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Middle Eastern Food: Most Popular Articles

These articles are the most popular over the last month.
How to Make Hummus
Recipe for hummus, a very popular Middle Eastern dip that is used as an appetizer and served with pita bread. Learn how to make hummus the easy way, while still being authentic!
Falafel Recipe
Falafel is a worldwide recognized Middle Eastern food. Learn how to make authentic falafel from this classic recipe.
Basic Coucous
Learn how to make coucous. This recipe for couscous is very basic and foolproof!
How to Steam Vegetables
Steaming vegetables is one of the most healthy ways to cook! Learn how to perfectly steam vegetables on the stovetop and in the microwave!
Pita Bread Recipe
Pita bread is a staple in Middle Eastern food. This pita bread recipe is simple, quick, and makes perfect pita bread everytime! Learn how to make pita bread the easy way!
Tahini Recipe
Recipe for tahini, a Middle Eastern paste made of sesame seeds and olive oil. Tahini is served in popular Middle Eastern dishes like hummus.
Hummus 101
Everything you ever wanted to know about hummus but was afraid to ask! Learn the history of hummus and search a collection of hummus recipes.
How to Make Basic White Rice
White rice is so important in Middle Eastern cuisine. Although this is a very basic recipe, many beginner cooks or those who don't cook at all may not know how to make white rice. Learn how to make white rice in this super easy recipe.
What is Halal Food?
An introduction to halal foods and halal ingredients.
Harissa Recipe
Harissa is a hot red pepper paste used in North African cooking. It is added to many recipes for increased flavor. This harissa recipe is easy to make, with ingredients that are simple to find.
Tahini Sauce Recipe
Recipe for tahini sauce, a sauce used in sandwiches, marinades, and dips.
How to Use Dried Chickpeas
Learn how to properly soak and cook dried chickpeas.
Hummus without Tahini
Recipe for hummus without tahini, the perfect hummus recipe for those who don't like tahini.
Chicken Shawarma
Learn how to make chicken shawarma, just like at your favorite Middle Eastern restaurants!
Shrimp Kebab
This shrimp kebab recipe is perfect for beginners. It requires very few ingredients, but is bursting with flavor. Shrimp kebabs are very easy to make, but the taste will make your guests think you have been working all day!
Picking Ripe Watermelon
Watermelon is one of the most popular summer foods. When shopping for watermelon at the supermarket, how can you tell if the melon is ripe? Follow these tips for picking the best watermelon.
Tabouleh Recipe
Recipe for tabouleh, a popular Middle Eastern salad containing many vegetables, olive oil and spices. It is a great vegetarian salad that can be eaten as an appetizer, side dish or main course.
Easy Falafel
This recipe for falafel contains few ingredients which cuts down on preparation time. Perfect for those who want an easier version of falafel.
Za'atar Recipe - Spice Mixture
Za'atar is a Middle Eastern spice mixture used in many meats and even vegetables. Learn how to make your own za'atar with this simple recipe.
How to Make Naan - Flatbread
Recipe for naan, a flatbread found throughout the Middle East and India. Naan is easy to make at home and this recipe for naan is perfect for any skill level.
Yogurt Garlic Sauce
Recipe for yogurt garlic sauce that is often used for shawarma or for meats. It makes an excellent alternative to mayonaise.
Baked Falafel
Deep fried falafel not in your diet? Try it baked! Baked falafel is still crunchy on the outside and delicious on the inside!
How to De-Seed a Pomegranate
Learn how to properly and easily remove the seeds from a pomegranate.
Popular Middle Eastern Foods
A lisitng of the most popular Middle Eastern foods with their recipes.
Shawarma 101
Tips for making the popular shawarma sandwich.
Roasted Garlic Hummus Recipe
This roasted garlic hummus recipe is perfect for those who don't care for the tahini taste in hummus. The garlic adds a rich flavor that really compliments the chickpeas.
Turkish Delight Recipe
Turkish Delight is a candy that originated in Turkey in the 1700's. The candy was featured in "The Lion,
Hummus without a Food Processor
Hummus is easy to make, even without a food processor. Learn how to make hummus without a food processor in this easy tutorial.
Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
Recipe for a spicier version of hummus made with roasted red peppers. Roasted red pepper hummus makes an excellent appetizer.
Kebabs 101
Explore how to make the perfect kabobs everytime with different kabob recipes, meats, vegetables, and skewers.
Cooking Oils 101
There are so many cooking oils on the shelves, it may be hard to determine what type of oil you really need to be cooking with. Learn more about cooking oils.
Picking a Ripe Cantaloupe
Learn how to choose the perfectly ripe cantaloupe everytime with these tips.
Top 10 Recipes Using Tahini
Tahini is a Middle Eastern pantry essential. It is the basis for many traditional Middle Eastern recipes such as hummus and baba ghannouj. Tahini can be used in so many other recipes, as found in this 10 best recipes made using tahini.
Mid East Recipes for Beginners
New to cooking or Middle Eastern cooking? Try out these easy Middle Eastern recipes for beginners.
Turkish Coffee
Learn how to make Turkish coffee with this simple recipe. Turkish coffee is very popular worldwide for its unique way of preparation and taste.
Olive Oil Types and Benefits
Explore the many types of olive oil and how they can be used in your kitchen and also to boost health!
Easy Kibbeh
Easy recipe for kibbeh, a Lebanese food containing ground meat or lamb with spices. Kibbeh is very popular among Westerners.
Beef Shawrma
Recipe for beef shawarma. Shawarma is very difficult to replicate without a shawarma cone, but this recipe comes close.
Baklawa
Baklava, or baklawa in many Middle Eastern countries, is a delicious pastry that is known worldwide. There are many variations to baklava, depending on where in the Middle East you are, but this is by far the most popular.
Easy Rice Pilaf Recipe
This easy rice pilaf recipe is a delicious side dish! It goes great with chicken or lamb! It is definitely one of my favorites to serve to my family and friends.
How to Steam Broccoli
Learn how to steam fresh broccoli in this tutorial about steaming fresh broccoli. Broccoli is chock full of nutrients we need for optimum health.
Hummus with Yogurt
This easy hummus recipe replaces most of the traditional tahini with yogurt. This is a great alternative for those who are watching their weight.
Chicken Pita Sandwich
Recipe for chicken pita sandwich. A grilled chicken pita is the ultimate lunch food or fast dinner recipe!
Mutton
A look into what mutton is and how it is used in cooking.
Recipes with Chickpea
Learn more about chickpeas, a popular ingredient in Middle Eastern cooking, including recipes that contain chickpeas.
Falafel 101
Recipes and tips for making falafel.
Cooking with Prawns
When looking for a tasty seafood dish, you can never go wrong with prawns. Check these tips for buying prawns, how to remove the shell and devein, and some fabulous prawn recipes!
Shish Taouk - Chicken Kebobs
Recipe for shish taouk, grilled chicken on skewers.
Pasta Salad
This pasta salad is great anytime of year. Crumbled feta cheese over mixed veggies and tri-colored pasta make this dish as pleasing to the eye as it is to the stomach.
Remove Garlic Odor
A quick tip on how to remove the garlic smell on your hands after chopping it. Garlic has a very persistant odor that can be difficult to remove from hands.
Rose Water
Rose water is a popular ingredient in Middle Eastern cooking. Learn where to buy rose water and what to do if you cannot find it.
Halva
This recipe for halva comes from Iran. There are many variations, such as Jewish halva or Greek halva. It is a sweet pastry served with tea or coffee. Learn how to make authentic halva.
English Cucumbers or Regular?
Are English cucumbers worth the extra cost? Check out the differences between English cucumbers and regular cucumbers. Cucumbers are common in Middle Eastern cooking.
Basbousa - Semolina Cakes
Basbousa are small cakes that are covered with syrup. The are perfect with coffee or tea. This basbousa recipe is very easy.
Shawarma Sauces
Learn what types of sauces can be used on shawarma, a Middle Eastern fast food that is much like a gyro.
Ancient Egyptian Recipes
Learn what the ancient Egyptians ate and how to make the same foods at home! Many ancient Egyptian recipes are still served today!
Basmati Rice
Basmati rice is a type of rice that is very common in Middle Eastern cusine. Learn more about basmati rice here.
Spinach Hummus
Recipe for spinach hummus, a healthy variation of traditional Middle Eastern hummus.
Can You Freeze Hummus?
Learn whether hummus can be frozen in this FAQ about freezing the tasty dup made from chickpeas. Hummus is a tasty alternative to dips made from sour cream or mayonnaise.
Commonly Used Spices
A list of the most common spices and herbs used in Middle eastern Cooking and quick tips about each spice.
Sun Dried Tomato Hummus
Recipe for sun dried tomato hummus, a delicious variation of traditional Middle Eastern hummus.
Grilled Chicken Breast Recipe
This is a great recipe for grilled chicken breasts! If you are tired of bland chicken, try this recipe for your next BBQ.
Shopping Online
A few ingredients in Middle Eastern food may be hard to find for some, but there are Middle Eastern food stores online to shop from. This highlights the best online Middle Eastern food stores.
Top 10 Food iPhone Apps
Take your love of food on the go with these top 10 iphone apps for foodies.
5 Hummus Recipes for Kids
Try these great hummus recipes - perfect for your children!
Black Bean Hummus
Recipe for black bean hummus, a tasty alternative to traditional hummus.
Lavash
Recipe for lavash, a thin, soft flatbread popular in Turkey, Iran, and other Middle Eastern countries.
Beef Shish Kebab
Recipe for beef shish kebab with a marinade that will make the meat as tender as the vegetables! Learn how to make the best beef shish kebab with this recipe.
Cooking Oil Temperature
Quick and easy tips to tell if your cooking oil is hot enough to cook with.
Calories in Hummus
Hummus is a fantastic dip made from chickpeas. Learn how many calories are in traditional hummus with tahini.
Ghee - Clarified Butter
Ghee is an ingredient in many Middle Eastern dishes. It is also called clarified butter. Ghee can be quite expensive in the stores; making it in your own kitchen is easy and inexpensive.
Falafel Pita Sandwich
Recipe for a falafel stuffed pita sandwich with veggies.
Kofta - Ground Beef Kabobs
Recipe for kofta, a spiced ground beef kabob. Also known as kufta or kefta.
Grilled Prawns with Dip Sauce
Prawns are delicious when grilled. Try this great grilled prawn recipe with a tasty dip to accompany it.
White vs. Yellow Cheddar
A reader asks what the difference is between white cheddar and yellow cheddar cheese.
Pita Chips
These pita chips are perfect for dipping! Try them with dips like hummus and baba ghannouj, or with salads like tabouleh. Ot eat pita chips by themselves!
How to Devein Shrimp
Learn how to devein shrimp the simple and easy way! Here you will find a simple way to devein shrimp to prepare for delicious recipes.
Pita Bread Pizza
Learn how to make the most delicious pizza appetizers or snacks using pita bread!
Fava Beans 101
Learn more about the fava bean - a common Middle Eastern food ingredient. Fava beans are very popular in Egyptian cuisine.
How to Keep Garlic Fresh
Learn the proper way to store garlic and keep it fresh.
Lemon Garlic Hummus
Hummus gets some kick with lemon and garlic! The sweet, pungent flavor of lemon combined with garlic makes for a hummus you won't be able to tear yourself away from! Pair it with pita and you have a quick and easy appetizer or snack.
What are Scallions?
What are scallions? Many recipes call for scallions, but don't clarify what they are.
Lamb versus Mutton
Lamb and mutton are two meats that are commonly used in Middle Eastern cooking. Both are sheep, but what is the difference?
Spinach and Feta Hummus
Recipe for spinach and feta hummus, a variation of traditional Middle Eastern hummus.
Fun Ways to Eat PIta Bread
Pita bread is a staple in the Middle East and there are many ways to eat it. Explore the different ways to eat pita bread in this list.
Shashlik
Recipe for lamb shashlik, a type of kebab.
Grilled Vegetables
Learn how to master grilling vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, squash, and onions in this tempting Middle Eastern side dish recipe.
Dukkah - Spice Mixture
Dukkah is an Egyptian spice mixture used in Middle Eastern recipes. It has many uses, but is mainly used to dip bread that has been basted with olive oil.
Baba Ghannouj Recipe
Recipe for baba ghannouj, a Middle Eastern dip made from eggplant.
Hummus with Sesame Oil
Hummus with sesame oil is regular hummus without the use of tahini. Some people find tahini to have too much of a strong flavor. Sesame oil is the perfect substitute for hummus without tahini.
Lebanese Rice
Recipe for the lebanese style of preparing rice.
Hummus Nutritional Info
Set aside your normal chip dip, and try hummus! Hummus is a healthier alternative. Learn the health benefits of eating hummus!
Fattoush - Bread Salad
Fattoush is a salad made up of vegetables and pieces of toasted pita bread. The recipe can be changed according to taste. This fattoush recipe is a popular variation.
Parsley 101
One of the most versatile herbs used in Middle Eastern cooking is, without a doubt, parsley. It is commonly used as a garnish, but more popularly used as a spice. Learn more about this inexpensive and flavorful herb.
Peanut Butter Hummus
Peanut butter hummus is a kids' favorite. High in protein, peanut butter hummus is great for dipping veggies.
White Bean Hummus Recipe
This hummus recipe uses white beans instead of traditional chickpeas. Try this for a tasty alternative to chickpea based hummus.
Tarator Sauce
Learn how to make tarator sauce with this easy recipe.
What is Falafel?
What is falafel? Discover what falafel is and how to make it at home!
Kalamata Olive Hummus
Olives are the perfect ingredient to add to hummus. The flavors of this kalamata olive hummus recipe really compliment each other, making a delicious variation of traditional Middle Eastern hummus.
Umm Ali Recipe
Umm Ali, also called Om Ali, is an Egyptian version of bread pudding. Made with puff pastry and a few other key ingredients, this dessert is heavenly.
Labneh
Labneh is a soft cheese made from yogurt. It is commonly served in the Middle East. It is also known as laban.
Cilantro and Lemon Hummus
Cilantro - you either love it or hate it. But, if you love it, then this hummus recipe is for you! The
Avocado Hummus Recipe
Learn how to make avocado hummus in this easy recipe.
Lemon Couscous
Recipe for lemon couscous. This lemon couscous recipe calls for instant couscous, lemon zest, lemon juice, chicken broth and salt.
Hookah 101
Learn more about the hookah, a type of water pipe smoking that hails from the Middle East.
Best Boxed Falafel Mixes
There are many different types of falfel mixes on the market and some just aren't as good as others. Find out which past my test for the best trasting boxed falafel.
Tahini and Tahini Sauce
Want to know the difference between tahini and tahini sauce? This FAQ addresses the differences of tahini.
Hummus Sandwich
Check out this easy hummus sandwich recipe to learn how to make hummus sammies just like at your local hummus spot.
Easy Stuffed Grape Leaves
This recipe for stuffed grape leaves is easy and requires very few ingredients.
Hibiscus Tea
Hibiscus tea is a drink made from dried Hibiscus petals and has been consumed for thousands of years. It is easy to make and has many health benefits. You can serve this hot or cold. This is a longer version of how to make hibiscus tea. There are shorter versions, but this one really allows the drink to have a full flavor.
Moutabel - Spicy Eggplant Dip
Recipe for moutabel, a spicy Lebanese dip made from eggplant.
Hummus: Greek or Middle Eastern?
There has been a longtime debate as to whether hummus is from Greece or the Middle East. Learn more about the origins of hummus here.
What is a Shish Kebab
You may hear shish kabob quite frequently when learning about Middle Eastern cooking. Find out what it is here.
Falafel Salad
If you are a fan of falafel, you will love this salad. It has falafel and all of your favorite veggies. Don't forget the tahini and falafel hot sauce!
Salad-e Shirazi
Salad-e shirazi is a summertime favorite in Iran. Finely chopped tomatoes and cucumbers mixed with spices and lime juice make salad-e shirazi a hit.
Cacik Recipe
Cacik is a yogurt and cucumber dip/sauce. It can be eaten with kebabs or alone.
Onion Rings
You have seen onions rings in Middle Eastern cooking served with shawarma, doner kebabs, and other "fast
Ful Medames
Ful Medames is a common breakfast dish in Egypt. It is served with an egg and pita bread. It makes a very hearty breakfast! Ful Medames is a national dish of Egypt. This recipe is thousand of years old.
Appetizers with Hummus
8 of the best appetizers that contain hummus. These hummus appetizer recipes are super easy!
Falafel Hot Sauce
Recipe for falafel hot sauce. Falafel hot sauce can be drizzled into a falafel pita sandwich or used for dipping.
Toum Recipe
Toum is a traditional Lebanese dipping sauce that really packs a punch and goes perfect with everything from meat to bread. It contains only a handful of ingredients common to every kitchen and is quick and easy to make.
How to Steam Squash
Steamed squash makes a great side dish for any meal. Try it with chicken and other poultry dishes.
Eggplant Recipes
Eggplant is one of the most versatile vegetables and can be made a variety of ways. Check out great eggplant recipes, tips for cooking with eggplant, and tips for selection and storage.
Bread Bowls
You have seen them in your favorite restaurants - bowls made from bread and filled with piping hot stews and soups. Here you will find how to make your very own bread bowls - the easy way!
Grilled Carrots Recipe
Most people find that grilled carrots are quite delicious -- an expected flavor! This recipe is perfect for moms and dads on the go who want an easy side dish that is healthy.
Fish with Tahini
Fish with tahini is easy and perfect for the seafood lover! It is called samak bi tahini in Arabic and is a local favorite in many Middle Eastern regions.
Muhammara - Spicy Pepper Dip
Muhammara is a spicy appetizer dip that is served with pita or veggies for dipping. This recipe for muhammara is a classic and you really can't go wrong with it.
Jalapeno Hummus
For some hummus with some kick, try jalapeno hummus! Whip up a bowl and serve with pita chips and you've got the perfect snack for your next party or get-together!
Garlic Fried Eggs Recipe
Fried eggs are just as popular on the Middle Eastern breakfast menu as they are in the United States. Learn this easy garlic fried egg recipe to make a delicious, international version of fried eggs.
Do you have to soak rice?
Answer to an age old question about washing and soaking rice before cooking.
Chicken Tagine
You will never experience a flavor better than a tagine. This chicken tagine recipe is perfect for beginners!
Chelo Kebab Recipe
Chelo kebabs are the national dish of Iran. These kebabs are made with different types of meat. In this chelo kebab recipe, ground beef or lamb can be used.
How to Keep Lamb Fresh
Proper storage is a necessity when handling any type of meat, including lamb. Learn how long lamb keeps in the refrigerator and freezer and to minimize bacteria growth.
Steep
Steeping is a commonly used cooking term. What does steeping mean?
Tuna Salad with Tahini
Tired of the same old tuna salad? Check out this Middle Eastern version for a little variety and great taste! Tuna salad with tahini makes an excellent, healthy lunch.
What is a Lamb Shank?
Learn what a lamb shank is and how it is used in cooking.
Arak: Popular Alcoholic Drink
Arak is an alcoholic beverage made in several Middle Eastern countries. Learn more about this unique drink!
Grilled Eggplant
Recipe for grilled eggplant. Grilled eggplant is an excellent side dish to any meal!
Feta Burger with Tahini Sauce
A feta burger is a Middle Eastern/Mediterranean alternative to the American cheeseburger. Imagine a thick beef patty, topped with crumbled feta with tahini sauce. Try this with french fries or onion rings.
Sfouf - Almond Cake
Sfouf is a sweet almond cake from Lebanon. This sfouf recipe is easy and delicious!
Growing Your Own Herbs
Middle Eastern food contains many herbs that can easily be grown at home. Here you will find easy tips for growing your own herbs to be used in the kitchen.
Easy Roast Leg of Lamb
This really simple roast leg of lamb recipe is perfect for those who have never cooked a leg of lamb. You don't need many ingredients, but the taste is amazing!
Spicy Lamb Kabob
If you are looking for a kebab with a kick, this is it! Lamb is marinated in a spicy blend of herbs, creating a flavorful lamb kabob.
Pistachio Baklava Recipe
Try this nutty variation of a traditional classic Middle Eastern dessert. Baklava is made with layered phyllo dough, a crisp flaky dough.
Alcohol Substitutes
Listing of alcohol substitutions for cooking. This is very helpful for Muslims who are forbidden to consume alcohol, even in cooking.
Different Ways to use Hummus
A reader asks if there are different ways to use hummus other than as a dip.
Terms and Tips for Beginners
So, you have learned how to boil water and make white rice? Here are some essential terms to take you to the next level! A listing of basic cooking terms for beginners including chopping, slicing, dicing, julienne and more!
Broccoli with Tahini
Fresh broccoli served with a tahini sauce makes an excellent appetizer! It is perfect for vegetarians as it does not contain meat!
Tomato Basil Hummus
Tomato basil hummus is a bold, exciting flavor of hummus that has a Mediterranean influence. Perfect with piping hot pita!
How to Make Lemon Tea
Hot lemon tea is a cinch with this Middle Eastern style recipe for lemon tea.

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