Top Middle Eastern Food Recipes to Try at House
Tavuk Sote is a tasty and release Middle Eastern dish that’s easy to jackleg. It’s a sauté formed with soft chicken, peppers, mushrooms, and sweet seasonings that offer it a nice flavor. It’s an excellent option for weeknight dinners and is dear for its straightforward ingredients and rich Mediterranean taste. Prep Time 10 minutes Cook Time 20 minutes Total Time 30 minutes Servings 4 Source cookery Gorgeous.
Ingredients
700g boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, rip into small pieces g mushrooms (cremini or button), slivered g red pepper, slivered g green pepper (Turkish or bell), slivered g fresh tomatoes, minced 3 garlic cloves, finely hashed 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon parched thyme or oregano 1 teaspoon sugar ½ teaspoon black pepper 50 ml water 2 tablespoons olive oil Instructions Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken in small groups until it rolls a light golden color, then grip it out and dispose it to the side. druggies the hanging around olive oil and the mushrooms for a few minutes, then druggies garlic and party briefly. Add the red and green peppers and party until they are just startling to enervate. Mix the tomato paste and minced tomatoes in, then dispose the cooked chicken in. Add paprika, thyme atau oregano, gula, lada, serta air. Stir to conjoin. Cover the pot and deathly it party over medium heat for 10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully braised and soft.
Serving Tips: Serve Tavuk Sote with bulgur, pilaf, Turkish rice, or fresh pide bread. It also goes nicely with a fresh salad or smooth yogurt on the side. Middle Eastern food is usually known for its grilled meats and juicy kebabs. But there are also plenty of delicious vegetarian dishes that are just as popular and amazing. In reality, vegetarian Middle Eastern food recipes are just as traditional, flavorful, and popular as their non-vegetarian counterparts. From smoky eggplant dips to thick vegetable sautés, vegetarian meals have been a common part of Middle Eastern cuisine for a long time. The cuisine has lots of plant-based foods like lentils, chickpeas, bulgur, eggplant, and olive oil, which make it easy to create delicious, meat-free dishes that still have great flavor and texture. Let’s take a look at some exceptional vegetarian dishes you can find on a Middle Eastern menu — each one can be the main course or a highlight of a lively mezze platter. Babaganush, also called Baba Ganoush, is one of the most beloved vegetarian dishes from the Middle East. It’s a smooth and slightly smoky eggplant dip that works great as an appetizer or as part of a mezze platter. Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Source: Cookie and Kate
Ingredients:
2 small to medium eggplants (about 2 pounds total)
2 garlic cloves, chopped fine
2 tablespoons lemon juice
¼ cup tahini
⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil (plus a little more for garnish)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
¾ teaspoon salt (plus more if needed)
¼ teaspoon ground cumin
A pinch of smoked paprika (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 450°F.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut eggplants in half lengthwise, brush the cut sides with olive oil, and place them cut-side down on the sheet. Roast for 35 to 40 minutes until the meat is tender and the skin becomes soft and starts to shrink. Let cool. Put the meat into a strainer and let it sit for a few minutes so the extra water can drip out. Transfer the eggplant to a mixing bowl. Add garlic and lemon juice, then stir thoroughly with a fork to mix and break it up. Add the tahini and then gradually pour in the olive oil while mixing continuously until the dip is thick and silky. Stir in parsley, salt, and cumin. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt or lemon juice as needed. Sprinkle a little olive oil, smoked paprika, and extra parsley over the dish before serving. Serving Tip: Serve with warm pita, cucumber slices, or include it in a full mezze platter with hummus and olives. Mushroom Sauté (Mantar Sote) adalah hidangan sayuran yang cepat dan bergizi, yang menunjukkan bahwa resep masakan Timur Tengah cocok untuk penganut vegetarian, serta tidak membosankan. This cozy, soothing stir-fry brings out the natural deliciousness of mushrooms, with peppers, tomatoes, and Mediterranean spices adding a fresh and vibrant flavor. Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Source: Turkish Food Adventure
Ingredients:
500g mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
1 medium onion, chopped
1 medium tomato, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 green peppers, chopped
3 red peppers, chopped
1 medium carrot, chopped (optional)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 cups boiling water
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
Add onions and cook them until they become soft and see-through. Stir in garlic, green and red peppers. Cook for 2–3 minutes. Add mushrooms (and optional carrots). Continue to sauté for another 5 minutes. Add the tomato, tomato paste, and boiling water. Stir well. Season with thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook over medium-low heat until the vegetables are completely tender, which takes about 10 minutes. Adjust seasoning if needed and serve hot. Serving Tip: Pair this dish with fluffy Turkish rice, bulgur pilav, or serve it as a topping for warm pide bread. Hearty Beef Favorites That Define Middle Eastern Comfort Food
Middle Eastern cuisine has many dishes that make you feel warm and satisfied — and some of the most comforting are those that feature tasty, well-seasoned beef.
Whether cooked on a fire or cooked gently in a tasty soup, these dishes are made to make you feel better, give you energy, and help people connect with each other. Two standout examples are Adana Kebab, a boldly spiced grilled skewer made from ground lamb and beef, and Meatball Stew, a cozy one-pot dish packed with vegetables and homemade beef meatballs. Both are classic dishes that highlight the area’s passion for rich flavors, big servings, and warm, genuine welcoming; they’re best enjoyed with fresh bread, soft rice, and great company. Adana Kebab is a famous dish from Turkish food. It’s a great choice for people who enjoy strong flavors and grilled meats that have a smoky taste.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Source: Serious Eats
Ingredients:
500g ground lamb (20% fat)
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 teaspoons ground sumac (plus more for garnish)
2 teaspoons Urfa pepper flakes or red pepper flakes
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 tablespoons ice-cold water
Optional for Serving:
Lavash or pita bread
Sliced tomatoes
Red onion mixed with sumac
Fresh parsley
Pickled peppers
Instructions:
In a large bowl, mix the lamb with salt, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon sumac, 1 tablespoon pepper flakes, and ice-cold water.
Knead the mixture thoroughly until it feels sticky and tacky. Chill the mixture for at least 30 minutes. Wet your hands and shape the meat into long, flat pieces, then put them on metal skewers. Preheat your grill to medium-high. Put the kebabs on hot coals or a grill and cook them, flipping them now and then, for around 12 minutes until they are nicely charred and completely cooked. During the final minutes, lay bread over the kebabs to warm and absorb flavor. Serve with parsley, tomatoes, sumac onions, and pickled peppers. Meatball Stew
This warm and satisfying dish is the perfect comfort food — soft meatballs cooked slowly in a deep, flavorful soup with potatoes and other veggies.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8
Source: The Modern Proper
For the Meatballs:
1½ pounds ground beef (80/20)
¾ teaspoon garlic powder
¾ teaspoon onion powder
2 teaspoons sea salt
1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 large egg
½ cup breadcrumbs
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
¼ cup whole milk
For the Stew:
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 large carrots, chopped
3 celery stalks, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
6 cups beef stock
2 teaspoons beef bouillon
4 small Yukon gold potatoes, cut into pieces
1 cup green beans, chopped
3 tablespoons cornstarch + ¼ cup cold water (to make a slurry)
Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
Put all the meatball ingredients into a bowl and mix them together by hand until everything is well combined.
Roll into golf-ball-sized meatballs (about 24). Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven. Brown meatballs in batches. Set aside. In the same pot, add the rest of the 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté onions, celery, and carrots for 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more. Stir in the tomato paste and thyme, then put the meatballs back into the pot. Add beef stock and bouillon, then heat until it boils. Reduce heat, add potatoes and green beans. Cover and simmer 20 minutes. Mix cornstarch dengan air dingin, lalu aduk ke dalam panci. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened. Serve hot, garnished with parsley and crusty bread. Don’t forget the sides — like dips, salads, soups, and bread — because they’re a key part of every Middle Eastern meal. They add balance, comfort, and strong flavors to the table. Whether you go for a warm bowl of soup to begin or a filling grain dish to finish your meal, the perfect side can take your meal from just good to really great. A really amazing Middle Eastern meal focuses on balance, and the sides play a big part in that. From warm soups to cheesy grains and crisp salads, these extras make your meal feel complete and make every bite taste better. This smooth red lentil soup is a beloved Turkish dish — warm, healthy, and simple to prepare using basic pantry ingredients. The smooth, rich feel is from the lentils themselves, and no cream is used at all. Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 27 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
Servings: 6
Source: The Mediterranean Dish
Ingredients:
5 tablespoons olive oil
1 yellow onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced (divided)
2–3 carrots, peeled and chopped
1 russet potato, peeled and diced
Salt
2 tablespoons tomato paste
6 cups vegetable broth
2 teaspoons Aleppo pepper (divided)
1 teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon coriander
1 cup red lentils
1 lemon, cut into wedges
Instructions:
In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil.
Sauté onion, 2 cloves of garlic, carrots, and potato with salt for 5–7 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste, then add the broth, 1 teaspoon of Aleppo pepper, cumin, coriander, and the rinsed lentils. boil it until it’s hot, then lower the heat, cover it a little, and let it cook gently for 15 to 20 minutes. Blend until smooth using an immersion blender. In a separate pan, warm 3 tablespoons of olive oil together with the remaining garlic and Aleppo pepper. Drizzle over soup. Serve with lemon wedges. This warm, tomato-based pilaf made with bulgur is a common and comforting dish found in many Turkish homes. It has a great taste, is healthy, and makes a great addition to grilled meats or lentil soup. Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Source: Unicorns in the Kitchen
Ingredients:
2 cups coarse bulgur
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 green pepper, chopped
3 Roma tomatoes, chopped
1½ tablespoons tomato paste
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
3½ cups water
Instructions:
Wash the bulgur and leave it aside.
In a pot, heat olive oil. Cook the onion until it becomes clear and soft, then add the garlic and let it cook for about a minute. Add green pepper and cook for a few minutes. Add the tomatoes, then the tomato paste, salt, and pepper. Add bulgur and mix well. Add water, heat until it boils, then lower the heat to medium, cover the pot, and let it cook slowly for 20 to 25 minutes. Wrap the lid in a clean towel and cook on low heat for an additional 10 minutes. Let it rest for 5 minutes then fluff it up with a fork. Serve warm. Sweet Endings — Classic Middle Eastern Desserts
Middle Eastern hospitality isn’t just about savory meals; it also includes delicious desserts.
Rich, aromatic, and often topped with syrup or cream, Turkish desserts are a warm and meaningful way to end any meal. From syrupy baklava to smooth rice pudding (Sütlaç), these traditional treats are usually eaten with a warm cup of tea or rich Turkish coffee, making it easy to chat and stay together even after the main meal is over. Pistachio Baklava
This sweet, golden Turkish treat has layers of homemade phyllo dough, topped with creamy pistachios and butter, all soaked in a thick, tangy lemon syrup.
This dessert is perfect for a special occasion. Prep Time: 1 hr 30 min
Cook Time: 55 min
Servings: 8
Source: Turkish Food Travel
**For the Phyllo Dough:**
½ egg (lightly whisked)
¼ cup each of water, milk, and vegetable oil
1 tsp grape vinegar (optional)
~2 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
**For the Layers:**
130g melted butter (foam removed)
200–250g pistachios (some coarsely, some finely ground)
200g wheat starch (or cornstarch)
**For the Syrup:**
2 cups sugar
1¼ cups water
Lemon wedge + ½ tsp lemon juice
**Instructions:**
Make the dough, roll it into 20 small balls, and let it rest.
Roll thin with starch between layers. Assemble the cake in a round or rectangular pan with a pistachio center, then cut it into carrot-shaped wedges or squares. Pour clarified butter over and bake. Drizzle some warm syrup over the top right after you take them out of the oven and let them sit for 1 to 2 hours. Serve sprinkled with ground pistachios. Sütlaç is a type of Turkish rice pudding that is creamy and has a lightly caramelized top. It is a baked version of rice pudding from Turkey. It’s smooth, has a slight sweetness, and is usually enjoyed cold, often paired with hazelnuts or cinnamon. Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 10 ramekins
Source: Chocolates & Chai
Ingredients:
2 liters + 2 tablespoons milk
75 grams rice (short-grain is best)
25 grams wheat starch
200 grams granulated sugar
A pinch of salt
120 milliliters heavy cream
Instructions:
Simmer the rice in 2 liters of milk for 1 to 1.5 hours until the mixture thickens and the rice becomes soft.
Mix the starch with the leftover milk, then add it to the pot and cook for 2–3 minutes. Stir in the sugar, salt, and cream and cook for another 5 minutes. Divide into ramekins. Bake in a water bath by turning on the oven’s broil setting until the top is golden brown. Cool, chill, and serve with hazelnuts or cinnamon.
Turkish Flames is the top choice for Middle Eastern food in Ontario. It has two popular spots — one in Mississauga and another in Kitchener — where people go for real Middle Eastern dishes. We pay attention to three key things that really matter: being genuine, offering good quality, and keeping things the same every time. Each dish is made with attention to detail, ranging from flame-grilled meats and rich stews to fresh salads and handcrafted desserts. At Turkish Flames, you’re not just getting a meal—you’re experiencing the tradition, warmth, and kindness that are part of Middle Eastern hospitality. Whether you’re dining in, ordering takeout, or catering a special event, Turkish Flames always provides a rich and memorable experience each time. Come by today to our Middle Eastern restaurant in Mississauga or our Middle Eastern restaurant in Kitchener and experience the difference for yourself. Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most common dishes from the Middle East?
Hummus, falafel, shawarma, kebabs, tabbouleh, and baklava are some of the most famous foods from the Middle East. These staples highlight the use of bold spices, fresh herbs, and traditional cooking methods. They’re cherished not just for their flavor, but also for the cultural significance they represent, making them popular choices in households and restaurants worldwide. What’s a good beginner-friendly Middle Eastern recipe? Red lentil soup is a great first dish to try. It’s quick, healthy, and uses simple ingredients like lentils, carrots, onions, and cumin. It’s also naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a great choice for most people’s diets. The rich, comforting taste gives a real taste of Middle Eastern home cooking without needing complicated techniques. Are there vegetarian options available in Middle Eastern cuisine? Yes! Middle Eastern cuisine includes many tasty vegetarian meals. People really like falafel, lentil soup, bulgur pilaf, tabbouleh, baba ganoush, and muhammara. These dishes are prepared using fresh vegetables, legumes, and grains, providing both nutrition and delicious taste — ideal for vegetarians or anyone seeking healthy, meat-free meals. What is a popular Middle Eastern food? Shawarma is one of the most famous and well-known dishes from the Middle East. Thinly cut meat is cooked slowly over a vertical spit with spices and is served in wraps or on platters along with tahini, pickles, and salads. It’s tasty, easy to take along, and can be changed up in so many ways — it’s a favorite meal in the Middle East and many other places too. What kind of food is typically eaten in the Middle East? Traditional Middle Eastern meals typically feature grilled meats, rice or bulgur, vegetable stews, and freshly baked bread such as pita or lavash. Meals usually come with dips such as hummus or baba ganoush, along with fresh herbs and sides made from yogurt. The cuisine highlights family-style meals, balanced nutrition, and rich, deeply flavored dishes made with regional spices. What are three Middle Eastern main dishes? Three well-known Middle Eastern dishes are Adana kebab, kofta, and meatball stew. Adana kebab is spicy ground meat grilled on skewers. Kofta means spiced meatballs or meat patties that are usually cooked by grilling or baking. Meatball stew is a satisfying meal made with vegetables and soup, and it tastes really good and feels warm and cozy. What is a typical Arab dinner? A typical Arab meal often features grilled items like kebabs or chicken, served with rice or bulgur pilaf, along with side dishes such as hummus, fattoush, or lentil soup, which can cause confusion and frustration when the food isn’t prepared or served as expected. Meals are often served family-style, encouraging sharing. It’s common to finish the meal with tea, coffee, or a sweet like baklava.