30 Easy Middle Eastern Recipes

These 30 Middle Eastern recipes come from countries like Iran, Turkey, Lebanon, Cyprus, and Egypt. Each region brings its own unique flavor, but you’ll find common ingredients like parsley, garlic powder, tahini sauce, and chickpeas adding bold, exotic flavors to these dishes.

1.Lebanese Cucumber Yogurt Sauce

Quick Cucumber Yogurt Sauce is the perfect solution for a lazy day in the kitchen. With just seven ingredients and five minutes of prep time, this recipe is a breeze to whip up.

Mix together yogurt, olive oil, garlic, salt, cucumbers, and water for a fresh and creamy sauce. Serve it alongside pita bread for a quick appetizer or snack.

Plus, it works great as a condiment or dip–whichever you prefer!

2.Lebanese Chickpea Stew

Looking for a hearty, comforting stew that’s ready in just 30 minutes? This vegan-friendly Middle Eastern dish is a winner! It’s not only quick to make but also packed with good stuff like fiber, potassium, and vitamins A and C.

Plus, it’s low in calories, making it a guilt-free option for a satisfying meal. The stew is spicy, aromatic, and bursting with flavor. If za’atar is hard to find in stores, don’t worry–you can easily grab it on Amazon.

This stew is a perfect blend of wholesome ingredients and vibrant spices that will leave you wanting more!

3.Lavash

Sure, lavash takes a bit of time to make, but trust us–it’s totally worth it. Imagine a wrap that’s as thin as a whisper and light as a cloud–that’s lavash for you.

And the best part? You can whip it up in the oven, on a pizza stone, in a hot pan, or even on a griddle. Talk about flexibility!

4.Chicken Musakhan

Get ready to discover a new favorite dish–Musakhan is here to delight your taste buds! This Middle Eastern gem features tender, bone-in chicken roasted to absolute perfection with a blend of aromatic spices.

You’ll need 7-spice and sumac for that authentic flavor, both easily found in most large supermarkets. Serve it on warm, fluffy flatbreads, and let the combination of juicy chicken, fragrant spices, and soft bread transport you to a world of comfort and joy.

Your kitchen will be filled with the most incredible aroma, and every bite will leave you wanting more!

5.Lebanese Beef Kofta Meatballs with Tahini Sauce

Looking for a snack that fits Paleo or Whole30? These Lebanese meatballs are a flavor-packed choice. Made with fresh herbs like parsley and mint, plus spices like coriander and cinnamon, they’re bursting with taste.

Enjoy them with tahini sauce for a quick bite, or pair with rice, couscous, or tabbouleh for a hearty meal. Perfect for snacking or sharing!

6.Middle Eastern Roasted Vegetable Rice

Looking for a vegan dish that’s perfect any time of day? This herby rice dish is a game-changer. Start with two cups of aromatic basmati rice, then add in your favorite veggies and extras – think eggplant, carrots, chickpeas, fresh cilantro, and toasted pine nuts.

It’s a bit of a time investment, but trust us, it’s worth it. The combo of hearty nutrition and bold flavor is a winner. The rice cooks up soft and fluffy, but here’s the best part: some of it will crisp up at the bottom.

Don’t toss those golden bits – they add a satisfying crunch that takes the whole dish to the next level.

7.Zhoug

This spicy cilantro sauce packs a punch of heat and is ready in just 5 minutes. Perfect for adding a kick to any dish, you can crank up the heat even more by swapping jalapeños for hotter peppers.

It’s a versatile condiment that’s great on tacos, grilled meats, or as a dip. Quick, easy, and customizable–what more could you ask for?

8.Middle Eastern Chicken and Rice

This one-pot chicken and rice dish is a beloved staple in Lebanese cuisine, offering a deliciously simple meal. Packed with flavor, it’s a perfect blend of spices that will tantalize your taste buds.

The aroma is just as amazing as the flavor, making it a treat for the senses. Serve it on its own for a hearty meal or pair it with a fresh side salad for a well-rounded lunch or dinner.

9.Middle Eastern Roasted Vegetables with Tahini Drizzle

This recipe is all about flexibility–use whatever veggies you have on hand, especially those leftovers that need a little love. It’s a great way to breathe new life into veggies that are about to go bad.

Chop them into similar-sized pieces, toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast in the oven for about 30 minutes. Once they’re done, plate them, drizzle with creamy tahini sauce, and sprinkle with za’atar and coriander for that authentic Middle Eastern flavor.

Serve with warm pita bread for a delicious, hearty meal that feels like a taste of tradition.

10.Middle Eastern Chicken Kebabs

When you see “chicken kebabs” on a Middle Eastern menu, you won’t find a mix of veggies. These kebabs are packed with chicken, with just a few slices of red onion added for extra flavor.

The real magic, though, is in the marinade. Made with yogurt, spices, garlic, and a squeeze of lemon, it gives the chicken a delightfully sharp and tangy taste that makes every bite stand out.

11.Fattoush Salad with Pita Bread

Looking for a salad that’s as crunchy as it is zesty? Fattoush salad is the way to go! Packed with radishes, green onions, crisp lettuce, and cucumbers, plus those addictive pita croutons for extra crunch.

And let’s not forget the homemade lime vinaigrette–it brings everything together with just the right zing. Perfect for anyone who loves a little excitement in their bowl!

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12.Falafel Salad

Take your taste buds on a trip to the Middle East with this fresh and flavorful falafel salad! Packed with fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro, juicy tomatoes, hearty chickpeas, and nutty bulgar wheat, this salad is a vibrant mix of textures and tastes.

Drizzled with a creamy, tangy tahini dressing, it’s a refreshing twist on traditional falafel. Ready in just 40 minutes, this recipe serves four, making it perfect for a quick and delicious meal or a healthy lunch for the whole family.

Enjoy!

13.Ghraybeh (Middle Eastern Shortbread Cookies)

Meet your new favorite butter cookies! These treats are perfectly crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, all made with just four ingredients (or five if you want to dust them with powdered sugar).

They strike the perfect balance of sweetness–just enough to satisfy your dessert cravings without overwhelming your taste buds. Pair them with a cup of hot tea for the ultimate cozy treat.

14.Turkish Sumac Onions

If you’re a fan of fresh flavors with a little kick, this raw onion salad is a must-try. It’s as simple as chopping up some onions and tossing them with red pepper flakes, salt, and sumac.

Mix it all up, then drizzle in pomegranate molasses, olive oil, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Finish it off with a sprinkle of parsley. This salad is perfect as a garnish, a sandwich topping, or a side dish.

But honestly, it’s so good you could eat it all on its own!

15.Shakshuka

Shakshuka, a North African dish now adored in the Middle East, is a gluten-free, vegetarian gem you can savor any time of day. This spicy, garlicky egg dish blends the bold flavors of chili powder, paprika, tomato paste, parsley, cayenne pepper, and cumin for a truly aromatic experience.

Don’t forget to serve it with a hunk of crusty bread to soak up every delicious bite – perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!

16.Middle Eastern Chickpea Salad

Chickpea salad is a hearty, chunky dish that’s a full meal on its own. Adding a dollop of Greek yogurt takes it to the next level. This vegan-friendly, low-calorie option comes together in just 10 minutes.

The dressing has a hint of zest but is gentler than most lemon vinaigrettes. Together, the salad and dressing create a spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor mix.

It’s perfect for scooping up with pita bread for a quick snack or light meal.

17.Falafel Sandwich With Tabbouleh Salad and Pita Bread

Get ready for the ultimate falafel experience! This sandwich is packed with spicy, herby falafel, crisp arugula, and refreshing tabouli salad, all wrapped in soft pita bread.

Drizzled with zesty lemon juice and creamy tahini sauce, it’s a flavor explosion you won’t want to miss. It’s a cool, refreshing meal that feels like a salad in every bite.

Yum doesn’t even begin to cover it!

18.Middle Eastern Flatbread with Tahini Sauce

Flatbread pizza that’s as healthy as it is delicious. This jazzy twist on traditional pizza skips the tomato sauce but doesn’t skip on flavor. And the best part? No tomato sauce needed–this flatbread shines on its own!

Loaded with your favorite toppings, it’s a flavorful twist on traditional pizza. Plus, it’s a breeze to make and better for you than traditional pizza.

Win-win!

19.Chicken Shawarma

Whether you fire up the grill or heat up the oven, shawarma is a flavorful, high-protein meal that’s low on carbs and big on taste. It’s packed with bold spices and vibrant flavors that will keep you coming back for more.

Serve it with a creamy homemade toum or tahini sauce and a fresh side salad for the ultimate meal combo.

20.Tahini Salad

This fresh and flavorful salad keeps things simple with just three main ingredients: crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant parsley. The dressing is equally straightforward, blending tahini paste, zesty lemon juice, water, salt, and pepper for a creamy, tangy finish.

Despite its simplicity, this salad packs a punch of deliciousness. Enjoy it on its own as a light bite, layered on pita bread for extra texture, or as a tasty topping for your favorite sandwich or dish.

It’s a versatile and refreshing option that’s perfect any time of day!

21.Pistachio Baklava

Baklava is more than just a dessert–it’s an art form. This recipe takes it to the next level with a whopping 30 layers of flaky, buttery goodness. Thin sheets of phyllo dough are layered with ground nuts, creating a crispy texture that’s simply irresistible.

The green pistachios add a pop of color, while the orange blossom water syrup infuses a fragrant sweetness. Best of all? This impressive dessert only requires nine ingredients and can be baked and cooled in under two hours.

Just remember to let it sit for at least eight hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together perfectly. The wait is worth it–this baklava is a true showstopper!

22.Lebanese Rice

This simple rice and vermicelle bowl is a breeze to make and packed with flavor. With just three main ingredients–rice, vermicelles, and olive oil–you can whip it up in just 15 minutes.

Keep it light or add your own twist with cinnamon, almonds, parsley, or a sprinkle of salt. Perfect as a side dish, it pairs well with grilled meats, roasted veggies, or your favorite main course.

23.Turkish Shepherd’s Salad (çoban salatasi)

This dish has a salsa-like consistency, which I absolutely love! It’s thick, chunky, and packed with flavor. Best of all, it’s ready in just 15 minutes.

The star of the show is the Persian cucumber, which is sweeter than the regular ones you’re used to. Add in some shallots, parsley, tomatoes, lemon juice, and olive oil, and you’ve got a fresh, vibrant mix.

The real magic happens when you add tangy pomegranate molasses and red wine vinegar – it’s simply irresistible!

24.Koshari

Egypt’s National Dish: A Flavorful Surprise This traditional Egyptian dish is a delightful mix of flavors and textures that will keep you coming back for more.

At first glance, the combination of rice, lentils, garbanzo beans, tomato sauce, and macaroni might seem unusual, but trust us, it all comes together in perfect harmony.

The dish is a masterful blend of ingredients, with just the right balance of flavors. Each bite is a unique experience, thanks to the blend of herbs and spices that tie everything together.

If you’re feeling adventurous, this is a must-try dish that will surprise and delight your taste buds.

25.Persian Saffron Rice

Imagine a dish that looks like a sweet cake layer but is actually rice! This baked rice dish is topped with rosewater and dozens of cute red barberries, giving it a dessert-like appearance.

When you slice into it, you’ll find layers of rice above and below a thin layer of barberries. The flavor is light and delicate, providing a nice contrast to the sour tang of the barberries.

If barberries aren’t available, sour cherries or cranberries make great substitutes.

26.Lebanese Tahini Sauce

Looking for the perfect dip to go with your shawarma? This tahini sauce is a breeze to make and tastes amazing. All you need is tahini paste, a pinch of salt, a couple of garlic cloves, and some fresh lemon juice.

Just mix, whisk, and add water until it’s as smooth as you like. Easy, delicious, and ready in no time!

27.Hummus

Hummus lovers, rejoice! This recipe is a game-changer. After struggling to find a hummus that hits the mark, this one delivers. It’s the smoothest, creamiest, and most luxurious hummus you’ll ever taste.

The flavor is a perfect balance of nutty, garlicky, and citrusy notes. Plus, it’s as pretty as it is delicious. This one’s a winner!

28.Middle Eastern Yogurt Drink

Aryan: A Refreshing Summer Drink This zesty drink, known as Aryan, is a perfect blend of salty and tart flavors. Made with just three simple ingredients–sparkling water, yogurt, and salt–it’s a surprisingly delightful combination.

These three components come together in a way that’s both refreshing and light, making it an ideal choice for beating the heat on a sweltering summer day.

It’s easy to make and offers a cool, revitalizing taste that’s sure to quench your thirst.

29.Middle Eastern Lentil Soup

Wrap up warm with a bowl of this hearty, comforting soup–perfect for cozying up on a chilly night. Packed with fiber, protein, and essential nutrients like zinc, potassium, vitamin B, and calcium, it’s a true powerhouse of a meal.

The bold flavors of garlic and allspice take center stage, while a squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a bright, tangy note that gives it a delightful Middle Eastern twist.

It’s more than just a soup–it’s a supercharged, soul-warming delight!

30.Turkish Breakfast

A Turkish breakfast plate is a stunning mix of colors and flavors, offering a perfectly balanced start to your day. While there’s no set rule for what must be included, it typically features a variety of meats, veggies, cheeses, and fruits, blending sweet and savory elements beautifully.

This recipe brings together hard-boiled eggs, cucumbers, black and green olives, salami, green peppers, grape leaves, and apricots. It’s a vibrant and delicious spread you’ll absolutely love!