Africa & Middle East recipe collection

Silky rose-scented candy squares dusted in powdered sugar, made with cornstarch and cream of tartar. Customize with pistachios, almonds, or fruit flavors for an authentic Middle Eastern sweet.

Middle Eastern pita sandwich stuffed with hummus, tabouli, crumbled feta, olives, and crisp romaine. A fast vegetarian lunch with Mediterranean flavors and a lemon-dill drizzle.

I sometimes pan fry these then let them simmer for at least an hour in a spicy Moroccan tomato sauce (recipe to follow). I usually serve the kefta with couscous, a vegetable, some cucumber yogurt sauce, and warmed pita.

A fantastic healthy dip perfect for the holidays or anytime you might have company coming. Butternut squash is roasted with an Arabic Ras El Hanout spice mixture. Based on a recipe by Gordon Ramsay.

This version of the garlicky roasted eggplant dip does not have tahini in it as with a traditional version. While I really like an "authentic" baba ghanoush, I also enjoy the commercial Sabra brand, which uses mayo and some spices. It is slightly sweet and has a little kick. This is my rendition.

Fragrant basmati rice layered with spiced vegetables, golden onions, and aromatic mint in this South African twist on classic biryani that feeds a crowd.

Hummus is packed with goodness, tastes delicious, and it's so easy to make. Forget about the store-bought ones that usually contain more than just a few ingredients, make it yourself, and you will be amazed by the result.

Thinly sliced sweet potatoes bake under a blanket of caramelized onions and melted cheese with a subtle chili kick in this comforting vegetarian casserole.

Homemade pita bread that puffs into pockets on a hot baking sheet at 500 degrees. Four basic ingredients, no fat, freezes well, and makes 6 large or 12 small pitas.

Tomatoey tabouli: a hearty Middle Eastern grain salad with bulgur and pearl barley soaked in tomato juice, finished with lemon, olive oil, parsley, and scallions.

Gelatin-based Turkish candy cubes infused with orange, lemon, or raspberry, studded with pistachios and rolled in confectioners' sugar. The perfect companion to strong Greek coffee.

Soft, pillowy pita bread made entirely with whole wheat flour. Watch them puff up like magic in a hot oven for authentic pocket breads perfect for stuffing.

Easy quinoa tabbouleh: ripe tomatoes, parsley, scallions, and fresh mint tossed with cooked quinoa, lemon juice, and oil. A gluten-free Middle Eastern salad meant to rest overnight.

Lamb kebabs marinated in olive oil, lemon, garlic, and ground coriander, then broiled on bamboo skewers until charred at the edges and pink in the middle. A Middle Eastern grill night classic.

Turkish leeks in olive oil (zeytinyagli pirasa) braised with carrots, rice, lemon, and sugar. Served cold as a meze, this is a classic Mediterranean cold vegetable dish.

Middle Eastern lamb kebabs (kofta) blend ground lamb with garlic, ginger, cumin, mint, and parsley before grilling on skewers. Serve with pita, salad, and yogurt for an authentic mezze dinner.