Middle Eastern Recipes

Traditional Middle Eastern Recipes Made Easy! Explore simple Middle Eastern and Arabic food ideas from Turkey, Lebanon, Iran, and more countries. From juicy meatballs and melt-in-the-mouth lamb chops to decadent desserts, flavorful rice dishes, and healthy vegetarian recipes, these dishes will definitely impress your dinner guests.
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Kunefe Turkish Cheese Dessert - Knafeh Recipe
Kunefe (or Kunafa/Knafeh) is a heavenly Turkish / Middle Eastern Cheese Dessert made with kadaif pastry filled with cheese and soaked in sweet syrup. This crispy and buttery cheese dessert is as popular as Baklava but is much easier to make and ready in just 30 minutes. Künefe is one of the most loved syrupy desserts in Turkish cuisine. And the best way to enjoy this cheese-stuffed sweet pastry is with a cup of Turkish tea while it is still warm and the cheese is still soft and stringy.
Middle Eastern Inspired Baklava Cheesecake Recipe
Delight your guests this Christmas with the ultimate Baklava Cheesecake recipe! This stunning dessert combines the sweet, nutty layers of traditional baklava with the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake for a Middle Eastern-inspired treat. While it takes a little time and patience to prepare, it’s surprisingly simple to make and perfect for the festive season. Crafted with ready-made phyllo pastry sheets, this beautiful Baklava Cheesecake is both easy to prepare and absolutely unforgettable.
Stuffed Whole Chicken with Rice and Spices
This flavorful Roasted Rice-Stuffed Whole Chicken is a fantastic option for festive dinners and small gatherings, offering a unique twist on the traditional roast turkey. Roasting a whole chicken this way makes it feel extra special and like a true treat! Easy to prepare, this dish combines a rich yogurt marinade that creates a golden, crispy skin while keeping the meat juicy and tender. The aromatic rice stuffing adds a fragrant touch and is a wonderful alternative to classic pork stuffing.
Middle Eastern Muhammara - Red Pepper Dip Recipe
Muhammara, also known as Acuka in Turkish, is a deliciously spicy Middle Eastern dip made with red pepper paste, garlic, walnuts, spices, and olive oil. It is extremely easy to prepare and is ready in 15 minutes with minimal cleaning up! This versatile dish is also known as acuka, adjika, or ajika and can be served as an appetizer, meze, dip, spread, or sauce. Muhammara dip is similar to red pepper pesto and might contain roasted red pepper or red pepper paste, depending on the region.
Homemade Turkish Egg Noodles - Erişte Recipe
Making Erişte Pasta, or Turkish Egg Noodles, is all about simplicity, tradition, and creating something delicious. They are perfect as a hearty main dish or a complementary side to any meal. Erişte, also known as Kesme, is a little slice of Anatolian tradition you can enjoy right at home, and it’s easier than you might think. These hand-cut noodles have been a staple in Turkish kitchens for generations. My mom still prepares them every late summer, and I’m thrilled to share her recipe with you.
Persian Flatbread Nan-e-Barbari Recipe
Homemade Barbari Bread, or Nan-e Barbari, is a beloved Persian flatbread with a distinctive long shape, a crisp golden crust, and a soft, chewy inside. It’s simple yet incredibly tasty, pairing beautifully with everything from warm soups to flavorful dips. Made with just a few basic ingredients, Barbari is a staple in Iranian homes and enjoyed at breakfast, lunch, or as part of any Middle Eastern meal. One of Iran’s oldest and most popular breads, Barbari is a true favorite in Persian cuisine.
Middle Eastern Upside-Down Meat and Rice Dish - Makloubeh
Makloubeh (or Maqluba) is a traditional Middle Eastern dish made with layers of rice, vegetables, and meat, arranged and cooked in a way that’s both visually stunning and delicious. It's the perfect dish for feeding a crowd, and while it can be time-consuming, the effort pays off in every bite. To speed things up, I often use leftover roast lamb or chicken. This dish is typically served during special occasions, like Ramadan or religious holidays, adding a festive touch to any gathering.
The Best Baklava Cheesecake Recipe
Spoil your guests this Christmas with this Best Baklava Cheesecake recipe. This impressive Middle Eastern-inspired dessert is made with indulgently sweet and nutty baklava layers topped with creamy and rich cheesecake. Making Baklava Cheesecake requires a bit of time and patience. However, it is very easy to make and is perfect for any special occasion and upcoming festive season. This beautiful Baklava Cheesecake dessert is made with ready-made phyllo pastry sheets and is extremely easy to make
Roasted Rice Stuffed Whole Chicken Recipe
This delicious roasted Rice Stuffed Whole Chicken is a great dish for festive dinners and small gatherings as an alternative to traditional Roast turkey. It is a special way to roast a chicken, and definitely feels like a treat! Making this scrumptious stuffed roast chicken is surprisingly easy. The yogurt marinade helps the skin of the chicken to get golden and crispy while keeping the meat moist and succulent. The aromatic rice stuffing is a great alternative to pork stuffing.
Homemade Barbari Bread Nan-e-Barbari Recipe
Homemade Barbari Bread, or Nan-e Barbari, is a classic Persian flatbread known for its long shape, crisp golden crust, and soft, chewy texture. Simple yet delicious, it pairs perfectly with everything from hearty soups to flavorful dips. Made with just a handful of basic ingredients, Barbari is a staple in Iranian kitchens, enjoyed at breakfast, lunch, or as part of any Middle Eastern meal. As one of Iran’s oldest and most loved breads, Barbari holds a cherished place in Persian cuisine.
Healthy Tarhana Corbasi - Turkish Tarhana Soup Recipe
Healthy Turkish Tarhana Çorbası, or Tarhana Soup, is made from a dried powder—a unique fermented blend of flour, yogurt, tomatoes, peppers, and herbs. This soup has a rich, tangy flavor and a creamy texture, perfect for chilly days or whenever you’re craving something warm and comforting. It’s a staple in our home because it’s both nutritious and easy to make, especially on busy weeknights. With tarhana powder on hand, all I need to do is add water, simmer, and enjoy a hearty, filling meal.
Turkish Keşkül Tarifi - Almond Pudding Recipe
Keşkül is a light and creamy milk dessert made with simple ingredients like milk, rice flour, cornstarch, sugar, and ground almonds. This delicious treat is traditionally served in small bowls and topped with garnishes like ground pistachios, fresh berries, or coconut shavings. It’s surprisingly easy to make and comes together in just 25 minutes, a perfect choice for dinner parties, or even a cozy family dessert during the week. This is one milk-based pudding you’ll want to make again and again!
Homemade Barbari Bread - Persian Flat Bread (Nan e Barbari)
Homemade Barbari Bread, or Nan-e Barbari, is a traditional Persian flatbread with a long shape, a crisp golden crust, and a soft, chewy texture. It’s simple yet delicious, making it a perfect match for everything from hearty soups to tasty dips. Made with just a few basic ingredients, Barbari is a staple in Iranian kitchens, enjoyed at breakfast, lunch, or alongside any Middle Eastern meal. As one of Iran’s oldest and most beloved breads, Barbari holds a special place in Persian cuisine.
Turkish Tarhana Corbasi - Fermented Soup Recipe
Turkish Tarhana Çorbası, or Tarhana Soup, is made from dried powder—a unique, fermented blend of flour, yogurt, tomatoes, peppers, and herbs. This soup brings a rich, tangy flavor and creamy texture that’s perfect for chilly days or whenever you’re in the mood for something warm and comforting. It’s a staple in our home because it’s nutritious and easy to make, especially on busy weeknights. With tarhana powder ready to go, all I have to do is add water, simmer, and enjoy a hearty, filling meal.
Indian Lamb Keema Naan - Meat Stuffed Bread Recipe
Indian Lamb Keema Naan is a fantastic blend of flavorful spiced lamb keema stuffed in soft, fluffy naan dough. It's a perfect side dish for Indian curries or can be enjoyed with dips and soups. You can serve them fresh for dinner, and any leftovers are great for packed lunches or picnics. While some recipes suggest baking naan in a hot oven, I prefer cooking them in a hot pan. They puff up beautifully and get that perfect char on a Tawa or skillet, plus it’s quicker and more efficient!