17+ Middle East Recipe Ignite Your Passion For Cooking!

Published on: Mar 12, 2024

The Middle East is a region known for its rich history, diverse cultures, and delicious cuisine. From aromatic spices to hearty stews, the food of the Middle East is a reflection of its people and their traditions. In this article, we will explore one of the most beloved dishes of the region - the Middle East recipe for Shawarma. This mouth-watering dish is a staple in many Middle Eastern countries and has gained popularity all over the world. So, if you're ready to take your taste buds on a journey to the heart of the Middle East, let's dive into this delectable recipe!

Jump to Recipe

1 of 20

Mujadarra (Middle Eastern Lentils and Rice with...

Main Ingredients: Long Grain White Rice, Brown Lentils, Yellow Onions

Mujadarra, a classic Middle Eastern dish, consists of black lentils ...

Mujadarra - Black Lentils with Brown Rice and Caramelized Red Onions ...

Mujadarra - Don't be fooled by the simple ingredients in this classic ...

Mujadarra - A Family Feast | Recipes, Cooking recipes, Vegetarian recipes

If you're looking for a hearty and flavorful dish to add to your meal rotation, look no further than this Middle Eastern Mujadarra recipe. This dish is a combination of lentils, rice, and caramelized onions, creating a delicious and satisfying meal that will leave your taste buds wanting more. The lentils and rice are cooked together with fragrant spices like cumin and cinnamon, giving it a rich and warm flavor. The star of this dish is the caramelized onions, which add a sweet and savory element to the dish. This Mujadarra recipe is a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine and is perfect for a comforting and filling meal.

2 of 20

Middle Eastern Bean Salad with Parsley and Lemon...

Main Ingredients: Black Beans, Garbanzo Beans, Green Onion, Fresh Tomato

Balela is a savory Middle Eastern Bean Salad made with chickpeas, black ...

Balela - Middle Eastern Bean Salad Recipe + Pita Pockets! | Recipe ...

Middle Eastern Chickpea Salad (Balela) • The View from Great Island

Middle Eastern Syrian Salad (With Video) - The Lemon Bowl® | Recipe ...

This Middle Eastern bean salad is a fresh and healthy addition to any meal. It's made with a combination of chickpeas, kidney beans, and black beans, which are all packed with protein and fiber. The salad is dressed with a simple yet flavorful dressing made with parsley, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. The parsley adds a bright and herbaceous flavor to the salad, while the lemon juice gives it a tangy kick. This bean salad is perfect for a summer BBQ or as a light lunch on its own.

3 of 20

Middle Eastern Chick Peas Soup – Vegan Middle Eastern...

Main Ingredients: Chick Peas, Onion, Celery, Garlic, Cumin Powder

Mnazaleh - Easy, healthy Middle Eastern vegan Druze recipe. in 2020 ...

7 Middle Eastern Desserts That You Won't Believe Are Vegan | Middle ...

Bowl of Hummus, Traditional Jewish, Arabian, Middle Eastern Food from ...

If you're in need of a comforting and nourishing meal, this Middle Eastern chickpea soup is the perfect choice. This vegan soup is made with simple ingredients like chickpeas, tomatoes, and spices like cumin and paprika. The result is a warm and flavorful soup that will warm you up from the inside out. This soup is a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine and is often served as a starter or as a main meal with some crusty bread on the side. It's a great way to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.

4 of 20

Middle Eastern Chicken Kebabs

Main Ingredients: Whole Milk Greek Yogurt, Olive Oil, Paprika, Cumin

Middle Eastern Chicken Kebabs Stock Image - Image of azerbaijan ...

Stovetop-grilled middle Eastern chicken kebabs(shish taouk, shish ...

Spiced Chicken Kebabs with Tahini Sauce · My Three Seasons | Recipe ...

These Middle Eastern chicken kebabs are a delicious and easy way to switch up your grilled chicken game. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of yogurt, lemon juice, and spices like turmeric and cumin, giving it a tangy and flavorful kick. The chicken is then skewered and grilled to perfection, creating tender and juicy kebabs that are bursting with flavor. These kebabs are perfect for a summer BBQ or as a main course served with some rice and a side salad.

5 of 20

Middle Eastern Pita Bread

Main Ingredients: Yeast, Warm Water, Granulated Sugar, All Purpose Flour

Pita Bread - Authentic Middle Eastern Recipe | 196 flavors

When you think Middle Eastern or Mediterranean food the humble pita ...

Middle Eastern Flatbread Recipe / Grilled Middle Eastern Za Atar ...

Pita bread is a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine and is often used as a vessel for dips and spreads like hummus or baba ganoush. This homemade pita bread recipe is easy to make and results in soft and pillowy bread that is perfect for dipping or filling with your favorite ingredients. The dough is made with simple ingredients like flour, yeast, and olive oil, and is then baked in a hot oven, creating a pocket of air in the middle. These pita breads are great for a quick and easy lunch or as a side dish to a hearty Middle Eastern meal.

6 of 20

Middle Eastern Salad

Main Ingredients: Salad Dressing, English Cucumber, Onion, Tomatoes

Middle Eastern Vegetable Salad - Salu Salo Recipes

Chopped Middle Eastern Salad - This Healthy Table

Fattoush Salad (Middle Eastern Pita Bread Salad) - The Vegan Atlas

Middle Eastern Fattoush Salad - Vikalinka

This Middle Eastern salad is a refreshing and vibrant addition to any meal. It's made with a combination of fresh vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, and bell peppers, and is dressed with a simple yet flavorful dressing made with lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs. The result is a light and refreshing salad that is packed with nutrients and flavor. This salad is perfect as a side dish or as a light lunch on its own.

7 of 20

One Pot Middle Eastern Chicken and Rice

Main Ingredients: Bone In Chicken Thighs, Lemon Juice, Turmeric, Cumin

One Pot Middle Eastern Chicken and Rice | Recipe | Middle east recipes ...

A flavorful Middle Eastern Chicken made with seasoned turmeric rice all ...

This one-pot Middle Eastern chicken and rice dish is the perfect weeknight meal. It's made with tender chicken thighs, fragrant spices like cinnamon and cardamom, and basmati rice, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal. The chicken and rice are cooked together in one pot, allowing the flavors to meld together and creating a delicious and comforting dish. This dish is perfect for when you're short on time but still want a homemade and flavorful meal.

8 of 20

The Middle Eastern Bowl

Main Ingredients: Italian Eggplant, Dried Oregano, Cherry Tomatoes, Mixed

Middle Eastern Buddha Bowl - Nadia's Healthy Kitchen

Middle Eastern Hand-Etched Islamic Footed Brass Bowl For Sale at ...

Simple Recipes: Middle Eastern Grilled Vegetable & Lentil Bowls with ...

This Middle Eastern bowl is a delicious and healthy meal that is perfect for lunch or dinner. It's made with a combination of quinoa, chickpeas, roasted vegetables, and a creamy tahini dressing. The bowl is packed with protein and fiber, making it a satisfying and nourishing meal. The roasted vegetables add a depth of flavor to the dish, while the tahini dressing adds a creamy and nutty element. This Middle Eastern bowl is a great way to switch up your meal routine and incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet.

9 of 20

Tabbouleh- Middle Eastern Salad

Main Ingredients: Flat Leaf Parsley, Mint, Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber

Tabbouleh ~ Middle Eastern Parsley Salad - The Big Sweet Tooth | Recipe ...

Middle Eastern Tabbouleh Salad - Feed Your Sole | Recipe | Side dish ...

Tabbouleh is a classic Middle Eastern salad that is bursting with fresh flavors. It's made with parsley, mint, tomatoes, and bulgur, giving it a unique and delicious taste. The salad is dressed with a simple dressing made with lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs, which adds a tangy and herbaceous element to the dish. Tabbouleh is often served as a side dish or as a filling for pita bread, making it a versatile and tasty addition to any meal.

10 of 20

Middle Eastern Okra - Bamya

Main Ingredients: Okra, Olive Oil, Onion, Minced Garlic, Tomato Paste

Bamia (okra) | Middle eastern style okra stew, with rice and… | Flickr

Okra stew is known as "bamya" throughout the Middle East. This is an ...

directly above view of Bamya Bamia okra beef middle eastern Persian ...

Bamya, also known as okra, is a popular Middle Eastern dish that is full of flavor. The okra is cooked in a tomato-based sauce with fragrant spices like cumin and coriander, creating a rich and savory dish. The okra adds a unique texture to the dish and is often served as a side dish or as a main meal with some rice on the side. This Middle Eastern okra recipe is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet without sacrificing taste.

11 of 20

Middle Eastern flat bread

Main Ingredients: Caster Sugar, Table Salt, Dry Yeast, Greek Yoghurt

3 different Style Middle Eastern Breads - From My Kitchen

This homemade Middle Eastern flatbread is a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine and is often served alongside dishes like hummus or falafel. The bread is made with simple ingredients like flour, yeast, and olive oil, and is cooked on a hot griddle, giving it a crispy and chewy texture. This flatbread is perfect for dipping or filling with your favorite ingredients, making it a versatile and delicious addition to any meal.

12 of 20

Middle Eastern Turkey Meatball Sheet Pan Dinner

Main Ingredients: Chickpeas, Red Onion, Cauliflower, Olive Oil, Ground

Teriyaki Meatball Sheet Pan Dinner - Your Life Nutrition

Paleo Greek Turkey Meatballs: Sheet Pan Meal Prep Bowls! | Well Fed ...

35 Middle Eastern Inspired Recipes To Try | Kara Lydon

This Middle Eastern turkey meatball sheet pan dinner is a quick and easy meal that is bursting with flavor. The meatballs are made with ground turkey, fragrant spices like coriander and cumin, and are served with roasted vegetables and a tangy yogurt sauce. The sheet pan method makes for an easy clean-up and allows all the flavors to come together in one dish. This Middle Eastern-inspired dinner is perfect for a busy weeknight when you want a homemade and delicious meal.

13 of 20

Middle Eastern Roasted Vegetable Rice

Main Ingredients: Basmati Rice, Eggplant, Medium Carrots, Chickpeas

Roasted Vegetable Rice Recipe, perfect as a side or as a meatless main ...

One Pan Middle Eastern Roasted Chicken and Vegetable Bake

This Middle Eastern roasted vegetable rice is a flavorful and hearty dish that is perfect for a main meal. The rice is cooked with a mixture of roasted vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers, giving it a rich and smoky flavor. Fragrant spices like cinnamon and allspice are added to the rice, creating a unique and delicious taste. This dish is perfect for when you want a comforting and flavorful meal that is packed with nutrients and flavor.

14 of 20

Spicy Middle Eastern Chicken Wings

Main Ingredients: Chicken Wings, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Cumin, Paprika

Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Wings - a dash of dolly

Resepi Spicy Chicken Wings (Pedas dan Menyelerakan!) | Resepi.My

Sweet and Spicy Grilled Chicken Wings

One Pot Middle Eastern Chicken and Rice | Middle east recipes, Middle ...

These spicy Middle Eastern chicken wings are a delicious and unique twist on traditional chicken wings. The wings are marinated in a mixture of spices like paprika and cumin, giving them a smoky and spicy flavor. They are then grilled to perfection, creating crispy and flavorful wings that are perfect for game day or as an appetizer at a party. These wings are sure to be a hit with anyone who loves a little heat in their food.

15 of 20

Middle Eastern Hot Sauce – Shatta

Main Ingredients: Garlic, Red Jalapeno Peppers, Thai Bird Chilies, Fresh

Shatta, Lebanese Hot Sauce, Middle-eastern Sauce recipe | Recipe ...

Shatta Sauce (Middle Eastern Hot Sauce) - Non-Guilty Pleasures

Easy Shatta Middle Eastern Hot Sauce Ready in Minutes

Shatta, also known as Middle Eastern hot sauce, is a staple condiment in Middle Eastern cuisine. It's made with a blend of fresh herbs like cilantro and parsley, garlic, and spicy peppers, giving it a bright and spicy flavor. Shatta is often used as a topping for falafel, shawarma, or any dish that could use a little extra kick. This homemade shatta recipe is easy to make and will add a burst of flavor to any meal.

16 of 20

Middle Eastern Lamb Liver and Parsley Onion Salad

Main Ingredients: Lamb Liver, Ground Cumin, Apple Cider Vinegar, Ghee

Parsley Salad, Ground Black Pepper, Middle Eastern Recipes, Mincing ...

Middle-Eastern Harissa Lamb Salad with Roasted Cauliflower and Baby ...

Middle Eastern lamb salad recipe - Reader's Digest

Angled Chicken Lamb Middle Eastern Meat Grill Stock Photo - Alamy

This Middle Eastern lamb liver and parsley onion salad is a unique and flavorful dish that is perfect for meat lovers. The liver is marinated in a mixture of fragrant spices like cumin and coriander, giving it a rich and savory flavor. The liver is then served with a tangy parsley onion salad, which adds a bright and fresh element to the dish. This dish is perfect for when you want to try something new and incorporate different types of protein into your diet.

17 of 20

Healthy Vegetarian Middle Eastern Hummus Quesadilla

Main Ingredients: Chickpeas, Lemon Juice, Olive Oil, Tahini, Water

Mini Avocado & Hummus Quesadilla Recipe {Healthy Snack} | Cookin' Canuck

Fattet Hummus is hearty Middle Eastern dish that's usually served as a ...

Appetizers | Recipe in 2020 (With images) | Middle eastern recipes ...

This healthy vegetarian Middle Eastern hummus quesadilla is a delicious and easy lunch or snack option. The quesadilla is filled with creamy hummus, fresh vegetables like bell peppers and spinach, and a sprinkle of feta cheese. The result is a nutritious and flavorful meal that is perfect for when you're short on time but still want something satisfying and delicious. This Middle Eastern twist on a quesadilla is sure to become a new favorite in your meal rotation.

18 of 20

Middle Eastern Eggplant

Main Ingredients: Chinese Eggplants, Olive Oil, Garlic, Salt, Sumac

The Best Middle Eastern Eggplant Recipe • Unicorns in the Kitchen

Middle Eastern Stewed Eggplant Stock Image - Image of middle, tray ...

Middle East Recipes, Tapas, Spiced Beef, Family Dinner Recipes, Family ...

This Middle Eastern eggplant recipe is a flavorful and delicious way to enjoy this versatile vegetable. The eggplant is roasted and then topped with a combination of spices like cumin and paprika, giving it a rich and smoky flavor. It's then drizzled with a tangy yogurt sauce, which adds a creamy and refreshing element to the dish. This eggplant recipe is perfect as a side dish or as a main meal served with some rice or pita bread.

19 of 20

Middle Eastern Chickpea and Vegetable Salad

Main Ingredients: Chickpeas, Grape Tomatoes, Cucumber, Green Chilies

Middle Eastern Chickpea Salad | RecipeTin Eats

Middle Eastern Chickpea Salad | Hot Recipes

Middle Eastern Chickpea Salad - Cooking in Stilettos | Recipe | Easy ...

7 Mediterranean Chickpea Vegetable Salad 3 (1 of 1) - A Cedar Spoon

This Middle Eastern chickpea and vegetable salad is a fresh and healthy addition to any meal. It's made with a combination of chickpeas, fresh vegetables like cucumbers and tomatoes, and a zesty lemon dressing. The chickpeas add a hearty and filling element to the salad, while the vegetables and dressing add a refreshing and flavorful touch. This salad is perfect as a side dish or as a light lunch option.

20 of 20

Middle Eastern Cabbage Slaw

Main Ingredients: Red Cabbage, Green Cabbage, Carrots, Tomatoes

Cabbage Salad (Middle Eastern Style) - Chef Tariq | Recipe | Cabbage ...

Cabbage wraps with bulgur / Balandėliai su bulguru - lahana sarmasi ...

Mahshi Malfouf - Stuffed Cabbage Rolls | Egyptian food, Palestinian ...

Roasted Cabbage, Cooked Cabbage, Middle East Recipes, Small Cabbage ...

This Middle Eastern cabbage slaw is a unique and flavorful twist on traditional coleslaw. The cabbage is mixed with a tangy dressing made with lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs, giving it a refreshing and zesty flavor. It's then topped with crunchy almonds and pistachios, adding a delicious and textural element to the dish. This cabbage slaw is perfect as a side dish or as a topping for sandwiches or wraps.

The History of Shawarma

Shawarma, also known as “kebab al-sukar” in Arabic, literally translates to “turning meat”. This popular dish originated in Turkey in the 18th century and was traditionally cooked on a vertical spit, similar to the Greek gyro. Over time, shawarma spread to other countries in the Middle East, each region adding its own unique twist to the recipe. Today, shawarma is a beloved street food in countries like Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, and Israel, and has gained popularity in the West as well.

The Ingredients

To make the perfect shawarma, you will need marinated meat, fresh herbs, aromatic spices, and soft pita bread. The meat used in shawarma can vary from chicken, lamb, to beef, and is usually marinated in a mix of yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and spices like cumin, coriander, and paprika. Fresh herbs such as parsley, mint, and coriander are also used to add a burst of flavor to the meat. The pita bread used in shawarma is usually warmed and slathered with hummus or tahini sauce before being filled with the meat and vegetables.

The Preparation

The secret to making the perfect shawarma lies in the marination process. The longer the meat is marinated, the more flavorful it will be. Once the meat is marinated, it is then stacked onto a vertical spit and cooked slowly over a fire. As the meat cooks, it is shaved off in thin slices, giving it its signature texture. Once the meat is cooked, it is then wrapped in warm pita bread along with fresh tomatoes, pickled vegetables, and crisp lettuce. The final touch is a drizzle of garlic sauce or hot sauce, depending on your preference.

In Conclusion

Shawarma is a dish that is not only delicious but also represents the rich culture and history of the Middle East. This recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to explore the flavors of this region. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to experience the irresistible taste of shawarma. Trust us, it will be love at first bite.