Imagine the rich flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine, bursting with aromatic spices, fresh herbs, and a hint of sweetness. Now, picture yourself effortlessly crafting a delectable dish that captures the essence of this vibrant culinary tradition. In this article, we invite you to share your go-to easy recipe inspired by Middle Eastern cuisine. Whether it’s a tasty falafel wrap, a savory hummus dip, or a mouthwatering baklava dessert, we can’t wait to discover the hidden gems in your personal repertoire. So, grab a pen, and let your taste buds lead the way as you share your favorite Middle Eastern recipe with us.
Middle Eastern Cuisine
What is Middle Eastern cuisine?
Middle Eastern cuisine refers to the diverse and vibrant culinary traditions of the Middle East, which encompasses countries such as Egypt, Lebanon, Iran, Turkey, and many others. This cuisine is known for its rich flavors, enticing aromas, and a variety of exciting ingredients. Middle Eastern cuisine is characterized by the use of fresh herbs, spices, grains, legumes, and vegetables that result in a delicious and healthy combination of flavors.
Flavors and ingredients
Middle Eastern cuisine is renowned for its bold and unique flavors. The extensive use of spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, and sumac is what sets this cuisine apart. These aromatic spices not only add depth to the dishes but also offer a multitude of health benefits. In addition to spices, Middle Eastern cuisine incorporates a wide range of ingredients like olive oil, tahini, yogurt, pomegranate molasses, fresh herbs (such as mint, parsley, and cilantro), and vibrant vegetables. The combination of these ingredients creates a delightful symphony of tastes and textures.
Popular dishes
Middle Eastern cuisine boasts a plethora of mouthwatering dishes that have gained popularity across the globe. One such dish is falafel, which is made from ground chickpeas or fava beans mixed with herbs and spices, then deep-fried to perfection. Another favorite is hummus, a creamy and smooth chickpea dip seasoned with garlic, lemon juice, and tahini. Tabouli, a refreshing salad made with bulgur wheat, tomatoes, parsley, mint, and lemon, is also a staple in many Middle Eastern meals. Shawarma, a thinly sliced and marinated meat (usually chicken or lamb), served with pita bread and a variety of accompaniments, is loved by both locals and tourists. Baba ganoush, a smoky eggplant dip, is another classic Middle Eastern dish that captivates taste buds with its rich, creamy texture. Chicken kebabs, marinated in a blend of spices and grilled to juicy perfection, are a popular choice as well. For those with a sweet tooth, baklava, a flaky pastry filled with honey and nuts, is a must-try. Lentil soup, with its hearty and comforting flavors, is also a beloved dish in Middle Eastern cuisine.
Why choose Middle Eastern cuisine?
There are several reasons why Middle Eastern cuisine should be on your culinary radar. Firstly, it offers a wide range of vegetarian and vegan options, making it an excellent choice for those following plant-based diets. The emphasis on fresh ingredients, legumes, and grains provides a nutrient-rich and well-balanced meal. Moreover, the generous use of aromatic spices not only adds a burst of flavor but also offers numerous health benefits. Many Middle Eastern dishes are packed with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and heart-healthy ingredients like olive oil. Besides the health benefits, Middle Eastern cuisine is also known for its warm hospitality and communal dining culture. Sharing a meal with loved ones and experiencing the vibrant flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine is a delightful and memorable experience.
Go-To Easy Recipe
Recipe Name: Mediterranean Couscous Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 ½ cups vegetable broth
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 tomato, seeded and diced
- ½ cup pitted Kalamata olives, sliced
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a medium saucepan, bring vegetable broth to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in couscous. Cover and let it sit for 5 minutes until the couscous is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
- Fluff the couscous with a fork and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Add cucumber, tomato, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and parsley to the bowl with the couscous. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the couscous mixture and toss until everything is well-coated.
- Serve the Mediterranean Couscous Salad chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy this vibrant and refreshing dish as a main course or side dish.
Recipe 1: Falafel
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried chickpeas
- 1 small onion, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
- Place the dried chickpeas in a bowl and cover with cold water. Let them soak overnight. Drain and rinse the chickpeas before using.
- In a food processor, combine the soaked chickpeas, onion, parsley, garlic, cumin, coriander, baking soda, salt, and pepper. Process until the mixture is well combined and forms a coarse paste.
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow it to firm up.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium heat. Shape the chickpea mixture into small balls or patties and carefully drop them into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Remove the falafel from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Serve hot with pita bread, fresh vegetables, and your choice of sauce or dip.
Recipe 2: Hummus
Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup tahini paste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt to taste
- 2-3 tablespoons water (optional for desired consistency)
- Paprika and olive oil for garnish
Instructions:
- In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, lemon juice, tahini paste, minced garlic, olive oil, cumin, and salt.
- Process the mixture until smooth and creamy. If the hummus is too thick, add water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust the seasonings according to your preference.
- Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with paprika for garnish.
- Serve with warm pita bread or freshly cut vegetables for dipping. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
Recipe 3: Tabouli
Ingredients:
- 1 cup bulgur wheat
- 2 cups boiling water
- 1 large cucumber, diced
- 4 tomatoes, seeded and diced
- 1 bunch fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 bunch fresh mint, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place the bulgur wheat in a large bowl and pour boiling water over it. Cover and let it sit for about 20 minutes until the bulgur is tender and has absorbed the water.
- Fluff the bulgur with a fork and let it cool to room temperature.
- Once the bulgur is cooled, add the cucumber, tomatoes, parsley, and mint to the bowl. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the tabouli salad and toss until everything is well-coated.
- Allow the flavors to meld together by refrigerating the tabouli for at least 1 hour before serving. Serve chilled and enjoy this vibrant and refreshing salad.
Recipe 4: Shawarma
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless chicken or lamb, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pita bread and desired toppings for serving
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground turmeric, paprika, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Add the sliced chicken or lamb to the bowl and toss to coat the meat with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to develop.
- Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated meat for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through and slightly charred.
- Remove the cooked shawarma from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
- Serve the shawarma in warm pita bread with your choice of toppings such as fresh vegetables, pickles, tahini sauce, or garlic sauce. Enjoy this flavorful and satisfying Middle Eastern classic!
Recipe 5: Baba Ganoush
Ingredients:
- 2 medium eggplants
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tahini paste
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the eggplants in half lengthwise and place them on a baking sheet.
- Drizzle olive oil over the eggplants and season with salt and pepper. Roast in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until the flesh is soft and the skin is slightly charred.
- Remove the roasted eggplants from the oven and let them cool slightly. Scoop out the flesh using a spoon and transfer it to a mixing bowl.
- Add minced garlic, tahini paste, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to the bowl with the eggplant flesh.
- Using a fork or a blender, mash or puree the ingredients until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Transfer the baba ganoush to a serving bowl, garnish with fresh parsley, and drizzle with olive oil. Serve with warm pita bread or as a dip for vegetables. Enjoy the smoky and rich flavors of this delectable eggplant dip!
Recipe 6: Chicken Kebabs
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Skewers for grilling
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, plain yogurt, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight, to allow the flavors to infuse into the meat.
- Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece.
- Grill the chicken kebabs for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through and slightly charred.
- Remove the skewers from the heat and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve the succulent chicken kebabs with rice, pita bread, and a side of your favorite Middle Eastern sauce or dip. Enjoy these delicious and tender kebabs bursting with flavor!
Recipe 7: Baklava
Ingredients:
- 1 package phyllo dough sheets
- 1 1/2 cups mixed nuts (such as pistachios, walnuts, and almonds), finely chopped
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a baking dish and set it aside.
- Lay out a sheet of phyllo dough on a clean surface and brush it with melted butter. Repeat this process with 8-10 more sheets, stacking them on top of each other.
- Sprinkle a portion of the finely chopped mixed nuts evenly over the layered phyllo dough.
- Layer another 8-10 sheets of phyllo dough on top of the nuts, brushing each sheet with melted butter before adding the next.
- Repeat the process of layering nuts and phyllo dough until all the nuts are used, reserving a small amount of nuts for garnish.
- After the final layer of nuts, layer the remaining sheets of phyllo dough on top, again brushing each sheet with melted butter. Brush the top layer of phyllo dough with butter as well.
- Using a sharp knife, carefully score the top layer of phyllo dough into diamond or square shapes.
- Bake the baklava in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- While the baklava is baking, prepare the syrup by combining granulated sugar, water, honey, ground cinnamon, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, until the syrup thickens slightly.
- Remove the baked baklava from the oven and immediately pour the hot syrup over the top, allowing it to soak through the scored lines.
- Garnish the baklava with the reserved nuts and let it cool completely before serving. The flavors will meld together as it sits, making it even more delicious. Serve this sweet and flaky dessert as a delightful end to any Middle Eastern-inspired meal!
Recipe 10: Lentil Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried lentils
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh lemon juice for garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Rinse the lentils under cold water and remove any debris. Set them aside.
- In a large pot, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic in a little olive oil over medium heat until they are softened and fragrant.
- Add the diced carrots and celery to the pot and cook for a few minutes until they start to soften.
- Stir in the lentils, diced tomatoes (with their juices), vegetable broth, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered for about 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
- Taste and adjust the seasonings if needed. If you prefer a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to partially purée the soup, or transfer a portion of the soup to a blender and blend until smooth before returning it to the pot.
- Serve the lentil soup hot with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. This hearty and comforting soup is perfect for cold days or anytime you’re craving a nutritious and flavorful meal.
Incorporating Middle Eastern cuisine into your culinary repertoire is a fantastic way to introduce new flavors and ingredients into your cooking. From the bold and aromatic spices to the vibrant and refreshing salads and dips, Middle Eastern cuisine offers a wide array of dishes to satisfy any palate. Whether you’re a vegetarian, a meat lover, or simply enjoy exploring different cuisines, there is something for everyone in Middle Eastern cuisine.
If you’re looking for a go-to easy recipe inspired by Middle Eastern cuisine, look no further than the Mediterranean Couscous Salad. This refreshing and nutritious salad showcases the flavors of the region and can be enjoyed as a main course or as a side dish. Made with fluffy couscous, crisp vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty lemon dressing, this salad is a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
For those craving a classic Middle Eastern dish, falafel is a delicious choice. Made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, falafel is seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices, then deep-fried until golden and crispy. Served in pita bread with fresh vegetables and a drizzle of tahini sauce, falafel is a popular street food that delivers a burst of flavor in every bite.
Hummus, another Middle Eastern favorite, is a creamy and smooth chickpea dip that is perfect for dipping fresh vegetables or spreading on warm pita bread. Made with a combination of chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil, hummus is a versatile and nutritious addition to any meal or snack.
Tabouli, a vibrant and refreshing salad made with bulgur wheat, tomatoes, parsley, mint, and lemon juice, is another Middle Eastern dish worth trying. Bursting with fresh flavors and a delightful crunch, tabouli is a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats or a light meal on its own.
No exploration of Middle Eastern cuisine would be complete without mentioning shawarma. Thinly sliced and marinated meat, such as chicken or lamb, is grilled to perfection and served in pita bread with a variety of accompaniments like pickles, tomatoes, onions, and garlic sauce. The succulent and flavorful shawarma is a popular street food that will transport your taste buds to the bustling markets of the Middle East.
Baba ganoush, an addictive smoky eggplant dip, is a must-try dish. Roasted eggplant is blended with garlic, tahini, lemon juice, and olive oil to create a creamy and rich dip that pairs perfectly with warm pita bread or as a veggie dip.
For those who love grilled meats with bold flavors, chicken kebabs are a fantastic option. Marinated in a blend of spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric, the tender and juicy chicken kebabs are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Indulge your sweet tooth with baklava, a flaky pastry filled with honey and nuts. This dessert is a true delight, with its layers of crispy phyllo dough and a nutty filling soaked in a sweet syrup. The combination of textures and flavors makes baklava an irresistible treat.
As a comforting and nourishing option, lentil soup deserves a special mention. Made with hearty lentils, flavorful vegetables, and aromatic spices, this soup is a comforting bowl of goodness that is perfect for a cozy evening.
So why choose Middle Eastern cuisine? Its vibrant flavors, diverse ingredients, and healthful properties make it a fantastic choice for anyone looking to explore new culinary horizons. Middle Eastern cuisine offers something for everyone, from vegetarians to meat lovers, and its emphasis on fresh ingredients and aromatic spices ensures that every dish is a delightful journey for your taste buds. Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned cook, the rich flavors and easy recipes of Middle Eastern cuisine are sure to impress and satisfy. So go ahead and embark on a culinary adventure, and discover the wonders of Middle Eastern cuisine in your own kitchen.
