These 15 Syrian Recipes Are Treasures Of Middle Eastern Cooking (2024)

Middle Eastern Kibbeh

These traditional patties are made with ground lamb, cooked bulgur wheat, chopped mint, and onions. "Kibbeh is a wonderful dish from the Middle East traditionally made with lamb meat but beef is acceptable, too," says Ron Shepherd. "I prefer it made into patties and fried in olive oil. However, it is most often found in restaurants in baked form. Serve kibbeh with tahini, a sesame seed paste."

A Vegetable Stew - Tabakh Rohoo

"This is a Syrian lamb and vegetable stew made in layers and served with steamed rice or bulgur," says ALMALOU. "The addition of ghee or semneh at the end of the cooking is a traditional Damascene style of cooking; however, these days these dishes are made without the extra fat."

Grape Leaves Aleppo

This simple Syrian recipe was handed down through the generations. Grape leaves are stuffed with seasoned ground lamb, sliced garlic, and rice. "The best way to prepare delicious grape leaves, or yeb'r't in Arabic, as handed down by my grandmother from Aleppo, Syria as brought to the US in 1912," says Robert Shagawat.

Muhammara (Roasted Pepper & Walnut Spread)

Enjoy this roasted red pepper and walnut spread garnished with chopped toasted walnuts, a drizzle of olive oil, Aleppo pepper flakes, and chopped parsley. "This roasted red pepper and walnut spread is quite popular in the Middle East and you'll understand why when you make it and discover you can't stop eating it," says Chef John.

Syrian Bread

For all your Syrian dip, falafel, and stew-soaking needs! "A versatile Middle Eastern style flat bread that you can serve with lunch or dinner," says Sue Litster, who submitted the recipe.

Falafel Pita Sandwich with Tahini Sauce

These deep-fried patties are a common street food in Syria. Enjoy them in a pita sandwich or served as an appetizer with hummus for dipping. "Falafel has such a prominent taste, but the tahini and freshness of the vegetables really complement it nicely," says cpchef.

Baharat Chicken and Rice

Baharat is a popular spice mix in the Syrian kitchen. This recipe includes a recipe for the spice mix, which calls for sumac powder, cardamom pods, and ground loomi (dried lime), among other spices. Here is another recipe for Baharat if you prefer a simplified spice list. You can also find pre-made blends in well-stocked grocery stores. "This chicken and rice had a wonderful complex flavor," says thedude, who rates it 5 stars. "I did not have any loomi, so subbed kefir lime leaf and I doubled the liquid to 2 cups. It tasted like I was at a Middle-Eastern restaurant."

Fasoliyyeh Bi Z-Zayt (Syrian Green Beans with Olive Oil)

"I learned how to make this while visiting my husband's family in Syria," says Tasneem. "It can be a healthy, fast, easy vegetarian/vegan main dish for lunch or dinner that is surprisingly filling when eaten with pita bread, or it can be a flavorful side dish."

Authentic Kicked-Up Syrian Hummus

This family recipe for Syrian hummus is kicked-up with roasted garlic, which gives it subtle sweetness. "This hummus recipe was handed down to me by my Syrian grandmother," says Mary. "I took it and tweaked it just a touch, adding roasted garlic, making it my most-requested recipe. I finally made it for my grandma a few months ago and she said it was incredible. That was my Oscar moment :) Even people who don't like hummus love this recipe."

Syrian Spaghetti

What makes this baked spaghetti different from most is a hint of cinnamon. "This is a great Syrian recipe that I have enjoyed since I was a child," says Mike, who submitted the recipe. "It is easy and quite different from other baked spaghetti dishes. Some say that it is an acquired taste, but everyone that I have served it to enjoys it."

Chef John's Baba Ghanoush

Grilled eggplants are mashed into a classic creamy spread or dip with crushed garlic, tahini, Greek yogurt, and lemon juice. Serve with Syrian flatbread. "This is a wonderfully savory yet refreshing vegetable dip," says Chef John.

Syrian Rice with Meat

In this Syrian dish, ground beef and rice are seasoned with allspice, cinnamon, and black pepper, and combined with pine nuts. It's also delicious with ground lamb. Hatte Blejer rates it 5 stars, and says: "This is delicious and very easy to make. I garnished it with slivered almonds and currants the first time I made it. Tonight I'm using 1/2 ground lamb and 1/2 ground beef and adding the pinenuts."

Traditional Muhammara (Syrian Hot Pepper Dip)

"This is a traditional hot pepper dip/spread from Aleppo, Syria," says James, the recipe submitter. "It is quite popular in eastern Mediterranean dishes. This is very traditional and authentic, and I am sure you will enjoy! Serve with traditional Turkish pide (or your favorite flat bread) or spread on crackers."

Date Brownies

"This was the recipe for date and walnut pie that my great grandmother from Syria used to make," says Mrs.Humphreed. "I call them 'Date Brownies' because I cut them in squares.'"

Upside Down (Maqluba)

Maqluba translates as "upside down." It's a layered dish, with seasoned lamb and eggplant on the bottom, then zucchini, broccoli, and cauliflower, all topped with rice. "When the meal has finished cooking, you take the pot and flip it upside down onto a large serving platter, and everybody helps themselves," says JustCallMeD, the recipe submitter. "This perfect meal features all four food groups." Enjoy it with yogurt on the side.

• Check out our collection of Middle Eastern Recipes.

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