Hummus Is Just the Beginning: 15 Must-Try Middle Eastern Recipes

Sometimes, hummus feels like the only dish everyone knows from the Middle East. But there are 15 amazing recipes that take those flavors to a whole new level. Get ready to experience something truly unforgettable!

Torshi (Persian Pickled Vegetables)

A jar of pickled vegetables with cucumbers, carrots, herbs, and mustard seeds floating in brine. — Torshi (Persian Pickled Vegetables). Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Crunchy, tangy pickled vegetables pack a bold flavor that pops with every bite. Torshi (Persian Pickled Vegetables) burst with vibrant seasoning and a hint of acidity. These pickles are perfect to pair with rice dishes or kebabs.
Get the Recipe: Torshi (Persian Pickled Vegetables)

Kefta Kebabs

Hearty kebabs filled with robust Middle Eastern flavors pair perfectly with pita or rice. Kefta Kebabs bring out the richness of ground meat and fragrant seasonings. It's a great addition to weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Kefta Kebabs

Persian Dill Rice

Fluffy rice infused with subtle herbal notes makes every bite aromatic and flavorful. Persian Dill Rice pairs effortlessly with roasted meats or vegetable dishes. Its delicate balance keeps it versatile for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Persian Dill Rice

Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma

Low angle shot of chicken shawarma on a white platter with harissa paste and tomatoes and cucumbers in the background. — Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Quick and flavorful, this method creates tender chicken perfect for wraps or platters. Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma is a convenient way to capture traditional Middle Eastern spices with minimal fuss. Pair it with fresh veggies and sauces for a complete dish.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma

Coconut Ginger Rice with Spicy Turkish Roasted Chickpeas & Garlic Yogurt Drizzle

A bowl of brown rice topped with seasoned, roasted chickpeas and drizzled with white sauce, garnished with chopped herbs. — Coconut Ginger Rice with Spicy Turkish Roasted Chickpeas & Garlic Yogurt Drizzle. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

A comforting combination of creamy rice mixed with warm spices and topped with crispy chickpeas adds a twist to your plate. Coconut Ginger Rice with Spicy Turkish Roasted Chickpeas & Garlic Yogurt Drizzle brings together flavors that contrast yet blend perfectly. A drizzle of cooling yogurt ties everything together beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Ginger Rice with Spicy Turkish Roasted Chickpeas & Garlic Yogurt Drizzle

Harissa Chicken

Grilled marinated chicken served over white rice, topped with a creamy white sauce and fresh dill on a black plate. — Harissa Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Juicy chicken loaded with spicy flavor makes this recipe an easy favorite for anyone who loves heat. Harissa Chicken combines the fiery seasoning with tender, smoky meat. Pair it with rice or salads for an unforgettable meal.
Get the Recipe: Harissa Chicken

Easy Baharat Spice Mix Recipe

A wooden bowl filled with ground spices and a wooden spoon; scattered whole spices are in the background. — Easy Baharat Spice Mix Recipe. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Homemade spice blends allow you to customize flavors, and this one is incredibly simple to make. Easy Baharat Spice Mix Recipe offers a fragrant mix of warmth, ideal for enhancing meats, stews, or roasted vegetables. Use this blend to add a touch of Middle Eastern flair to your dishes.
Get the Recipe: Easy Baharat Spice Mix Recipe

Fattoush Salad

Fresh vegetables teamed up with crunchy flatbread combine for a refreshing, textured plate. Fattoush Salad is a quick way to bring bold Middle Eastern flavors to your table. A simple dressing ties everything together and makes it irresistible.
Get the Recipe: Fattoush Salad

Air Fryer Falafel

Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, you'll enjoy each bite of this satisfying chickpea-based dish. Air Fryer Falafel offers a lighter way to enjoy these traditional favorites without a ton of oil. Perfect for wraps, bowls, or dipping with hummus.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Falafel

Shawarma Kebabs

Warm spices blended with tender meat create a dish that brings excitement to mealtime. Shawarma Kebabs pack a punch of flavor whether served on skewers or tucked into wraps. It's a versatile option for lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Shawarma Kebabs

Sweet Potato Hummus

Smooth and creamy with a slight sweetness, this recipe feels comforting and unique. Sweet Potato Hummus combines classic flavors with a hearty vegetable base. Use it as a dip or spread to add to your snacks or sides.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Hummus

Harissa Vinaigrette

Spicy and bold, this dressing is perfect to shake up your salads or roasted dishes. Harissa Vinaigrette adds heat and depth wherever you use it. Simple to make, it complements nearly any Middle Eastern-inspired meal.
Get the Recipe: Harissa Vinaigrette

Lamb Kofta Kebabs

Juicy bites of meat shaped into kebabs and grilled to perfection create a fantastic centerpiece meal. Lamb Kofta Kebabs pair Middle Eastern spices with tender ground meat for a satisfying dish. Serve it alongside sauces, flatbread, or on its own for maximum enjoyment.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Kofta Kebabs

Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps

Closeup of a chicken shawarma wrap. — Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Tender spiced chicken tucked into a wrap makes prepping lunch or dinner a breeze. Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps take traditional shawarma flavors and make them accessible through modern cooking techniques. Top them with your favorite sauces and veggies for a satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps

Low Carb Tabbouleh Salad

Tabbouleh Salad inside colorful bowls. — Low Carb Tabbouleh Salad. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

A fresh herb-packed dish with a lighter twist perfect for healthier eating. Low Carb Tabbouleh Salad takes its inspiration from traditional recipes minus carb-heavy ingredients. It's light, aromatic, and pairs wonderfully with Middle Eastern mains.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Tabbouleh Salad