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Middle Eastern

Mezze, kebabs, and warm spices

19 recipes

Spread the table with a mezze platter, spiced kebabs, warm flatbreads, and rich, nutty sweets like baklava and kunafa.

Appetizers

Classic Homemade Hummus

Classic Homemade Hummus

Smooth, creamy, and deeply flavorful — this is the hummus you'll make on repeat. Built on a simple foundation of chickpeas, tahini, lemon, and garlic, this classic Middle Eastern dip is endlessly versatile. A few key techniques (peeling the chickpeas, using ice water, and blending long enough) make all the difference between good hummus and truly great hummus.

Baba Ganoush

Baba Ganoush

A smoky, silky Middle Eastern eggplant dip made the classic way — charring whole eggplants directly over a flame (or under the broiler) until collapsed and deeply smoky, then blending the tender flesh with tahini, lemon, and garlic. The result is rich, creamy, and irresistibly complex. Perfect for scooping with warm pita or fresh vegetables, and it only gets better as it sits.

Muhammara

Muhammara

A rich, smoky Syrian red pepper and walnut dip with a deep, complex flavor — subtly spicy, tangy from pomegranate molasses, and earthy from toasted walnuts. This classic Levantine spread is endlessly versatile: serve it as a dip with warm pita, a sauce alongside grilled meats, or a bold sandwich spread. It comes together quickly and tastes even better the next day.

Salads

Classic Tabbouleh

Classic Tabbouleh

A bright, herb-forward Middle Eastern salad bursting with fresh parsley, mint, juicy tomatoes, and tender bulgur wheat, all tied together with a simple lemon and olive oil dressing. The key to authentic tabbouleh is using a small amount of bulgur — it's a parsley salad with grain, not the other way around. This well-tested version is refreshing, vibrant, and gets even better after a short rest in the fridge.

Fattoush Salad

Fattoush Salad

A vibrant, refreshing Lebanese bread salad bursting with crisp vegetables, fresh herbs, and tangy sumac dressing — all topped with golden, crunchy pita chips. Fattoush is the ultimate celebration of fresh produce and bold flavors, and this classic version is easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for a dinner party. The key is using ripe, in-season vegetables and not skipping the sumac — it's the heart of the dish.

Mains

Classic Homemade Falafel

Classic Homemade Falafel

Crispy on the outside, tender and herbaceous on the inside — this is the real-deal falafel made the traditional way with dried chickpeas (never canned!). Packed with fresh parsley, cilantro, garlic, and warm spices, these golden fritters are everything a great falafel should be. Serve in pita with tahini sauce, fresh veggies, and pickles for the ultimate street-food experience at home.

Classic Chicken Kebabs

Classic Chicken Kebabs

Juicy, flavorful chicken kebabs marinated in a Mediterranean-inspired blend of olive oil, lemon, garlic, and warm spices, then grilled to perfection with colorful vegetables. A crowd-pleasing backyard classic that's easy to prep ahead and endlessly customizable. Perfect for summer cookouts, weeknight dinners, or feeding a hungry family.

Classic Shakshuka

Classic Shakshuka

A beloved Middle Eastern and North African one-pan dish of eggs poached directly in a rich, spiced tomato and pepper sauce. Deeply savory, warmly spiced, and endlessly satisfying — this is the kind of recipe that earns a permanent spot in your weekly rotation. Ready in under 40 minutes with pantry staples, and best served straight from the skillet with crusty bread for dipping.

Lamb Kofta

Lamb Kofta

Juicy, aromatic Middle Eastern lamb kofta made with a fragrant blend of warm spices, fresh herbs, and grated onion. These hand-shaped skewers are incredibly flavorful, quick to cook, and endlessly versatile — serve them in warm pita with creamy tzatziki, over rice, or alongside a fresh salad. A reliable, crowd-pleasing recipe that's as easy to make for a weeknight dinner as it is for a backyard cookout.

Maqluba (Palestinian Upside-Down Rice)

Maqluba (Palestinian Upside-Down Rice)

Maqluba — meaning "upside-down" in Arabic — is one of the most beloved dishes in Palestinian and Levantine cuisine. Layers of spiced rice, tender chicken, and golden fried vegetables are packed into a pot, simmered until perfectly cooked, then dramatically flipped onto a platter to reveal a stunning tower of flavors. This home-tested version keeps the process approachable with clear steps and reliable results every time. Serve with a cool yogurt sauce and a simple salad for a truly memorable family meal.

Chicken Shawarma

Chicken Shawarma

A deeply flavorful Middle Eastern classic made right in your home kitchen. Chicken thighs are marinated in a fragrant blend of warm spices, then roasted until juicy and caramelized. Serve tucked into warm pita with creamy garlic sauce, fresh vegetables, and a squeeze of lemon — a crowd-pleasing meal that's easier than it looks and absolutely packed with flavor.

Braised Lamb Shank

Braised Lamb Shank

Fall-off-the-bone tender lamb shanks slow-braised in a rich red wine and tomato sauce with aromatic vegetables and fresh herbs. This is the kind of deeply satisfying, restaurant-quality dish that practically cooks itself — low and slow in the oven while your house fills with incredible aroma. Perfect for a cozy Sunday dinner or a special occasion that deserves something truly impressive.

Sides

Classic Rice Pilaf

Classic Rice Pilaf

A timeless, foolproof rice pilaf with golden toasted long-grain rice, sweet sautéed aromatics, and savory broth. This classic technique — toasting the rice in butter before simmering — gives every grain a nutty flavor and perfectly fluffy, separate texture. Simple enough for a weeknight, elegant enough for a dinner party.

Desserts

Classic Homemade Baklava

Classic Homemade Baklava

A timeless Middle Eastern pastry of golden, flaky phyllo layers filled with a fragrant spiced nut mixture, soaked in a honey-rose syrup. This well-tested recipe breaks the process into manageable steps so anyone can achieve bakery-worthy results at home. The secret is simple: cold syrup on hot baklava (or hot syrup on cold baklava) — and a little patience while it soaks.

Classic Kunafa (Knafeh)

Classic Kunafa (Knafeh)

A beloved Middle Eastern dessert featuring a golden, crispy shredded phyllo crust filled with a rich, stretchy cheese layer, soaked in fragrant rose water syrup, and topped with crushed pistachios. This classic home version is approachable, reliable, and absolutely stunning — perfect for celebrations or whenever you want to impress. The key is the balance between the buttery crunch of the kataifi dough and the warm, gooey cheese center.

Classic Tahini Halva

Classic Tahini Halva

A beloved Middle Eastern confection made from just two core ingredients — tahini and sugar syrup — transformed into a crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth sweet. This classic recipe uses the traditional syrup-pulling method to achieve halva's signature flaky, layered texture. It's surprisingly approachable once you understand the technique, and endlessly customizable with mix-ins like pistachios, cocoa, or vanilla. No special equipment required — just a candy thermometer and a little patience.

Drinks

Classic Mint Tea

Classic Mint Tea

A timeless, soothing cup of fresh mint tea made with just a handful of simple ingredients. Bright, clean, and naturally caffeine-free, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between refreshing mint and gentle sweetness. Whether you're winding down in the evening or warming up on a cool afternoon, this classic brew is endlessly reliable and endlessly comforting.

Ayran (Turkish Yogurt Drink)

Ayran (Turkish Yogurt Drink)

Ayran is a refreshing, lightly salted yogurt drink beloved across Turkey, the Middle East, and Central Asia. Made with just three ingredients — yogurt, cold water, and a pinch of salt — it's frothy, cooling, and endlessly satisfying. The secret to a great Ayran is using full-fat yogurt and blending it vigorously to create that signature foam on top. Ready in under 5 minutes, it pairs beautifully with grilled meats, kebabs, or spicy dishes, and is just as good enjoyed on its own on a hot day.

Condiments

Best Hummus

Best Hummus

Learn how to make the best homemade hummus! It's creamy, dreamy and light. This hummus recipe is easy to make—no peeling chickpeas or overnight soak required. Recipe yields about 2 cups.

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