23 Middle Eastern Vegetarian Dishes Recipes You Need to Try

As a vegetarian, I constantly try to find new dishes to try, and nothing is better than trying international food. Trying dishes from unfamiliar cultures can be mind-expanding, it helped me not just to impress those who are around my table, but also to have a better understanding of people, their practices, and beliefs. Food can represent human culture and identity after all.

Middle eastern culture has always fascinated me, and since I can’t experience their unique culture, it came to me to try making their food, and OH BOY WHAT A SURPRISE!! I was astonished by the mix of flavors I ate.

And so, I decided to make this list to share my experience with you. So, if you are like me and you like trying different cuisines, then this list is for you. From hearty stews to light salads, this collection of 24 Middle Eastern Vegetarian Dinner Recipes has something for everyone. These recipes are sure to please whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just looking for new dinner ideas.

Vegan Seitan Shawarma Recipe

Traditional shawarma has chicken or lamb that has been slowly cooked on a rotisserie, so I was pretty surprised to find this recipe as a vegetarian alternative.

This recipe tastes good and is easy to make. Instead of the meat, you can use soft roasted mushrooms that have a little bit of a burnt taste. The result is a dish that is tasty and filling, perfect for a Meatless Monday.

You can serve the mushroom shawarma on a bed of couscous or rice and top it with chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, and tahini sauce. Enjoy!

Ingredients

• 1½ tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, tamari, or Bragg’s liquid aminos
• 1/4 cup chickpea flour
• 1½ cup vital wheat gluten flour
• 1/3 cup dietary yeast
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons shawarma seasoning
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoon cumin powder

Get the recipe here.

LEARN MORE: 12+ Healthy Side Dishes for Dinner (Vegan and Non-vegan Options)

Vegan Mushroom Shawarma Recipe

Vegan mushroom shawarma is a great plant-based option. It’s made with flavorful portobello mushrooms.

To prepare the mushrooms, they need to be marinated with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder, then they’re roasted until tender and charred. You can serve the mushrooms with tahini sauce, fresh herbs, and pickled vegetables.

This dish can be eaten as-is or with additional toppings. It will please vegetarians, vegans, and those looking for a healthy meal. Enjoy!

Ingredients

• 6 sliced portobello caps
• 4 smashed garlic cloves
• 1/2 c ACV
• olive oil
• Arabic Spices
• salt 1 tsp
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
• black pepper
• smashed 1/4 tsp mastic (optional)

Get the recipe here.

LEARN MORE: 15+ Vegan Dinner Recipes in 5 Minutes

Roast Carrots With Sesame Seeds, Feta, and Yogurt Recipe

The recipe for Roasted Carrots With Sesame Seeds, Feta, and Yogurt is the ideal accompaniment for a meal enjoyed during the springtime. This dish, which features sweet carrots, savory feta, and rich yogurt, is certain to win over the approval of each and every guest at the dinner table.

The roasted carrots are going to be the most important part of this recipe. Before you put them in the oven, make sure to coat them in a generous amount of olive oil. Then, roast them for a few minutes, or until they are tender and have developed a light brown color.

Before serving, simply sprinkle some feta cheese, sesame seeds, and yogurt over the top. This simple recipe has all the makings to become a new staple in your household.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp each white and black sesame seeds and coriander
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 tsp flakes
• 1/2 tsp sumac 400-500g carrots

Get the recipe here.

LEARN MORE: Homemade Coconut Yogurt recipe {vegan, Raw, Paleo}

Traditional Creamy Hummus Recipe

Traditional creamy hummus is a great dip. It’s made of chickpeas, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice.

You can either use freshly cooked chickpeas or canned ones. After combining all the needed ingredients, refrigerate the hummus for at least an hour to blend the flavors. Dip pita bread or fresh vegetables in it. Enjoy!

Ingredients

• 2 15-oz cans drained, liquid reserved
• 3/4-cup (or more) Chickpea liquid
• 1/3 tahini
• 3 tbsp olive oil/serving
• 1/3 cup lemonade
• lemon zest (packed)
• 1 peeled onion
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Get the recipe here.

Veggie Moussaka Recipe

Moussaka is a traditional middle eastern dish made with meat and eggplant in a creamy sauce. This vegetarian dish substitutes mushrooms, zucchini, and tomatoes for meat. The resulting meal will please even the most skeptical eaters.

You’ll first need to sauté the vegetables in olive oil. Second, you’ll layer the vegetables with lasagne noodles, cottage cheese, eggs, and Parmesan. And at last, you’ll need to bake moussaka for 30 minutes with tomato sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 peeled, 1″-thick-sliced eggplant
• 2-inch-thick zucchini slices
• 2 peeled, 1-inch-thick potatoes
• Olive oil 2 tbsp
• to taste with salt and pepper

Get the recipe here.

Middle Eastern Roasted Vegetable Rice Recipe

I love dishes that have rice and this roasted vegetable rice from the middle east didn’t disappoint me. It’s a flavorful and nutritious dish that can be served at any time. The vegetables are roasted in the oven to bring out their natural sweetness and then cooked with rice and spices to create a fragrant and tasty meal.

Be careful when trying this dish, because once you do, you can not get enough.

Ingredients

• 2 cups rice
• 16 oz cubed eggplant
• 2 carrots, diced
• Cooked or canned chickpeas, drained
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 turmeric
• cumin
• pepper 1/8 tsp
• Cayenne pepper

Get the recipe here.

LEARN MORE: 22 Delicious High Protein Weight Loss Vegetable Salad Recipes (Healthy & Tasty)

Middle Eastern Veggie Bowl Recipe

For a combination of vegetables, you have to try this veggie bowl recipe, it’s delicious and healthy. The bowl has fresh vegetables, herbs, spices, and a creamy tahini dressing.

You can easily customize this dish; you just chop the vegetables you love and have in your kitchen to make this light meal. Tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and peppers are my personal favorites, and for the little extra flavor, I add parsley or mint.

For the dressing use tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, and garlic. At the end season and pour the dressing over my veggie bowl.

Ingredients

• 1 bunch of trimmed dutch carrots
• 1 cup ends-trimmed brussels sprouts
• 1/4 cup bite-sized cauliflower
• honey, 1/2 tbs
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Can chickpeas
• 3 walnuts
• 1 teaspoon ras el hanout
• 1/3 cup soaked mung beans
• 2 sultanas
• 2 green olives

Get the recipe here.

Best Tabbouleh Recipe

My favorite salad dish of all time. It can elevate any table and I prefer it the most as a side dish next to cooked rice.

This Levantine tabbouleh salad is a gluten-free salad that is made with bulgur (which can be replaced with quinoa), tomatoes, cucumbers, mint, parsley, and onion. After mincing the vegetable, add the cooked bulgur and the dressing. The dressing is a mix of Lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

You can serve this salad at cold, or room temperature and you can also keep it in the fridge for three days.

Ingredients

• half-cup bulgur
• 1 cup cucumber (1 small-to-medium)
• 1 cup tomato* (1 large)
• 1 tsp fine sea salt
• 3 bunches parsley
• 2/3 cup Mint
• 1/3 cup green onion
• 1/3 cup olive oil

Get the recipe here.

Warm Quinoa Salad With Broad Beans and Pomegranate Recipe

Warm quinoa salad With broad beans and pomegranate is a delicious and healthy dish that has protein and minerals. It can be a great lunch or side dish.

This salad can be served at room temperature or chilled and can last up to three days in the fridge.

Ingredients

• 125g quinoa
• 200 grams of broad beans, frozen
• 1 pomegranate
• 4 scallions, chopped, spring onions
• 1 tbsp mirin
• 2 milligrams of finely chopped fresh mint

Get the recipe here.

Chickpea Shawarma Sandwich Recipe

Another version of the classic shawarma sandwich uses crispy chickpeas marinated in spices.

Cooked chickpeas are combined with tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions, then topped with yogurt sauce. This sandwich is a delicious anytime meal. Plus, you can customize it. Try it! You may be pleasantly surprised.

Ingredients

• 1 can chickpeas (rinsed, drained, and patted dry)
• 1 tbsp avocado or grape seed oil
• 1 tsp cumin, garlic
• 1/2 tsp salt and pepper
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp coriander, cinnamon

Get the recipe here.

Lentil Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

Lentils are delicious, cheap, and nutritious which makes them the perfect companion for any vegetarian.

This Lentil Shepherd’s Pie is a hearty and delicious way to enjoy classic comfort food. With a hearty base of lentils and vegetables, this dish is bursting with freshness and flavor.

You can make this dish ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to eat, which is the best part. My family and I can’t wait to try this recipe out.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive/avocado oil
• 1 diced yellow onion
• 1 peeled, diced carrot
• diced celery stalks
• 1 tsp garlic powder or 1-2 minced cloves
• 1 teaspoon za’atar (or thyme)
• Cumin
• cup rinsed green lentils
• 1/3-cup tomato paste

Get the recipe here.

LEARN MORE: 26 Breakfast Recipes With Bread | Yummy

Quick Stuffed Romano Peppers Recipe

Don’t be fooled by the red color of this pepper. Romano peppers taste very similar to bell peppers. I like to use it with soup, salads, and stir-fries.

Trying this recipe was a game changer for me and my friends. It’s easy and quick. The preparation time for this dish is under 30 minutes, making it ideal for my busy weeknights. It’s also cost-effective because it only requires a few simple ingredients to make.

You fill the peppers with a mixture of mozzarella, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning before baking them. Make sure the cheese is melted before baking them. If you’d like, you can accompany this dish with some marinara sauce or garlic bread.

Ingredients

• 6 red Romano peppers with stems
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon balsamic
• 1 bunch oregano, leaves picked, stems reserved, plus serving leaves
• 500g rice (we used 90-second microwave rice)
• 1/2 cup (75g) pitted kalamata olives, chopped; serve extra
• Lemon zest, grated

Get the recipe here.

Middle Eastern Vegetarian Pita Sandwich Recipe

This Middle Eastern vegetarian pita sandwich recipe is a nutritious and flavorful lunch choice. To make a filling sandwich, we use pita bread, roasted vegetables, hummus, and tzatziki sauce. As long as you use a plant-based yogurt alternative, you can easily make this dish vegan.

Use gluten-free pita bread or wraps for the sandwiches. This recipe’s versatility allows you to use your favorite fillings in a variety of ways. You can eat these sandwiches for lunch or dinner, and they’ll be a big hit!

Ingredients

• 1 pint of Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons finely diced cucumber
• 1/2 teaspoon finely grated red onion
• 1 tablespoon freshly chopped mint
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh chopped dill
• 3/4 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice, from 1/2 lemon
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt, to taste

Get the recipe here.

Muhammara – Middle Eastern Roasted Red Pepper and Walnut Dip Recipe

I enjoy spicy food, and Mihammara delivers what I like just right. It’s an easy way to add flavor to your next meal and a delicious bread and cracker dip and sandwich spread, that is best served with grilled vegetables.

It contains roasted red peppers, walnuts, breadcrumbs, chili peppers, and lemon juice which balances the sweetness of the roasted peppers.

Ingredients

• 2 peppers
• 1/2 cup nuts
• 2 tbsp breadcrumbs
• 3-4 garlic cloves taste
• pomegranate molasses, 2 tablespoons
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice, taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1-2 teaspoons chili flakes
• 1/2 t cumin
• Salt to taste

Get the recipe here.

Batata Harra: Middle Eastern Skillet Potatoes Recipe

Batata Harra literally means spicy potatoes and from its name, it’s a potato skillet that is spicy and full of flavor. I love eating rice, couscous, and bread.

It’s simple and easy to make, you just need to boil the potatoes until they’re tender, then sautéed them with garlic, cumin, chili peppers, and cilantro. And the results will astonish everyone at your table.

Ingredients

• 6 peeled medium-gold potatoes
• Water
• 3 tablespoons Private Reserve olive oil
• minced garlic
• 2 tsp coriander seeds or 1 tsp ground
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper, save more
• 2 tsp turmeric
• 1 lime, 1 cup cilantro juice
• 1 cup parsley, chopped
• dill (1 cup)

Get the recipe here.

Lebanese Falafel Recipe

I’ve never been to Lebanon, but I’ve always heard how amazing their food was, so naturally, I got very excited when I learned the right way to make Lebanese falafel.

Falafel is mostly eaten at breakfast. It’s a traditional dish made with chickpeas and a variety of spices. The chickpeas are soaked and ground into a paste and mixed with the rest of the ingredients, the resulting paste is then formed into balls or patties and fried until golden brown.

For the serving, use tahini sauce, Lentil soup, or a pita sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and cucumbers.

Ingredients

• 1 cup chickpeas
• fava beans, peeled, 1 cup
• 3 tsp bicarb
• 2-garlic-clove
• 1 onion
• Parsley, 2 handfuls
• 1 handful cilantro
• 1 tsp 7-spice
• 1 tsp coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1/2 t cumin

Get the recipe here.

Lebanese Green Bean Salad Recipe

Another dish coming from Lebanon is this Healthy and flavorful Lebanese green bean salad. It’s a healthy and appetizing option to make for your next picnic or potluck that can also be saved in the fridge for 3 days.

This salad is a mix of green beans, tomatoes, onions, and spices. And for the dressing use olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. Add feta cheese, olives, or other toppings as desired. It’s best chilled or at room temperature.

Ingredients

• 1 pound washed, trimmed green beans
• 1/2 cup red onion
• 2 tablespoons parsley
• 2 minced garlic
• 2 T lemon juice
• 2TB olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Get the recipe here.

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Labneh Cheese Recipe

Originally from the Middle East, the cheese known as labneh has become popular in the United States. By draining yogurt, whey is removed, and the cheese becomes thick, creamy, and slightly sour.

You can eat labneh plain or add herbs, spices, or olive oil to make it more flavorful. It can be used as a spread or dip for sandwiches and wraps and is a great addition to any meal.

To make labneh at home you can line a colander with cheesecloth and place it over a bowl and place the yogurt in the cheesecloth and keep it overnight in the refrigerator. On the next day, you can transfer the labneh to a new container and enjoy!

Ingredients

• half-tbsp nutritional yeast
• 1½ cups plain vegan yogurt
• half-tsp Himalayan salt
• Citric acid 1/8 tsp
• granulated garlic
• xanthan gum, 1/2 tsp

Get the recipe here.

Fattest Hummus (Levantine Chickpea Savoury Bread Pudding)

Hummus isn’t exclusive to Lebanon, you can find it in different countries in the middle east, and each country has its own twist on this simple dish. And when I don’t have the time, I prefer to go with this simple hummus recipe, with minimum ingredients and effort. It’s high in protein and fiber and contains a number of vitamins and minerals.

This recipe is a Levantine dish made from chickpeas, savory bread pudding, and spices that are served with pita bread. Crusader knights’ wives are said to have invented the dish in the 12th century.

There are many ways to enjoy this dish, from appetizer to main course and everything in between.

Ingredients

• cup cooked chickpeas
• 1/4 cup chickpea water
• Lemon juice, 1/4 cup
• 1 tablespoon Tahini
• 3 ice cubes 1/2 teaspoon salt

Get the recipe here.

Epic Baba Ganoush Recipe

When my main meal isn’t ready, I like to keep baba ghanoush on the table as an appetizer or snack with pita bread or vegetable sticks as a dip or spread, and it’s a real treat. It’s a tasteful combination of flavor and health.

Some people may not be familiar with this Levantine dish, but it’s made from pureed fire-roasted eggplant and tahini, along with lemon juice and garlic.

This recipe uses cumin and smoked paprika to enhance the dish’s flavor while keeping it light and nutritious. It’s time for you to try this recipe out – your taste buds will thank you!

Ingredients

• 2 pounds of Italian eggplants
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup tahini, plus lemon juice
• 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing and garnishing
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, plus extra for garnish
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin

Get the recipe here.

Falafel Balls Recipe

It’s possible to serve falafel balls as an appetizer or a main course. Start with high-quality ingredients, including fresh herbs and spices, to make the perfect falafel balls.

You’ll need to put everything together in a food blender and make them into balls, then place them on a baking sheet using a spoon or your hands. At last, bake them until they are golden brown and cooked through. To enjoy, combine with your preferred dipping sauce.

Ingredients

• 2 minced garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Coriander seed
• One-and-a-half teaspoons of salt
• Baking powder, about half a teaspoon (Note 3)
• All-purpose flour or chickpea flour: 4 tsp
• 5 tbsp of water.

Get the recipe here.

No-lamb Middle Eastern-style Bake

Are you looking for a weeknight dinner? This dish is ideal. It can be made ahead of time and reheated easily. It’s a healthy and flavorful dish. This no-lamb Middle Eastern bake is an excellent substitute for traditional lamb dishes.

The minced meat is simmered in tomato sauce with onions, garlic, and a variety of spices. The result is a hearty and filling dish that lacks the heaviness of traditional lamb fare. For a weeknight dinner, this dish is ideal. It can be made ahead of time and reheated easily.

Ingredients

• a tablespoon of olive oil
• Chopped 3 cloves of garlic
• 3 spring onions
• a 400g tin of tomato pulp
• Vegetarian mince meat that weighs 2½ cups
• Tomato paste, sundried tomato halves, and a quarter of a red pepper chopped

Get the recipe here.

Mushroom Bourek Recipe

I always want to add the perfect dish for my formal dinner parties. This Mushroom Bourek recipe originated as a Turkish dish, however, it explodes with the middle eastern dishes.

The mushrooms are sautéed in butter and garlic, then baked in a flaky pastry crust with Gruyere cheese. You can serve it with a simple green salad and a glass of white wine.

Ingredients

• 1/2 phyllo dough package
• 2lbs mushrooms
• 2 onions (red or sweet)
• 2 Tb margarine or butter, if not lactose-intolerant
• 1 tbs oil
• 2 Tb dry or fresh thyme (fresh is better)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or more)
• 1/8-lemon juice
• melted margarine or butter

Get the recipe here.

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Conclusion

After trying different cousins from all around the world, middle eastern-inspired dishes were my favorite. I was surprised by the mix of the flavors and amazed when reading about each dish’s origin. So, I gathered this list to share with you my favorite dishes.

Therefore, if you want to try new vegetarian dinner recipes, you’ve arrived at the right place. So, don’t hesitate and try these recipes tonight.