Middle Eastern cuisine is rich with flavors and traditions passed down through generations. This collection of 25 recipes takes cherished dishes from grandma’s kitchen and updates them with contemporary twists. From using modern appliances to incorporating new ingredients, these recipes maintain the essence of the classics while offering a fresh take for today’s home cooks.
Eggplant & Eggs (Shakshuka)
Eggplant & Eggs (Shakshuka) is a modern twist on a classic, infusing charred eggplant into the traditional tomato and egg dish. In 40 minutes, this version maintains the familiar flavors with a smoky addition. Ripe tomatoes and fresh eggplant are the stars, creating a savory and slightly spicy breakfast option.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant & Eggs (Shakshuka)
Fattoush Salad
Fattoush Salad takes the timeless Middle Eastern bread salad and gives it a contemporary edge, ready in just 20 minutes. Crisp vegetables and toasted pita are tossed with sumac and lemon vinaigrette. This salad retains its classic tangy taste while offering a fresh texture.
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Harissa Chicken
Harissa Chicken updates the traditional roast with North African harissa paste, requiring 50 minutes of cooking. The chicken, marinated with garlic and olive oil, is transformed into a spicy and aromatic dish. It’s a modern take on a Middle Eastern favorite, with a fiery flavor profile.
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Smoky Baba Ghanoush without Tahini
Smoky Baba Ghanoush without Tahini is a lighter rendition of the beloved eggplant dip, achieved in 45 minutes. Roasted eggplant and garlic blend together for a smooth appetizer without the traditional tahini. It’s a contemporary variant that’s smoky and garlic-forward.
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Crispy Ottolenghi’s Air Fryer Asparagus
Crispy Ottolenghi’s Air Fryer Asparagus offers a modern method to a classic side, taking 15 minutes. The asparagus is seasoned and air-fried, then sprinkled with za’atar for a Middle Eastern touch. The result is a crunchy, flavorful dish that’s a nod to traditional tastes.
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Mujadara
Mujadara, a hearty combination of lentils and rice, is given a modern makeover in a 1-hour cooking time. Cumin and cinnamon add a warm flavor to the caramelized onions, rice, and lentils. This dish is a contemporary take on a protein-rich Middle Eastern staple.
Get the Recipe: Mujadara
Spiced Grilled Corn
Spiced Grilled Corn, ready in 25 minutes, adds Middle Eastern spices to the sweet summer classic. The grilled corn becomes a fusion of traditional flavors and modern grilling techniques. It’s a simple yet flavorful side dish with a spicy twist.
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grilled chicken kofta kebab
Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab, a 30-minute recipe, is a lighter take on the classic kebab. Ground chicken is seasoned with traditional spices and grilled to perfection. This dish offers a modern, tender alternative to the usual lamb or beef kebabs.
Get the Recipe: grilled chicken kofta kebab
Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps
Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps condense the essence of shawarma into a 25-minute meal with a contemporary cooking style. Seasoned chicken is wrapped in pita with vegetables and sauce, achieving a juicy and slightly crispy texture. It’s a quick and flavorful spin on a Middle Eastern classic.
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Fish with pomegranate sauce
Fish with Pomegranate Sauce is a 40-minute dish that pairs baked fish with a sweet and tangy pomegranate molasses sauce. It’s a modern interpretation of a classic flavor pairing, delivering a balance of savory and tart with a hint of sweetness.
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Sweet Potato Hummus
Sweet Potato Hummus, prepared in 50 minutes, adds roasted sweet potatoes to the timeless chickpea dip. This modern version is slightly sweet with traditional undertones of garlic and lemon. It’s a twist on the classic hummus, bringing a new flavor and color to the table.
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Tahini Sauce
Tahini Sauce, ready in just 10 minutes, is a streamlined version of the essential Middle Eastern condiment. Sesame paste, garlic, and lemon combine to create a creamy, nutty sauce. It’s a modern take on a traditional sauce, versatile for many dishes.
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Orange Vegetable Tagine with Peaches
Orange Vegetable Tagine with Peaches, requiring 1 hour, introduces peaches to the classic Moroccan stew. The sweet fruit complements the root vegetables and aromatic spices. This dish is a contemporary take on the traditional tagine, with a sweet twist.
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Moroccan pearl couscous salad
Moroccan Pearl Couscous Salad, a 30-minute recipe, is a modern spin on the grain salad with herbs, almonds, and dried fruits. The lemon dressing enhances the blend of sweet and savory flavors. It’s a light and refreshing side that pays homage to its Middle Eastern roots.
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Pomegranate chicken with walnuts
Pomegranate Chicken with Walnuts, cooked in about 1 hour, modernizes the classic stew with pomegranate molasses. The dish combines sweet, tart, and earthy flavors. It’s a contemporary version of a traditional Middle Eastern chicken dish.
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Kid-friendly beet hummus
Kid-friendly Beet Hummus takes the classic hummus recipe and infuses it with roasted beets, creating a 15-minute snack. This modern twist results in a vibrant pink spread that’s mildly sweet and garlicky. It’s an approachable take on a traditional dip.
Get the Recipe: Kid-friendly beet hummus
Classic mushroom bourekas recipe
Classic Mushroom Bourekas Recipe, a 35-minute dish, brings a savory mushroom and cheese filling to the flaky pastry. This modern version maintains the traditional flavors with a warm, buttery crust. It’s a contemporary take on a beloved Middle Eastern snack.
Get the Recipe: Classic mushroom bourekas recipe
Eggplant Tomato Stacks
Eggplant Tomato Stacks, ready in 30 minutes, are a lighter interpretation of classic flavors with layers of roasted eggplant and tomato. Fresh basil and garlic season this modern dish. It offers a Mediterranean taste in a simple, contemporary format.
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Vegetarian Kofta Kebabs Recipe
Vegetarian Kofta Kebabs Recipe, a 40-minute meal, is a meat-free alternative to the meaty classic. Grains and spices are used to replicate the traditional kofta texture and flavor. These kebabs bring a modern vegetarian twist to the grill.
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Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma
Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma, a 30-minute recipe, uses modern technology to recreate the classic shawarma flavor. The pressure cooker infuses the chicken with spices, making it aromatic and tender. This is a fast and flavorful modern interpretation of a Middle Eastern staple.
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Sabich Sandwich Recipe with Eggplant and Potatoes
Sabich Sandwich Recipe with Eggplant and Potatoes offers a 20-minute modern take on the traditional Israeli sandwich. Fried eggplant, boiled potatoes, and hard-boiled eggs fill pita bread, topped with tahini. It’s a contemporary version with classic textures and flavors.
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Quinoa with kabocha squash and chickpeas in green tahini sauce
Quinoa with Kabocha Squash and Chickpeas in Green Tahini Sauce is a 50-minute modern dish combining nutritious ingredients. The green tahini sauce adds a herby touch to the nutty quinoa and sweet squash. It’s a contemporary bowl with a Middle Eastern flair.
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Baked Turkey Kofta Pita Sandwich
Baked Turkey Kofta Pita Sandwich, taking 40 minutes, is a healthier modern variation of the kofta sandwich. Seasoned turkey is baked, not fried, and served in pita with vegetables. This sandwich offers a mix of spicy, savory, and crisp, providing a lighter meal option.
Get the Recipe: Baked Turkey Kofta Pita Sandwich
Roasted bell pepper salad
Roasted Bell Pepper Salad, a 25-minute side dish, updates the classic salad with a simple vinaigrette. The natural sweetness and smokiness of the peppers are highlighted in this modern version. It’s a colorful and contemporary addition to any Middle Eastern meal.
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Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate and Balsamic
Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate, and Balsamic, ready in 20 minutes, add a modern twist to the classic sprouts. The air fryer creates a crispy texture, while feta, pomegranate, and balsamic bring a mix of tangy and sweet flavors. This dish is a contemporary take on a Middle Eastern-inspired side, combining old-world ingredients with new-world cooking techniques.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate and Balsamic