Discover the rich flavors of Middle Eastern food, featuring authentic Middle Eastern cuisine and dishes that blend tradition, spices, and vibrant ingredients.
Middle Eastern cuisine is an irresistible tapestry of flavors, colors, and aromas that captivates both the palate and the imagination. From savory dips to hearty stews, every dish tells a story of rich cultural heritage.
As a tourist venturing into this culinary world, let your journey be elevated by the expertise of chef Yotam Ottolenghi, whose modern approach to Middle Eastern cooking brings fresh life to these timeless recipes.
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The Vibrant Flavors of Middle Eastern Cuisine
Middle Eastern cooking is a celebration of generosity and hospitality, centered on dishes meant to be shared. Mezze platters — filled with dips, bread, and salads — are common fixtures, embodying the communal spirit of the region.
Known for its reliance on fresh vegetables, fragrant spices, and wholesome ingredients, Middle Eastern cuisine offers a perfect balance of bold and subtle flavors.
In Yotam Ottolenghi’s Middle Eastern Cooking MasterClass, you’ll learn to recreate this magic in your own kitchen. The James Beard Award-winning chef teaches simple techniques for crafting dishes that are both accessible and extraordinary.
His recipes — ranging from mezze spreads to stunning vegetable dishes — show how even the most basic ingredients can be elevated with the right techniques and spices.
Must-Try Middle Eastern Dishes
If you’re new to Middle Eastern cooking or looking for inspiration, here’s a list of traditional and popular dishes you’ll love:
Mezze & Middle Eastern Starters
- Hummus: This creamy blend of chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice is a staple of Middle Eastern tables. Served as a dip or spread, it pairs perfectly with warm pita bread or fresh vegetables, offering a velvety texture and a rich, nutty flavor profile.
- Baba Ghanoush: Smoky and smooth, this roasted eggplant dip combines tahini, garlic, and lemon juice. Its earthy flavor and creamy consistency make it a standout appetizer. Often garnished with pomegranate seeds or olive oil, it’s a must-try for eggplant lovers.
- Tzatziki: A cooling cucumber and yogurt dip with a touch of garlic and dill. Perfect as a side or sauce, it’s often paired with grilled meats, pita, or fresh vegetables. The refreshing tang of yogurt balances beautifully with the crunch of cucumber.
- Muhammara: This vibrant red pepper and walnut spread features a spicy kick from chili paste and a sweet hint of pomegranate molasses. Rich and flavorful, it’s an excellent choice for dipping bread or adding depth to your mezze platter.
Middle Eastern Salads & Sides
- Tabouleh: A bright parsley salad mixed with bulgur wheat, diced tomatoes, onions, and a generous splash of lemon juice. Nutritious and light, it’s an iconic Middle Eastern dish that complements richer entrees while showcasing the freshness of its ingredients.
- Fattoush: A rustic salad made with mixed greens, fresh vegetables, and crispy pieces of fried or toasted pita bread. Dressed with sumac and lemon juice, it offers a tangy, crunchy, and refreshing taste of Middle Eastern hospitality.
- Dolma: Grape leaves stuffed with a savory mixture of rice, herbs, and sometimes ground meat. These delicate rolls are simmered in a lemony broth, creating a balance of tender textures and tangy flavors that are beloved across the region.
Main Dishes in Middle Eastern Cuisine
- Shawarma: Thinly sliced, spiced meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie and served in wraps or on plates. Shawarma’s aromatic spices and tender texture make it one of the most popular Middle Eastern dishes worldwide, often accompanied by sauces like tahini or garlic yogurt.
- Kebabs: Grilled skewers of meat or vegetables, seasoned with spices like sumac or paprika. Kebabs come in endless varieties, from lamb and chicken to vegetarian options. They’re perfect for quick meals or elaborate feasts, delivering bold and smoky flavors.
- Kofta: Ground meat, often lamb or beef, mixed with spices and herbs, then shaped into patties or skewers. Kofta is hearty and flavorful, frequently served with rice or in flatbreads, making it a versatile choice for any meal.
- Mujadara: A comforting dish of lentils and rice topped with caramelized onions. This vegetarian classic combines simple ingredients for a deeply satisfying flavor, showcasing how Middle Eastern cuisine transforms staples into unforgettable meals.
Vegan & Vegetarian Middle Eastern Dishes
- Falafel: Crispy on the outside and soft inside, these deep-fried chickpea balls are seasoned with herbs and spices. A staple for vegetarians, falafel is served in wraps, over salads, or as part of a mezze platter, offering protein-packed satisfaction.
- Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini: Simple yet extraordinary, roasted cauliflower drizzled with tahini sauce becomes a flavor-packed side or main dish. The caramelized edges of the cauliflower combine beautifully with the creamy, nutty tahini, making it a modern favorite.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers: Sweet bell peppers filled with a savory mix of rice, herbs, and sometimes nuts or vegetables. Baked until tender, they make a wholesome, hearty vegetarian dish perfect for any occasion.
Middle Eastern Desserts
- Baklava: Layers of flaky phyllo dough filled with nuts and soaked in honey or syrup. This iconic dessert is sweet, sticky, and rich, offering a taste of Middle Eastern indulgence. Each bite is a symphony of textures and flavors.
- Knafeh: A delicate dessert made with semolina pastry and a gooey, cheesy filling, topped with sweet syrup. Often garnished with pistachios, knafeh is a delightful treat enjoyed warm, showcasing the perfect balance of sweetness and richness.
- Ma’amoul: Shortbread cookies stuffed with dates, nuts, or figs. These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treats are traditionally served during special occasions, making them a cherished dessert with deep cultural significance.
Expanding your understanding of Middle Eastern cuisine through these dishes satisfies your taste buds and offers a glimpse into a world of rich culinary traditions and flavors.
Learn Middle Eastern Cooking with Yotam Ottolenghi
Yotam Ottolenghi’s Middle Eastern food recipes focus on the fundamentals of the cuisine: fresh ingredients, a balance of flavors, and a touch of creativity. You’ll learn to craft mezze platters, prepare traditional Middle Eastern food, and experiment with spices like sumac and za’atar.
If you already have his Middle Eastern cooking books and are eager to experience a Middle Eastern cooking class, this MasterClass where Yotam Ottolenghi teaches Middle Eastern cooking is the perfect option.
From mastering the art of making vegetarian Middle Eastern dishes like tabouleh to perfecting mains like kebabs, he simplifies techniques that can seem intimidating at first.
Click here to preview this MasterClass
Essential Ingredients for Middle Eastern Cooking
The foundation of Middle Eastern cuisine lies in its ingredients. Here are some must-haves:
- Spices: Cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and turmeric are staples. Don’t forget za’atar for seasoning and sumac for a tangy kick.
- Tahini: A versatile sesame paste used in dips, sauces, and desserts.
- Olive Oil: A key ingredient in dressings, marinades, and cooking.
- Grains: Bulgur, rice (often long-grain or basmati), and couscous are essentials.
- Pomegranate Molasses: Adds a tangy sweetness to many dishes.
This list of the five ingredients basic to all Middle Eastern cooking, combined with traditional cooking methods, creates dishes that are both authentic and adaptable to modern tastes.
A New Perspective on Middle Eastern Cooking
As you explore these dishes and techniques, you’ll realize that the beauty of Middle Eastern cuisine lies in its versatility and approachability. Whether crafting a rich lamb stew or assembling a colorful mezze platter, the process is as enjoyable as the results.
Yotam Ottolenghi’s Middle Eastern cooking classes and books are fantastic starting points for anyone eager to explore. They simplify the process of creating stunning and packed with flavor dishes.
From popular Middle Eastern food like shawarma to healthy Middle Eastern dishes like roasted vegetables, your journey into this cuisine will be transformative.
In Yotam Ottolenghi’s MasterClass, you’ll learn how to cook these dishes and gain a deeper appreciation for the culture and community they represent.
Click here to preview this MasterClass
Middle Eastern cuisine is more than just food — it celebrates flavors, history, and togetherness. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a curious beginner, diving into this world will undoubtedly enrich your culinary repertoire.
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