Popular Arabic Cuisine – Authentic Flavors from the Middle East

 

 

Arabic cuisine is known for its rich flavors, fresh ingredients, and healthy cooking methods that have been passed down through generations. From creamy dips and refreshing salads to crispy street foods and flavorful vegetable dishes, Arabic food brings together simple ingredients with aromatic spices to create unforgettable meals.

These dishes are widely loved across the Middle East and Mediterranean regions. They are perfect for family gatherings, appetizers, side dishes, or light meals. Below you will find traditional and easy recipes for some of the most popular Arabic dishes including Tabbouleh, Hummus, Baba Ghanoush, Fattoush, Moutabal, Labneh, Falafel, Pickled Turnips, and Batata Harra.

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🥗 Tabbouleh Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 cups finely chopped parsley
• ½ cup chopped mint
• 2 tomatoes (finely diced)
• ¼ cup fine bulgur wheat
• 3 green onions (chopped)
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Soak bulgur in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain.
2. Combine parsley, mint, tomatoes, and green onions.
3. Add bulgur, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt.
4. Mix well and chill before serving.

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🥣 Classic Hummus

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chickpeas
• 3 tbsp tahini
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves
• Salt to taste
• Water (if needed for texture)

Instructions:

1. Blend chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and salt.
2. Slowly add olive oil and blend until creamy.
3. Add small amounts of water if needed.
4. Serve with olive oil drizzle.

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🍆 Baba Ghanoush

Ingredients:

• 2 roasted eggplants
• 2 tbsp tahini
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 garlic clove
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Roast eggplants until soft.
2. Scoop out flesh and mash or blend.
3. Mix with tahini, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and salt.
4. Garnish with olive oil before serving.

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🥗 Fattoush Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 cucumber (sliced)
• 2 tomatoes (chopped)
• 3 radishes (sliced)
• 1 cup chopped parsley
• 1 toasted pita bread (broken into pieces)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine vegetables in a bowl.
2. Add toasted pita pieces.
3. Mix with lemon juice, olive oil, and salt.
4. Toss gently and serve fresh.

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🍆 Moutabal

Ingredients:

• 2 roasted eggplants
• 2 tbsp tahini
• 2 tbsp yogurt
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 garlic clove
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Mash roasted eggplant flesh.
2. Mix with tahini, yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and salt.
3. Serve chilled with olive oil drizzle.

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🧀 Labneh

Ingredients:

• 2 cups plain yogurt
• ½ tsp salt
• Olive oil and za’atar for topping

Instructions:

1. Mix yogurt with salt.
2. Place in cheesecloth and strain overnight.
3. Transfer to serving bowl.
4. Drizzle olive oil and sprinkle za’atar.

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🧆 Falafel

Ingredients:

• 2 cups soaked chickpeas
• 1 small onion
• 3 garlic cloves
• ½ cup parsley
• ½ cup cilantro
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp coriander
• Salt and pepper
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Blend chickpeas, onion, garlic, herbs, and spices.
2. Shape mixture into small balls.
3. Deep fry until golden brown.
4. Serve with pita bread and tahini sauce.

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🌸 Pickled Turnips

Ingredients:

• 2 cups sliced turnips
• ½ beet (for color)
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1 tbsp salt

Instructions:

1. Place turnips and beet slices in a jar.
2. Mix water, vinegar, and salt.
3. Pour mixture over vegetables.
4. Refrigerate for 3–5 days before eating.

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🥔 Batata Harra (Spicy Potatoes)

Ingredients:

• 3 cups diced potatoes
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 chili pepper (chopped)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of ½ lemon
• 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Fry or roast potatoes until crispy.
2. Heat olive oil and sauté garlic and chili.
3. Add potatoes and mix well.
4. Stir in lemon juice, cilantro, and salt.
5. Serve warm.

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⭐ Serving Tips:

• Serve these dishes with fresh pita bread.
• Perfect as appetizers or mezze platters.
• Most dips taste better after chilling for 1 hour.

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