This simple ribboned carrot salad might not be the first thing to jump off the beautifully photographed pages of Louisa Shafia's much-lauded cookbook The New Persian Kitchen, but skimming past it would make for a small tragedy. Vinegary and bright, with a nutty, roasted note from the toasted sesame seeds and oil, it's not only visually stunning, but also delightfully balanced and far more nuanced than its simplicity would suggest.
Even better, it's quick (and easy) to prepare and can hold up to an overnight stay in the fridge, making it weeknight dinner- and brown-bag lunch-friendly, a rare and impressive feat. So what are you waiting for? Bust out the vegetable peeler, and get down to it.
If you like pasta, then you'll likely love fregola (or fregula). These Sardinian spherical pellets are made from rubbing semolina flour and water together in a circular motion to create a round shape, then toasting them in the oven. Quick-cooking fregola is denser and heavier than couscous and has a nutty flavor that tastes great in everything from stews and soups to risottos and salads. 
When it comes to meatless Middle Eastern takeout, falafel is a natural favorite. But did you know that chickpea fritters are just as easy — and probably healthier – to make in the comfort of your own home? 
Ever since one reader shared her simple weeknight meal of 
Looking for a new way to spice up your cooking life? Try pomegranate molasses, a dark liquid used to impart a tangy, sweet flavor in dishes, particularly those of Middle Eastern origin. 
Traditionally, a falafel is a fried ball or patty made from ground chickpeas or fava beans that's served in a pita with an assortment of toppings. This recipe isn't exactly a falafel, it's more like a healthy burger inspired by the Middle Eastern specialty. 
Even if "kuku kadoo" — the traditional name for this dish — doesn't ring a bell, surely we're all familiar with the concept of a fabulously fast and easy frittata. In this Persian version, eggs combine with sauteed zucchini, onions, garlic, and ginger for a casserole that's simple to bake but exotic to taste. 
Za'atar (pronounced "zah-tar") is a Middle Eastern spice mix of thyme, sumac, toasted sesame seed, and sometimes wild oregano. Arabic for the word "thyme," after the seasoning's predominant ingredient, za'atar has been used in Arabic countries since medieval times. Olive oil is often added to make a spreadable paste, which is then served with everything from flatbreads to eggs to vegetables. 