Best Middle Eastern Dip Recipes

MIDDLE EASTERN FIRE-ROASTED EGGPLANT DIP: BABAGANOUSH

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 BEAN DIP (FOUL MUDAMMAS)

Steps:

• Heat 2 teaspoons olive oil in a skillet over medium heat; cook and stir the onion in the hot oil until tender, about 5 minutes. Add the fava beans, garbanzo beans, and water to the onion; bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Stir the tomato paste, lemon juice, 1 tablespoon olive oil, the garlic, tahini, and cumin through the bean mixture; return the mixture to a boil and allow to cook at a boil for 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
• Pour the mixture into a blender. Hold the lid of the blender in place with a towel and start the blender, using a few quick pulses to get the mixture moving before leaving it on to puree to your desired consistency.

MIDDLE EASTERN SESAME LAMB MEATBALLS WITH MINTED YOGURT DIP

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 DIP

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.

BABA GHANOUJ - MIDDLE EASTERN EGGPLANT DIP

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350.
• Line baking sheet with foil and spray lightly with non stick cooking spray.
• Slice egglplant(s) in half lengthwise, and place face-down on baking sheet.
• Bake for 30-45 minutes, or until very tender.
• Cool until comfortable to handle.
• Scoop out the eggplant flesh and discard the skin.
• Place in food processor wth garlic, lemon juice, tahini, salt and corriander.
• Puree until smooth.
• Add minced parsley and pulse to combine.
• Pour into bowl, check for salt, add pepper and cayenne (if using).
• Chill for half hour, or until ready to serve.
• Top with a drizzle of olive oil and some parsely.

MIDDLE EASTERN EDAMAME DIP

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.

FETA CHEESE DIP - MIDDLE EASTERN STYLE

Steps:

• Crumble and mash feta cheese with a fork with oils and lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
• Serve with toasted pita wedges or crackers.
• VARIATIONS:.
• Many herbs and spices can be added to this recipe for a "kick".
• Try adding a teaspoon of dill, oregano, garlic powder, or another herb or spice.
• For spicier spices like cumin or caraway, start off with 1/8 teaspoon and increase according to taste.

MIDDLE EASTERN WARM ZUCCHINI DIP

Steps:

• Peel zucchini skin off.
• Finely grate the zucchini using a mandolin.
• Heat some vegetable oil and add the onions to the hot oil.
• Once onions become translucent and golden in color, add zucchini.
• Let zucchini cook for about 10 minutes or until soft and tender and then add the Maggi cube and mint(rubbing dried mint between your hands to grind it down).
• Let cook for another 2-5 minutes or so, or until squash is done.
• Place in a bowl and enjoy with some pita bread.

MUHAMARA - MIDDLE EASTERN RED PEPPER DIP

Steps:

• Place all ingredients in the blender.
• Puree until almost smooth.
• (A few small chunks of walnut is OK).
• Transfer to a serving dish.
• If desired drizzle with olive oil.
• Serve with pita bread.

MIDDLE EASTERN FIRE-ROASTED EGGPLANT DIP: BABAGANOUSH

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.