When winter’s chill sets in, there’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty meal to bring comfort and satisfaction. The Middle Eastern and Mediterranean kitchens are filled with rich, flavorful dishes that will not only fill you up but also warm you from the inside out. Here’s a roundup of 11 classic recipes that have been passed down through generations — each one brimming with tradition, flavor, and that unique touch of home. Let’s get cooking!

10. Hummus El Shaam aka Halabessa

If you’re looking for the perfect way to cozy up on a cold day, then Hummus el Sham is here to save you! This Egyptian classic is packed with warm spices and layers of flavor that will make you forget all about cocoa and coffee!

Ingredients:

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• 400 gm dried chickpeas
• 4 whole garlic gloves
• 4 tbsp lemon juice less or more to taste
• 1 cup tomato purée
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp cumin powdered
• chili powder optional
• salt

How to make it:

9. Fried Arnabeet

A dish that speaks to the heart, Arnabeet is a hearty cauliflower stew with a deliciously spiced tomato broth that will keep you cozy throughout the winter months.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium cauliflower, cut into florets
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• salt to taste
• ¼ cup milk, or as needed
• 2 cups vegetable oil, or as needed

How to make it:

1. Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil; add 2 teaspoons cumin to boiling water. Cook cauliflower florets, working in batches, in boiling water until cooked but still crisp, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and cool on a plate.
2. Blend flour, egg, garlic, 1 teaspoon cumin, tomato paste, and salt in a blender or food processor until batter is smooth; thin with milk as needed.
3. Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
4. Dip cauliflower florets in batter; fry battered cauliflower in hot oil, working in batches, until cauliflower is golden and crispy, 6 to 8 minutes.
5. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

8. Batata

Among Egypt’s many cherished homegrown dishes, Batata takes the spotlight, especially when winter rolls in. It’s the kind of comfort food that makes you feel right at home, no matter where you are!

Ingredients:

• 1.5 kg sweet potatoes
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon butter or ghee
• 3 cups milk (for the cream layer)
• 2 tablespoons cream chantilly
• 3 tablespoons starch
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons desiccated coconut
• 2 tablespoons butter or ghee (for topping)

How to make it:

1. In a large pot, combine the sliced sweet potatoes, 1 cup of milk, 3 tablespoons of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of butter. Cook on high heat until the milk begins to boil.
2. Mash the sweet potatoes gently until they reach a smooth consistency. Add a bit more milk if the mixture appears too dry.
3. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Spread the mashed sweet potato mixture evenly into a baking dish.
4. In a separate pot, combine 3 cups of milk, 3 tablespoons of sugar, 2 tablespoons of cream chantilly, 3 tablespoons of starch, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla. Stir well while cold.
5. Heat the mixture on medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens and begins to boil. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and stir until melted.
6. Pour the creamy milk mixture over the sweet potatoes in the baking dish.
7. Bake in the preheated oven until the top is golden and set. Serve warm.

7. Sha’reya Bel Laban

This is a cozy favorite in Egypt! Sha’reya Bel Laban is the perfect dish – light but super satisfying, with just the right mix of comfort and flavor to keep you coming back for more.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups whole milk plus more to serve with
• 9 ounces dry vermicelli or “bird’s tongues” pasta
• 1/3–1 cup sugar, to taste
• 3–4 grains of mastic, ground to a powder (optional)
• 1 cup chopped mixed nuts (walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, pistachios)
• 1/4 cup raisins

How to make it:

1. Bring the milk to the boil in a pan and drop in the pasta. If using vermicelli, crunch into 1-inch pieces in your hand.
2. Simmer for about 5 minutes, until the pasta begins to soften. Then add the sugar, flower water, and mastic if using.
3. Cook until the pasta is tender and most of the milk absorbed.
4. Eat hot, sprinkled with nuts and raisins.
5. Add more hot milk if necessary, but it should be quite soupy.

6. Sahlab

When winter hits, a cup of Sahlab is the perfect comfort drink. This warm, creamy drink made from orchid flour is a staple in many Egyptian homes during the winter months.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons sahlab powder (or substitute with cornstarch)
• 3 cups milk
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon, for garnish
• Crushed pistachios, for garnish

How to make it:

1. In a saucepan, whisk together the sahlab powder and milk over medium heat until it thickens into a creamy consistency.
2. Add sugar and vanilla, stirring until well combined.
3. Pour into cups and garnish with cinnamon and crushed pistachios. Serve hot.

5. Kolkaas

A nourishing and simple dish Kolkaas is packed with protein and flavor, and is a winter favorite in many Middle Eastern kitchens. It’s rich in spices and perfect for warming up on a cold day.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups diced taro, peeled and washed well
• 2 tbsp olive oil or safflower oil
• 1 bunch green chard (2 cups chopped)
• 1 bunch cilantro (1 c chopped)
• 2 tbsp minced fresh garlic
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp cardamom
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 bay leaves
• 3 cups vegetable or meat broth

How to make it:

1. In a large pot over high heat, heat the oil.
2. Strain the chopped chard and cilantro and then saute in the hot oil. Stir it around every 2 minutes for about 6-10 minutes, until it becomes dark green and crispy.
3. Add the minced garlic with the ground coriander and mix well until fragrant.
4. Add 1 cup of broth. Grind the leaves against the pot with a pestle, or use an immersion blender until the greens become fine in the broth.
5. Add the remainder of the broth, along with the cardamom, bay leaves, salt and pepper and allow to simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Add the diced vegetables and cooked stew meat, if you are adding meat. Simmer for 5-10minutes until the taro, potatoes, or parsnips are fork tender. Be careful not to overcook.
7. Serve with rice and a lemon wedge and enjoy!

4. Sabanekh

Another popular winter dish, Sabanekh is a rich spinach stew often served with rice or bread. It’s a simple yet hearty meal that’s perfect for those who want a warm, nutritious option.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 cup rice (optional)
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste

How to make it:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot and sauté the onion and garlic until golden.
2. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until soft.
3. Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted.
4. If using rice, add it along with the broth and simmer for 20-30 minutes until the rice is tender.
5. Season with salt and pepper and serve with warm bread.

3. Mahshi Koromb

Mahshi Koromb are tender cabbage leaves stuffed with a savory mixture of rice, meat, and spices. Simmered in a rich tomato sauce, they are a true winter comfort food.

Ingredients:

• 1 large cabbage
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup rice, rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon allspice
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

How to make it:

1. Boil the cabbage until the leaves are soft, then remove and set aside.
2. Mix the ground meat, rice, onion, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Stuff each cabbage leaf with a small amount of the mixture and roll tightly.
4. Place the rolls in a pot and cover with tomato sauce, lemon juice, and enough water to cover them.
5. Simmer for 1-1.5 hours until tender. Serve hot

2. Shorbet Ads

A classic lentil soup, Shorbet Ads is quick, hearty, and perfect for warming up on cold days.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup red lentils
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste

How to make it:

1. Sauté the onion and garlic in a pot until soft.
2. Add cumin and stir for 1 minute.
3. Add the lentils and broth, bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
4. Stir in lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

1. Belila

There’s nothing better than a warm, cozy breakfast on a chilly morning! When you’re craving something healthy but still super satisfying, it’s time to whip up some Belila – an Egyptian wheat porridge that’s basically a hug in a bowl.

Ingredients:

• 1 ¼ cups whole wheat berries OR pearl barley
• 1 tablespoon baking soda sodium bicarbonate
• 6 cups water
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups whole milk
• Sugar or preferred sweetener to taste

How to make it:

1. Combine the wheat berries in a large bowl with the baking soda. Cover the grains with ample water, and let them soak for at least 5 hours
2. Rinse and transfer them to a large pot and pour in the 6 cups of water. Set the pot on medium-high heat.
3. Let the grains simmer uncovered for about 30-40 minutes until they’re tender with a slight bite. Most of the liquid should have evaporated, leaving a small amount that is slightly thickened.
4. Stir in the vanilla extract and whole milk
5. Sweeten the porridge to your taste with sugar or your preferred sweetener.
6. Serve the Belila warm or hot, and customize with optional toppings like a sprinkle of cinnamon, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, and a mix of your favorite nuts and dried fruits

These 10 dishes are not just meals, but cozy traditions that bring warmth, comfort, and joy to any winter day. Each one is steeped in history and full of rich flavors that remind you of home. So, roll up your sleeves and get cooking — the winter months are about to feel a whole lot warmer!

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