Middle Eastern recipes

  1. 1.

    Apricot-Prune Chicken

    • This sweetly spiced chicken dish marries well with couscous, a Moroccan grain, which is available in many supermarkets and health food stores.
  2. 2.

    Cardamom Butter Cookies

    • Clarified butter — which is made by melting butter and removing the milk solids - gives these Middle Eastern cookies a crisp texture that's...
  3. 3.

    Chicken and Preserved Lemon

    • Chicken: Cut chicken into pieces, removing skin. Set aside. In large Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat; brown chicken all over....
  4. 4.

    Chickpea and Pomegranate Dip

    • The complex, sour-sweet flavours of pomegranate molasses (available in Middle Eastern and fine food stores) give this dip a tangy edge. If you...
  5. 5.

    Chickpea Patties in Pitas with Coriander Yogurt

    • Legumes such as chickpeas are an essential part of vegetarian dishes. They are versatile, high in fibre and protein and have no cholesterol and...
  6. 6.

    Cooked Beet and Carrot Salads

    • Moroccan salads are like Italian antipasti: assorted dishes of spiced or sweetened raw or cooked vegetables that stimulate the appetite and refresh...
  7. 7.

    Falafels

    • Tahini — a light ivory-colour pure sesame paste — gives these crisp chickpea balls authentic Middle Eastern flavour.
  8. 8.

    Fragrant Chickpeas with Dates

    • As part of a buffet at Eid-ul-Fitr, this dish is also made with other dried fruits, such as apricots, raisins and figs.
  9. 9.

    Garlic Flatbread

    • Add Middle Eastern flair to your table with this soft-crusted golden flatbread, which is great for scooping hummus or baba ghanoush.
  10. 10.

    Gorayba

    • Clarified butter gives these cardamom-scented Middle Eastern cookies, sometimes known as “queen's bracelets,” a crispy texture.
  11. 11.

    Grilled Arctic Char with Tahini Sauce

    • You can use 1/4 tsp (1 mL) zahtar instead of cumin. Zahtar is a spice mixture available in Middle Eastern stores. Or make your own: mix 1 tbsp (15...
  12. 12.

    Grilled Vegetable Couscous Salad

    • This colourful salad makes a great summer side dish or vegetarian main course.
  13. 13.

    Harira

    • Chop 1/4 cup (50 mL) each of the coriander and parsley; set aside. Tie together remaining coriander and parsley and place in large saucepan. Add...
  14. 14.

    Lamb Kabobs With Fresh Coriander

    • Set out bowls of chopped fresh coriander and ground cumin for guests to dip kabobs.
  15. 15.

    Lamb Koftes on Rosemary

    •  Serve with thick plain yogurt and grilled pitas for a delicious meal.
  16. 16.

    Lentil Vegetable Soup

    • This traditional hearty soup features lentils, chickpeas, pasta and vegetables with aromatic yet mild spices. In Morocco its name is harira, and it...
  17. 17.

    Middle Eastern Chicken Breast Salad

    • This summery grilled Middle Eastern–inspired salad gets delicious nuttiness from the tahini and pistachios.
  18. 18.

    Mini Falafel

    • Not just for vegetarians, this easy-to-make Middle East specialty will become a favourite for entertaining.
  19. 19.

    Oregano Beef Koftas

    • Middle East-inspired skewers are quite the meal when tucked into Grilled Greek Pitas along with shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes and Yogurt Dip...
  20. 20.

    Quinoa Tabbouleh

    • Middle Eastern tabbouleh is usually made with cracked bulgur wheat. By using quinoa (actually a seed that is an excellent source of iron), this...
  21. 21.

    Roast Leg of Lamb with Apricots, Almonds and Pine Nuts

    • On cutting board and using fork, or using mortar and pestle, crush garlic and salt to fine paste; transfer to bowl. Add parsley, allspice,...
  22. 22.

    Saffron Salt

    • This aromatic golden salt adds Middle Eastern flair to grilled chicken, fish or vegetables. – R.K.
  23. 23.

    Slow Cooker Spiced Middle Eastern Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

    • Serve topped with cilantro alongside a generous helping of couscous or flatbread. For mild flavour, omit the cayenne pepper.
  24. 24.

    Spice Market Beef and Lamb Cigars

    • In Morocco, these pastries are called betzel and are made with a thin pastry called warka. Spring roll wrappers make an excellent substitute, and...
  25. 25.

    Spiced Fish Fillets with Yogurt Sauce

    • Serve with: Couscous, bulgur or rice pilaf and steamed vegetables tossed in a little olive oil and lemon This spicy Middle Eastern-inspired dish...
  26. 26.

    Squash Couscous

    • Couscous, the final course at a special meal, is served to satisfy guests so that no one leaves hungry. This steamed preparation takes a little...
  27. 27.

    Sumac Chicken Skewers with Lemon Yogurt Sauce

    • Strips of juicy spiced chicken served with a velvety sauce are irresistible. Sumac, a tart flavouring used even in Roman days, is available in...
  28. 28.

    Tabbouleh

    • Here is an altered twist on a Tabbouleh Salad. There's a little more flavour, and a little more kick to a past recipe that may leave you unsatisfied!
  29. 29.

    Tabbouleh Pita Pockets with Feta and Cucumber

    • Bulgur is available in the dry goods aisle of most supermarkets.
  30. 30.

    Tagine Of Fish, Tomatoes, Peppers and Potatoes

    • This flavorful tagine can be prepared ahead and popped in the oven just before guests arrive.


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