When I am planning a barbecue, I usually know right away what main food dishes I want to cook. But then I start to wonder what dishes will I serve alongside them. I could throw some chips in a bowl or make up a vegetable platter, but I want something a little more that will make my barbecue a interesting and memorable. Middle Eastern cuisine can easily be barbecue friendly, both as main dishes and side dishes. Here are some great traditional barbecue side dishes with Middle Eastern flair!
This is a great dish to make if I am grilling chicken. The apricots lend a great flavor and overall unique twist to the standard barbecue. Couscous is best served immediately after cooking so this dish is best prepared last.
Probably the most common food served alongside burgers, this recipe shows the proper way for making homemade French fries. They are much tastier than frozen fries and take just as long to prep and cook as their frozen counterparts.
Grilled vegetables are a perfect addition to any sort of meat cooked on the grill. Any variety of vegetables can usually be grilled as this recipe calls for grilling the vegetables in aluminum foil which is gentle on them. Peppers, onions and eggplant go great in a grilled vegetable medley, as well as zucchini.
Deviled eggs are a tradition at barbecues and get-togethers. This version is a new twist, replacing the typical egg yolk with hummus. Experiment with different flavors of hummus for a unique taste every time!
Preparation for these potato pies will take some time, but they are worth it in lieu of more typical barbecue side dishes. Small dough balls are filled with grated potatoes, beef and onions to make one side dish that can’t be beat!
In keeping with tradition, this recipe shows an easy way to make authentic onion rings. Paprika and cayenne add a special something to make this a perfect side dish to your next barbecue!
Potato chips are something that can be found at practically every barbecue you will host or attend. Most people love different types of dips, but instead of serving the expected, I like to liven things up with pita chips. Easy to make and done in five minutes, these are perfect for dipping or eating by themselves!
Not a side dish by itself, Baba Ghannouj goes perfect with any type of chips you serve. Made from eggplant and tahini, it is smooth and creamy but with a slightly smoky flavor. It is usually topped with olive oil, but you can also add red peppers, parsley or coriander for added color and taste.
Corn on the cob is a quick and easy side dish to cook on the grill. This version cooks the corn still in their husks rather than in aluminum foil. Keeping the husks on protects the corn while it grills and also helps retain it’s natural flavor.
Traditional mayo-based potato salad gets a new life with this version from the Middle East. This variation, made with red potatoes, is much healthier and requires less prep and cook time than typical potato salad.
