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Shawarma is perhaps the most delicious and sought-after Middle Eastern appetizers food, beloved by the globe’s food enthusiasts. Whether you like it wrapped or served on a platter with rice, its flavorful spiced meat and rich sauces make it a complete meal by themselves. But why settle for less? Serving your takeout shawarma accompanied by the ideal appetizers can turn your meal from good to phenomenal.
Middle Eastern appetizers cuisine is known for its variety of dips, salads, and finger foods that balance rich flavors with fresh ingredients. These appetizers not only complement the savory, seasoned meat of shawarma but also add texture, acidity, and creaminess to your meal. Best of all, they’re easy to prepare, requiring only a handful of ingredients.
5 Easy Middle Eastern Appetizers
So the next time you order takeout from your favorite Shawarma Kebab Restaurant, see if you can add one (or all) of these five simple Middle Eastern appetizers to your meal and enjoy the ride.
1. Hummus—The Ultimate Creamy Dip
No Middle Eastern meal is complete without hummus, a rich and creamy dip consisting of pureed chickpeas, tahini (sesame paste), lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil. Its smooth, velvety texture and nutty, tangy taste make it a perfect accompaniment to shawarma.
Hummus tastes mild and creamy, which helps counteract the spiced, slightly charred taste of grilled meat. It also goes great with pita bread, which is usually served with shawarma. You can put hummus inside your shawarma wrap for a flavor boost or just dip chunks of pita into it between shawarma bites.
If you don’t have time, use store-bought hummus. Nevertheless, to make a homemade version, puree a can of drained chickpeas with two tablespoons of tahini, one clove of garlic, one squeeze of lemon juice, and a splash of olive oil. Season with salt and cumin to taste, and serve!
2. Tabbouleh—A Refreshing Herb Salad
For a light and fresh appetizer, tabbouleh is the way to go. This refreshing salad is filled with minced parsley, juicy tomatoes, mint, bulgur wheat, and a light dressing of olive oil and lemon juice. The citrusy, lemony taste of tabbouleh is just what’s needed to wash the palate between bites, allowing each successive bite of shawarma to be even more flavorful. And with the minced herbs, there is a cooling contrast to the denser meat.
For a gluten-free option, substitute bulgur with quinoa. It provides a similar texture but dedicates the dish.
3. Baba Ganoush—A Smoky Eggplant Delight
If you enjoy hummus but would like to experience something new, baba ganoush is a great choice. This dip consists of roasted eggplant, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and a little olive oil. It has a smoky taste due to the roasted eggplant, so it’s a great new twist on your meal.
The rich, roasted taste of baba ganoush complements the grilled, seasoned meat in shawarma. It also adds a creamy texture like hummus but with a hint of smokiness and earthiness. Adding a layer of baba ganoush to your shawarma wrap can elevate it to the next level. To achieve that rich smoky flavor, cook the eggplant over a flame or on a grill first and mash it into a dip.
4. Falafel—A Crispy, Flavorful Side
Falafel, the beloved chickpea fritter, is a classic Middle Eastern appetizer that pairs perfectly with shawarma. These deep-fried, herb-packed balls are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, bursting with flavors of cumin, coriander, and garlic.
Falafel and shawarma are often served together in Middle Eastern appetizers cuisine because they provide a delicious contrast in texture. While shawarma is tender and juicy, falafel is crispy and hearty. Plus, falafel pairs well with tahini sauce, which is commonly used as a topping for shawarma. If you have leftovers, try breaking up falafel and sprinkling it over your shawarma platter for an extra crunchy topping.
5. Pickled Vegetables—A Tangy, Crunchy Addition
Middle Eastern appetizers of pickled vegetables, also known as “torshi” or “turshi,” are a staple in shawarma shops. These crunchy, tangy pickles are made with carrots, turnips, cucumbers, and sometimes even cauliflower, brined in vinegar and spices. The acidity and crunch of pickled vegetables cut through the richness of shawarma meat, making each bite more balanced. They add a burst of flavor and texture, ensuring that your meal doesn’t feel too heavy.
You can make quick homemade pickles by slicing vegetables and soaking them in a mixture of vinegar, water, salt, and a pinch of sugar for at least an hour. For a more traditional flavor, add garlic and whole spices like coriander seeds.
Conclusion
Next time you order from Shawarma Kebab Restaurant, don’t settle for just a sandwich—turn it into a feast! These five easy Middle Eastern appetizers bring out the best in shawarma by adding texture, acidity, and complementary flavors.
Whether you’re craving something creamy, crunchy, smoky, or refreshing, these sides make your meal feel more complete and authentic. Plus, they’re simple to prepare and require only a few ingredients.
