10+ Arabic Recipes: Discover Delicious Dishes to Try Today

Arabic cuisine offers a rich variety of flavors and vibrant dishes that reflect the culture and traditions of the region. Exploring these recipes can introduce you to new tastes and cooking techniques that will enhance your meals and impress your family and friends.

From aromatic spices to fresh ingredients, Arabic food is both satisfying and enjoyable to prepare.

You will find that Arabic dishes often emphasize healthy options, combining grains, vegetables, and proteins in creative ways.

Engaging with these recipes allows you to discover the joy of cooking while enjoying a taste of the Middle East right in your kitchen.

1) Shakshuka

Shakshuka is a delicious dish made with poached eggs nestled in a spicy tomato and pepper sauce. It’s perfect for any meal of the day. You’ll love the combination of flavors from onions, garlic, and warm spices.

To make shakshuka, start by sautéing onions and garlic in olive oil. Then, add chopped tomatoes and bell peppers. Let it simmer until everything is soft.

Finally, crack your eggs directly into the sauce and let them cook until the whites are set.

It’s often served with crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy this comforting dish with friends or family.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 4 tomatoes, chopped (or a can of crushed tomatoes)
• 4 eggs
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until soft.
3. Stir in the bell pepper and cook for a few minutes.
4. Add tomatoes, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Make small wells in the sauce and crack an egg into each.
6. Cover and cook until eggs are set, about 5-7 minutes. Serve warm.

2) Authentic Falafels

Falafels are a popular Middle Eastern dish made from ground chickpeas or fava beans. They are usually shaped into balls or patties and deep-fried until crispy.

To make authentic falafels, you need fresh herbs and the right spices. This adds a burst of flavor that makes them delicious. They are also nutritious and vegan-friendly.

You can serve falafels in pita bread with fresh vegetables and tahini sauce. They can be eaten as a snack or as a main dish.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried chickpeas
• 1 cup dried fava beans (no skin)
• 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 small onion
• Fresh herbs (parsley and cilantro)
• Spices (cumin and coriander)

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak the chickpeas and fava beans overnight in water.
2. Drain and rinse the beans.
3. Blend the beans, garlic, onion, and herbs until coarse.
4. Add baking soda and spices, mixing well.
5. Shape into balls or patties.
6. Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
7. Fry falafels until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.

3) Chicken Shawarma

Chicken shawarma is a delicious Middle Eastern dish that’s full of flavor. It’s marinated in a mix of spices that give it a zesty and aromatic taste. You can grill it, roast it, or even cook it on the stove.

For a tasty meal, serve it in a pita with fresh vegetables and sauces. This dish is not only satisfying but also great for family dinners.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs (680 g) boneless chicken thighs
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken and coat it well. Marinate for at least 1 hour.
3. Preheat your grill or oven to 400°F (200°C).
4. Grill or roast the chicken until cooked through, about 20-25 minutes.
5. Slice and serve in pita with toppings of your choice.

4) Lemony Lebanese Tabouli

Lemony Lebanese Tabouli is a fresh and healthy salad that bursts with flavor. This dish features parsley, mint, tomatoes, and bulgur wheat, all dressed with zesty lemon juice. It’s perfect as a light appetizer or a side dish.

To make it, you’ll chop vegetables finely to enhance the flavors. The balance of herbs and citrus makes it refreshing. This tabouli pairs well with grilled meats or served as part of a mezze platter.

Ingredients

• 1 cup bulgur wheat
• 2 cups chopped parsley
• 1/2 cup chopped mint
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup diced onions
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Juice of 2 lemons
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse bulgur wheat in cold water and soak for 30 minutes.
2. Squeeze out excess water and place it in a mixing bowl.
3. Add parsley, mint, tomatoes, and onions.
4. Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over the mixture.
5. Season with salt and toss everything together.
6. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

5) Kabsa – Arabic Chicken and Rice

Kabsa is a popular dish in Arabic cuisine, known for its flavorful rice and tender chicken. This meal features fragrant basmati rice, cooked with a mix of warm spices. The chicken is often seasoned and grilled, adding a delicious touch.

You can find many variations of Kabsa, depending on the region. Some recipes use tomatoes and vegetables for extra taste. Enjoy it with a side of salad or yogurt for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 2 cups basmati rice
• 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
• 4 tablespoons Kabsa spice mix
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the basmati rice and soak it for 30 minutes.
2. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
3. Add onions and sauté until golden.
4. Add chicken pieces and cook until browned.
5. Stir in tomatoes and Kabsa spice mix.
6. Add chicken broth and bring to a boil.
7. Stir in soaked rice and season with salt.
8. Cover and simmer on low for 20 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
9. Fluff rice with a fork and serve hot.

6) Tzatziki Sauce

Tzatziki sauce is a refreshing dip that is popular in many Mediterranean dishes. It combines yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and herbs to create a creamy texture and vibrant flavor.

To make tzatziki, start by grating a cucumber and draining any excess water. Mix this with plain yogurt, minced garlic, and a bit of olive oil. You can add fresh dill or mint for extra flavor.

This sauce is perfect for serving with grilled meats or as a dip for pita bread.

Ingredients

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 medium cucumber
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill or mint (optional)
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Grate the cucumber and squeeze out excess water.
2. In a bowl, combine yogurt, cucumber, garlic, olive oil, and herbs.
3. Mix well and season with salt.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

7) Baba Ganoush

Baba Ganoush is a delicious Middle Eastern dip made from roasted eggplant. It has a smoky flavor and a creamy texture, making it a great choice for snacks or parties.

To make Baba Ganoush, you will need just a few simple ingredients. You can enjoy it with pita bread or fresh vegetables. It’s a healthy and flavorful option for everyone.

Ingredients

• 2 medium eggplants
• ¼ cup tahini
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Paprika for garnish (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Slice the eggplants in half and score the flesh.
3. Place them cut-side down on a baking sheet.
4. Roast for about 30-40 minutes or until soft.
5. Scoop out the flesh into a bowl.
6. Add tahini, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and olive oil.
7. Blend until smooth and creamy.
8. Garnish with paprika if desired. Enjoy!

8) Kofta Kebabs

Kofta kebabs are a tasty dish made from ground meat. You can use beef, lamb, or a mix of both. They are often flavored with herbs and spices like garlic, parsley, and cumin.

To make your kofta kebabs, you’ll shape the meat mixture onto skewers. These are then grilled for a delicious smoky flavor. Serve them with pita bread and a yogurt sauce for a great meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef or lamb
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Skewers

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix the ground meat, onion, garlic, parsley, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Shape the mixture onto skewers.
3. Preheat the grill to 400°F (200°C).
4. Grill the kebabs for about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally. Enjoy!

9) Hummus

Hummus is a popular Middle Eastern dip made from chickpeas, tahini, and lemon juice. It’s creamy, delicious, and perfect for dipping veggies or pita bread. You can easily make it at home with a few simple ingredients.

To start, soak dried chickpeas overnight. Cook them until soft, then blend with tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. Adjust the flavors to your liking.

Serve it chilled with a drizzle of olive oil on top. Fresh herbs can add extra flavor. Hummus is not just tasty; it’s also healthy and packed with protein.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried chickpeas
• ½ cup tahini
• 2 large lemons (about ½ cup juice)
• 1-2 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup olive oil
• Water as needed

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak chickpeas in water overnight.
2. Drain and rinse the chickpeas.
3. Boil them in water until soft. This takes about 1-2 hours.
4. Drain and let cool.
5. Blend soaked chickpeas with tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and salt.
6. Add olive oil and water until smooth.
7. Adjust flavors and serve with drizzled olive oil.

10) Grilled Artichokes

Grilled artichokes make a tasty and healthy dish. They’re great as a side or a snack. With a bit of seasoning and grilling, you can enjoy their unique flavor.

Start by preparing the artichokes. Cut them in half and remove the fuzzy center. You can soak them in lemon water to keep them from browning.

Next, create a marinade with olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice. Brush this mixture over the artichokes.

Grill them over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C) for 20-30 minutes. You want them tender and slightly charred.

Serve with a dipping sauce like garlic aioli for extra flavor!

Ingredients

• 4 large artichokes
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the grill to medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
2. Cut each artichoke in half and remove the fuzzy center.
3. Soak in lemon water to prevent browning.
4. In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
5. Brush the mixture onto the artichokes.
6. Grill for 20-30 minutes until tender.
7. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.