Middle Eastern

This appetizer uses Middle Eastern ingredients such as labneh, a strained yogurt, and sumac, a tart spice made from the sumac flower. Avoid peaches that are overly soft so they don't fall apart on the grill.

These poppers use mini bell peppers, but you can swap for jalapeños if you prefer more heat.

This power bowl — topped with a creamy, homemade eggplant dip called baba ghanoush — is fresh and filling.

Brighten up roasted vegetables with this rich and creamy tahini basil sauce.

Turn a rainbow of roasted vegetables into a stunning snack-ready platter that'll feed a crowd.

This slow-cooker version of the Middle Eastern classic is given a twist with ras el hanout, a North African spice blend that can include ginger, anise, cinnamon, nutmeg, peppercorns, cloves, cardamom, nigella, mace, galangal, turmeric and dried flowers such as lavender and rose.

A sprinkling of Za’atar, an aromatic Middle Eastern blend of herbs and spices, gives these baked pita chips addictive flavor without the need for a ton of oil or salt.

The Instant Pot is a terrific tool for cooking dried beans because it saves you hours of soaking and simmering. Cooking times can vary depending on the batch, so test a chickpea after cooking, and if it’s still tough, add another 5 minutes cook time, then repeat.

The secret to making these oval-shaped patties ultra moist? Grated zucchini, which not only adds moisture, but also a serving of vegetables.

This fork-and-knife flatbread is spread with herby, creamy ricotta and 
then loaded with sweet and savory veggies for a fresh take on Middle 
Eastern street food. Be sure to buy a good-quality full-fat ricotta for 
the best results. The vegetables are adaptable, so use whatever 
looks good at your farmers’ market this week!

Inspired by the Middle Eastern tradition of mixing sweet fruits with savory foods like tahini, this fresh bowl is ideal for serving at your next 
barbecue or breakfast. Garnish with a little citrus zest for extra brightness.

Dukkah (pronounced DOO-kah) is a savory Egyptian blend of dried seeds, herbs, spices and nuts. It's used as a coating for meat or fish or mixed with olive oil and served as a dip – here we use it as a flavorful crust for chicken. Moutabel is a Middle Eastern dip traditionally made with eggplant, though other vegetables can be used. In this version, grated beets and Greek 
yogurt are combined for a vibrant topping for the chicken.

A key ingredient in many Middle Eastern salads, mint gives this recipe a wonderful freshness. Simply seasoned chicken bumps up the protein content, making this a filling main dish. Using leftover cooked rice speeds up dinner prep — just make extra the night before.

This herbed farro is reminiscent of Middle Eastern tabbouleh – try stirring in some diced tomato and cucumber if you have them on hand.

Za’atar, a Middle Eastern spice mix made of dried herbs and seeds such as sumac, thyme and sesame, is the seasoning du jour, popping up on menus in the hottest restaurants. Here, we make our own to flavor lemon-kissed chicken, which pairs perfectly with cilantro hummus and tangy pickled radishes.

Kofta are spiced meatballs traditionally made with beef or lamb. While pumpkin is not customary, we’ve added it here to provide maximum juiciness to lean ground chicken. Try serving our Middle Eastern chicken kofta with whole-wheat pitas, or, for a lower carb option, grilled eggplant slices.

Inspired by the Middle Eastern dish shakshuka this comforting vegetarian entrée is perfect for any meal of the day. Serve with whole-grain pita or baguette for dipping.

Look forward to lunch time thanks to this make-ahead falafel recipe, topped with a tangy feta- and herb-laced yogurt sauce.

Meatball fans rejoice! Traditional to North African and Mediterranean cuisine, kefta are essentially large, cylindrical meatballs grilled on skewers and served with yogurt sauce. We've paired ours with fragrant veggie rice and dairy-free sunflower sauce.

The flavor of nutrient-rich sesame punctuates this punchy dish double time, in seeds toasted atop the garlic-roasted chicken and in the Middle Eastern-inspired tahini sauce.

Nosh on red bell peppers like those found in this Middle Eastern-inspired side dish and know you've chosen one of the most nutrient-dense foods around. A 3 1/2-oz serving of red peppers boasts plentiful vitamins C, A and B6, fiber, thiamin and folic acid.