The Essential Middle East

Middle Eastern Mezze

Situated at the convergence of three continents, the Middle East has an exuberant and eclectic food culture. Spiced with cinnamon, cardamom, mace and more, food from the region plays on spicy, sweet, rich and fragrant, and every direction in between. From classic hummus to tart eggplant-and-herb pickles, these 36 recipes for Middle Eastern small plates make the perfect opening to any meal, and demonstrate the great variety that this cuisine has to offer.

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Ramadan Recipes

Classic Iranian Recipes

The Persian Pantry

Authentic Recipes

APPETIZERS Borani-e Bademjan (Eggplant and Yogurt Dip) Kibbeh (Lamb and Bulgur Wheat Croquettes) Fried Artichoke Hearts with Taratur Sauce Persian Potato Pancakes (Kookoo) Hummus	SOUPS AND STEWS Ghormeh Sabzi (Veal and Kidney Bean Stew) Matzo Ball Soup Khoresht-e Fesenjan (Chicken and Walnut Stew) Tharid (Emirati Lamb Stew) H'riss (Spiced Chicken and Wheat Porridge)	KEBABS Jujeh Kabab (Spiced Chicken and Tomato Kebabs) Lamb Shish Kebab Kafta (Lebanese Beef Kebabs) Spiced Lamb Kebabs Persian Ground Meat and Onion Kebabs
SIDES Torshi-e Piaz (Red Onion and Herb Pickles) Braised Artichokes and Fava Beans Shirin Polow (Iranian Rice Pilaf) Turnips with Yogurt and Tomatoes Salata Adas (Garlicky Lentil Salad)	DESSERTS Lgeimat (Saffron Flavored Fritters) Tah Chin (Baked Rice with Barberries) Baklava Rose Water Pudding Pomegranate With Nuts and Orange Flower Syrup (Khosaf al-Rumman)	SANDWICHES Man'oushé (Herbed Vegetable Flatbread Sandwich) Sweetbread Pita Israeli Schnitzel Sandwich Falafel with Tahini Eggplant and Cucumber Salad Sandwich