Overhead flat-lay of Middle Eastern spices, herbs, olive oil, and pantry staples
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Middle Eastern Home Cooking

Authentic, approachable Middle Eastern home cooking by Simply by Maha: kabsa, fattoush, kafta, musakhan, kebab rolls, and the spices and techniques behind them.

Middle Eastern home cooking is the heart of Simply by Maha. I grew up in a kitchen where cooking was an everyday act of love, from rich Levantine stews to freshly baked bread, and this is where I share those flavours in full detail.

This is the kind of food that is generous, warm, and built on a handful of distinctive ingredients: sumac for tartness, tahini for nutty creaminess, pomegranate molasses for sweet-sour depth, and warm spices like cumin, cardamom, and cinnamon. Below you'll find my Middle Eastern recipes grouped by region, plus the ingredient and technique guides that explain the staples behind them.

Browse by region

Regions of the Middle Eastern table

ل

Levantine

Lebanese, Syrian, and Palestinian home cooking: fattoush, musakhan, kafta.

خ

Gulf / Khaleeji

The spiced rice dishes of the Arabian Peninsula, led by kabsa.

م

Egyptian

Comforting Egyptian classics like macaroni béchamel.

ت

Turkish

Turkish bulgur pilaf and juicy Adana kebab.

Recipes

Every Middle Eastern recipe

ShakshukaBreakfast
Shakshuka

Shakshuka is one of my all-time favorite breakfast or lunch recipes. It’s cozy, simple, and full of flavor, with eggs simmered in a rich tomato and peppery sauce that’s perfect for scooping up with warm bread.

25 minMiddle Eastern
Kebab RollsDinner
Kebab Rolls

These kebab rolls are such a fun and easy way to make kebab at home. They’re made by spreading a flavourful beef mixture onto tortillas, rolling them up, slicing, and baking until golden, then serving them over a creamy yogurt tahini sauce.

60 minMiddle Eastern
Kafta TacosDinner
Kafta Tacos

These kafta tacos are definitely not traditional, but they’re such a fun and easy idea. Juicy seasoned kafta is cooked right on small pita breads, then topped with a fresh salad and creamy tahini dressing for the best bite.

50 minMiddle Eastern
Fattet MusakhanDinner
Fattet Musakhan

This is my favorite twist on traditional Palestinian musakhan — layered with crispy bread, creamy yogurt sauce, and a rich chicken and onion mixture full of sumac flavor. It’s comforting, flavorful, and so good for sharing.

90 minMiddle Eastern
Fattoush SaladAppetizers
Fattoush Salad

This fattoush is fresh, crunchy, and full of bright flavor from crisp vegetables, toasted pita, and a tangy homemade dressing. It’s the perfect refreshing salad to serve alongside any meal.

50 minMiddle Eastern
Macaroni BéchamelDinner
Macaroni Béchamel

A comforting classic made with layers of creamy béchamel-coated penne, rich seasoned meat sauce, and a golden cheesy top. It’s cozy, filling, and always a crowd-pleaser.

100 minMiddle Eastern
Chicken KabsaDinner
Chicken Kabsa

Chicken kabsa is one of my favorite chicken and rice dishes — full of warm spices, tender chicken, and flavorful rice cooked in a rich homemade broth. Served with daqoos and topped with toasted almonds, it’s such a comforting and delicious meal.

150 minMiddle Eastern
Learn the staples

Ingredient & technique guides