Middle Eastern recipes
Middle Eastern cooking spans many countries and traditions, from Lebanese mezze to Persian herb-laden rice and Israeli street food. This page focuses on quick, flavor-packed dishes: shawarma-spiced chicken, falafel shortcuts, hummus bowls, shakshuka, fattoush, lentil soups and flatbread meals. Everything takes 20 minutes or less.
9 recipes, quickest first.
5 minFive-minute hummus
12 minQuick muhammara
13 minTurkish eggs with chili butter
15 minFalafel and hummus wraps
16 minHalloumi fries with hot honey
17 minPan-fried crispy spiced chickpeas
18 minSpiced lamb flatbreads with garlic yogurt
19 minChicken shawarma wraps
20 minQuick shakshuka
A few pantry items unlock most recipes: tahini, chickpeas, za'atar, sumac, cumin, smoked paprika, lemons and pita. Fresh parsley and mint add brightness. Many dishes are naturally vegetarian or easy to adapt, and they are great for sharing. Build a spread with a dip, a salad and something warm for an easy mezze-style dinner.
Common questions
What is za'atar and how do I use it?
Za'atar is a Middle Eastern blend, usually of dried thyme or oregano, toasted sesame seeds, sumac and salt. Mix it with olive oil and spread on flatbread before baking, sprinkle it over hummus, eggs, roasted vegetables or labneh, or rub it on chicken. Blends vary by region, so the flavor differs between brands.
How do I make hummus smoother?
Blend the tahini with lemon juice and a little ice water first until it turns pale and creamy, then add chickpeas and blend for several minutes. Using warm, well-cooked chickpeas helps; simmering canned ones for a few minutes softens them. Peeling the skins makes it even smoother but is optional.
What is shakshuka?
Shakshuka is a dish of eggs gently poached in a spiced tomato and pepper sauce, popular across North Africa and the Middle East. It is usually flavored with cumin, paprika and garlic, sometimes with feta or herbs. Serve it straight from the skillet with bread for dipping. It works for breakfast, brunch or dinner.