Best 4 Middle Eastern Dip Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

**Middle Eastern Dip: A Culinary Journey Through the Levant**

Embark on a delightful culinary adventure with Middle Eastern dips, a vibrant tapestry of flavors and textures that capture the essence of the region's rich culinary heritage. From creamy hummus and smoky baba ganoush to refreshing tzatziki and tangy fattoush dressing, these dips offer a tantalizing array of options for any occasion, whether it's a casual gathering or an elaborate feast. With their versatility, dips serve as the heart of many traditional dishes, accompanying grilled meats, fresh vegetables, and warm pita bread. Let's explore the diverse flavors and techniques that make Middle Eastern dips a beloved part of the region's cuisine.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

MIDDLE EASTERN FIRE-ROASTED EGGPLANT DIP: BABAGANOUSH



Middle Eastern Fire-Roasted Eggplant Dip: Babaganoush image

Provided by Aarti Sequeira

Time 40m

Yield 4 cups

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 large eggplants
1 lemon, juiced
2/3 cup tahini (sesame seed paste, available in the international aisle at the supermarket)
1/2 cup minced fresh parsley leaves
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Pita chips, for dipping

Steps:

  • There are 2 ways to cook the eggplants. The first way, on the stovetop, is my favorite because it yields a much smokier-flavored babaganoush.
  • For the stovetop method: Turn 2 burners up full-throttle. Place 1 eggplant on each burner and, using a pair of tongs, turn every 5 minutes or so, until the entire surface of eggplant is charred and crispy, about 15 minutes. Don't worry if the eggplant deflates a little. Remove from the burner and place on a plate to cool.
  • For the oven method: Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Prick the eggplants all over with a fork (this keeps the eggplant from exploding in the oven, so don't skip this step). Place on a baking sheet and roast until softened, about 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.
  • Regardless of the cooking method you choose, once the eggplant is cool enough to touch with your hands, carefully peel the charred skin off the eggplant. Discard the skin. Move the flesh onto your chopping board, slice off the stem and discard. Using your knife, mince the flesh until almost smooth. Scoop into a bowl.
  • Add the lemon juice, tahini, parsley, and a little salt and pepper. Whisk together and taste for seasoning. Feel free to add more lemon juice, more salt and pepper... it will vary depending on the size of your eggplant, and how you like your 'ganoush! Serve with pita chips.

MIDDLE EASTERN SESAME LAMB MEATBALLS WITH MINTED YOGURT DIP



Middle Eastern Sesame Lamb Meatballs with Minted Yogurt Dip image

Categories     Dairy     Lamb     Side     Super Bowl     Yogurt     Dinner     Fall     Gourmet

Yield Makes about 32 meatballs

Number Of Ingredients 19

1/3 cup minced onion
1 large garlic clove, minced
1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon dried mint, crumbled
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
a pinch cinnamon
1 pound ground lamb (10% fat)
1 cup fine fresh bread crumbs
1 large egg, beaten lightly
2 tablespoons dried currants
1/4 cup black sesame seeds*
1/4 cup white sesame seeds, toasted lightly
Accompaniment:
minted yogurt dip:
2 cups plain yogurt
1/4 cup packed fresh mint leaves, chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
*available at Asian markets and some specialty foods shops and supermarkets

Steps:

  • To make the meatballs:
  • In a small non-stick skillet cook onion and garlic in oil over moderately low heat, stirring, until softened. Transfer mixture to a bowl and stir in mint, salt, allspice, and cinnamon. Add lamb, bread crumbs, egg, and currants and combine well. Form level tablespoons of lamb mixture into 1 1/4-inch meatballs, arranging on a tray as formed.
  • In a small bowl roll half of meatballs, 1 at a time, in black sesame seeds until coated, transferring to a rack set in a shallow baking pan. Coat remaining meatballs with white sesame seeds in same manner, transferring to rack. Meatballs may be prepared up to this point 1 day ahead and chilled, covered loosely.
  • Preheat oven to 450°F.
  • Bake meatballs in upper third of oven 8 to 10 minutes, or until golden and just cooked through.
  • To make the yogurt dip:
  • In a fine sieve set over a bowl drain yogurt, covered and chilled, 3 hours. Discard whey in bowl and transfer yogurt cheese to bowl. Yogurt cheese may be made 2 days ahead and chilled, covered.
  • Into yogurt cheese stir mint and salt. Makes about 1 1/2 cups.

MIDDLE EASTERN EDAMAME DIP



Middle Eastern Edamame Dip image

Hummus but with edamame. Found in the Relish supplement and "adapated from 'Simply Soy' by the Soyfoods' Council."

Provided by COOKGIRl

Categories     Soy/Tofu

Time 10m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 1/8 cups edamame
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (I used cumin seeds which were toasted lightly in a dry skillet first)
2 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped
1/4 cup fresh Italian parsley (reduced from 1/2 cup)
3 tablespoons tahini (I tried roasted tahini)
3 tablespoons water (I used the cooking liquid from the edamame instead of water)
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (I used Meyer lemon)
olive oil
sumac
fresh parsley

Steps:

  • Cook edamame according to package directions but *omit* the salt. I lightly boiled the edamame and [reserved] some of the cooking liquid.
  • Place the olive oil, salt, cumin and garlic in a food processor. PULSE 2-3 times.
  • Add the edamame and the remaining ingredients. Blend to desired consistency. If the mixture is too thick you can thin it with a little bit of the edamame cooking liquid. Taste and adjust with more salt or lemon if needed.
  • We served the edamame dip with a light drizzle of olive oil on top followed by a sprinkle of sumac, a sprig of fresh parsley and accompanied by Recipe #100777.

MIDDLE EASTERN DIP



Middle Eastern Dip image

This is traditionally called hummus, and I can't get enough of it. You can serve this with pita bread triangles (I use Recipe #362708), but I actually like to use raw celery and carrot sticks.

Provided by JackieOhNo

Categories     Lemon

Time 10m

Yield 4 cups

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 (15 -19 ounce) cans chickpeas, drained with1/3 cup liquid reserved
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (juice of 2-3 lemons)
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground cumin

Steps:

  • Combine all the ingredients in a food processor. Process until the mixture is smooth ad creamy and no lumps remain, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 351.2, Fat 12.7, SaturatedFat 1.7, Sodium 1509.5, Carbohydrate 50.1, Fiber 9.5, Sugar 0.4, Protein 10.8

Tips

  • Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh herbs, vegetables, and spices whenever possible for the best flavor and nutritional value.
  • Temperature: Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature before mixing them together. This will help them combine more smoothly and evenly.
  • Seasoning: Don't be afraid to taste your dip as you make it and adjust the seasoning as needed. Each dip has its own unique flavor profile, so feel free to experiment until you find the perfect balance.
  • Presentation: Take the time to garnish your dips with fresh herbs, vegetables, or even edible flowers. This will make them more visually appealing and inviting.
  • Serving: Serve your dips with a variety of accompaniments, such as pita bread, chips, vegetables, or crackers. This will allow your guests to choose their favorite way to enjoy them.

Conclusion

Middle Eastern dips are a delicious and versatile addition to any party or gathering. With their vibrant flavors and colors, these dips are sure to impress your guests. Whether you're looking for a classic hummus recipe or something more unique like a roasted eggplant dip, you're sure to find a recipe in this collection that you'll love. So next time you're looking for a tasty and easy appetizer, give one of these Middle Eastern dips a try. You won't be disappointed!

Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »

    #15-minutes-or-less     #time-to-make     #course     #main-ingredient     #cuisine     #preparation     #occasion     #appetizers     #beans     #fruit     #asian     #middle-eastern     #easy     #potluck     #dinner-party     #picnic     #dips     #food-processor-blender     #dietary     #low-cholesterol     #low-saturated-fat     #chick-peas-garbanzos     #low-in-something     #citrus     #lemon     #to-go     #equipment     #small-appliance     #3-steps-or-less

Related Topics