A couple of months ago, I talked to you about how you can follow a plant-based diet using a 7-day meal plan containing only Middle Eastern dishes. Today, I want to share with you those Middle Eastern recipes that are not only wholesome and delicious but also gluten-free.
Whether you follow a gluten-free diet for medical reasons (such as coeliac disease or gluten intolerance) or as a matter of personal preference, there are many ways in which Middle Eastern cuisine caters to your dietary needs.
Many dishes in our culture use a lot of vegetables and beans, which make them gluten-free by default, while others can be easily adapted. While the famous hummus is already gluten-free and simply amazing, foods such as grazing cheeseboards can be made gluten-free without much effort and then shared with family and friends.
If you love gluten-free homemade food, but you’re getting tired of cooking the same food over and over again, keep reading. Here are 14 gluten-free Middle Eastern recipes that will help you prepare a healthy, filling lunch:
1. Whole Baked Cauliflower with Tahini Sauce
Crispy cauliflower infused with Middle Eastern flavours and sprinkled with tahini sauce is the easiest lunch you’ll ever make. It’s also completely gluten-free, including the tahini which is a paste made from ground sesame seeds.
2. Quinoa Tabouli
The gluten-free alternative to the traditional tabouli made with cracked wheat. Besides bringing this whole dish together, quinoa is a super grain rich in proteins, iron, fibre, and magnesium.
3. Lamb Tartare – Herbed Kibbeh Nayeeh
authentic festive Middle Eastern dish made with raw lamb mince, fresh herbs and just the right amount of spices. Make sure that the meat is very fresh (very important!) and you serve and eat this the same day you prepare it.
4. Chickpea and Eggplant Rice
Skip your mid-week takeout with this delicious and easy-to-make rice dish. You can enjoy it alongside a herb salad or with plain natural yogurt.
5. Super Herb Salad
Packed with healthy ingredients and a perfect side dish for dozens of recipes, this herb salad is every cook’s best friend.
6. Baked Eggplant with Tahini Sauce
Baked eggplants never tasted better with this flavoursome modern twist. This recipe is another winning tahini dish you can’t miss.
7. Chicory with Sauteed Onions – Hindbi
A healthy addition to your diet and an excellent side dish for meat recipes, hindbi can be served either with sauteed onions or dressed in garlic and lemon.
8. Arabian Spicy Nut Rice
The ultimate aromatic rice recipe enjoyed by both adults and children. Throw in a herb salad as your side dish and lunch is served!
9. Spinach and Lamb Rice Pilaf
A savoury one-pot meal made with pantry essential that doubles as the perfect dish for dinner parties.
10. Eggplant and Chickpea Stew – M’nazaleh
You’re only going to need four ingredients to prepare this wholesome vegetable stew.
11. Slow Cooked Lamb Shoulder Roast
If you want to step up your lunch game, this recipe is exactly what you need. After all, who can resist a tender lamb roast that bursts with rosemary and garlic flavour?
12. Herb Char-grilled Lamb Backstrap
Cook this tasty dish in just two steps: 1. Marinate the lamb with fresh herbs and spices for 4 to 5 hours. 2. Fry it for 5 minutes on each side. Squeeze a bit of lemon juice before serving it, and your lunch is ready.
13. Spicy Roast Potatoes – Batata Hara
These crispy potatoes tossed with garlic, chilli, and spring onion go great with the lamb roast mentioned above. The best part is they take just 5 minutes to cook.
14. Lentil and Spinach Soup
Are you looking for some easy comfort food recipes for your lunch? Try this nutritious and super filling one-bowl recipe that’s packed with delicious brown lentils and fresh spinach.
Bonus: Here, you have a few traditional gluten-free Middle Eastern desserts that you can try when you’re craving something sweet:
The perfect creamy and crunchy combination, this fragrant dessert can be served both warm or cold.
These ricotta-filled sandwiches are one of the most aesthetically pleasing and simple to make Middle eastern desserts. Try them all or choose your favourite flavour here: coconut, date, and pistachios.
The traditional Ma’amoul festive cookies just got a modern, gluten-free look. You can make these protein-packed snacks in just a couple of minutes with the help of a food processor. No baking needed.
This recipe is one of my friend’s favourites (she’s gluten intolerant). Topped with nuts and fresh fruit, this fragrant milk pudding is a healthy treat and the easiest gluten-free breakfast recipe you’ll try.
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With Love
