and smoky with a hint of garlic and a fresh herbal note.
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Grilled and Fried Halloumi Cheese
Grilled and Fried Halloumi Cheese is a versatile dish that can be ready in just 10 minutes. Halloumi is a unique cheese that holds its shape when cooked, making it perfect for grilling or frying. The main ingredients are halloumi cheese and olive oil. The taste is salty and savory with a pleasant chewy texture.
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