Top 10 Middle Eastern Recipes for Beginners

By Saad Fayed

We all have to crawl before we walk - it is the same principle in cooking. These recipes are basic,
yet delicious, and will give you an introduction to cooking Middle Eastern food. The trick is to have fun, experiment and don't be hard on yourself if you don't get it right the first time around. Even the best chefs have a bad cooking day here and there.

1. Shish Taouk - Chicken Kebobs

Chicken kebobs are nearly foolproof. Buy the chicken already chopped at the meat department
of your supermarket to save time or ask the butcher to do it. If you add vegetables, it takes very little effort. Put it all on a skewer, grill it or broil and you have some tasty chicken kebobs!

2. Falafel

Falafel in Pita Bread

Don't let your favorite falafel stop fool you - it really is easy to make. With this recipe, it will
come out even better! Throw it in a pita with some lettuce, onions and tahini and call it lunch!

Bake it in the oven or grill it in the summer, kofta is such a great alternative to burgers or hot
dogs.

3. Kofta

Kofta being grilled at a barbecue. ©Paul Covan

4. Hummus

Hummus ingredients

This super-easy Middle Eastern favorite is the perfect snack or appetizer. Serve with some
toasted pita wedges and enjoy!

5. Ghoraibi- Butter Cookies

These cookies are so good and very easy to make. The dough freezes well too for making more later.

6. Pita Bread

Pita Bread © Israel Talby

You can make your own pita! It may take a little while to let the dough rise, but once you get
the basics done, making your own pita bread is as easy as pie (a lot easier, actually)!

7. Turkish Coffee

Turkish coffee is perfect when you want coffee, but not the usual blend. Although it's not
prepared with a standard coffeemaker, this type of coffee will delight your tastebuds!

8. Lebanese Rice

The way lebanese rice is prepared is very unique. It is very similar to a Western packaged rice
dish "Rice-a-Roni", but without the spices.

9. Fried Lamb Burgers

These are just like hamburgers, but with a kick. Lamb is very easy to cook with and I really like
the flavor of these burgers. The spices really bring out the best in the meat and vice versa.

10. Fasulia - Green Bean and Beef Stew

Fasulia really hits the spot on cold, winter days. The spices used really complement the green
beans and meat used. You can use stew beef or lamb in this recipe, either one is good. I prefer using beef because it makes it easier and less time consuming if you buy it already chopped in
the supermarket.

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