A Taste of Syria: 3 Easy Recipes to Cook in the USA

Syria’s cuisine is a celebration of bold flavors, wholesome ingredients, and meals meant for sharing. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, bringing a taste of Syria into your home is easier than you might think. The secret? Simple recipes with ingredients that are either pantry staples or easy to find.

Here are three Syrian dishes—each bursting with flavor—that you can recreate in your kitchen with minimal fuss.

1. Muhammara (Spicy Red Pepper and Walnut Dip)

Think of muhammara as the lovechild of hummus and salsa—a smoky, slightly spicy dip that pairs perfectly with pita bread, crackers, or even veggie sticks.

Ingredients:

• 2 roasted red bell peppers (jarred or fresh)
• 1 cup walnuts
• 3 tablespoons breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons pomegranate molasses (find it online or at Middle Eastern stores)
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Toss all the ingredients into a food processor.
2. Blend until smooth but keep a little texture.
3. Adjust the seasoning to your taste and serve with pita bread or crackers.

Why it’s easy: Most of these ingredients are staples or easy to find. Plus, it takes just 10 minutes to make—perfect for a quick appetizer or snack.

2. Shakriyeh (Yogurt Stew with Lamb or Chicken)

This creamy yogurt-based stew is the ultimate Syrian comfort food, combining tender meat, aromatic spices, and a hearty serving of rice.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb lamb or chicken pieces
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cups plain yogurt (Greek yogurt works too)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried mint
• Salt and pepper to taste
• White rice for serving

Instructions:

1. Boil the meat with the chopped onion until tender, then set it aside.
2. Mix the yogurt with cornstarch in a pot and heat gently, stirring constantly to prevent curdling.
3. Add the cooked meat to the yogurt mixture.
4. In a small pan, sauté garlic and dried mint in olive oil, then stir this into the stew.
5. Serve over freshly cooked white rice.

Why it’s easy: Yogurt and rice are easy to find, and you can swap lamb for chicken if needed. It’s hearty and satisfying without being complicated.

3. Sfouf (Turmeric Cake)

This golden-hued cake, made with semolina and turmeric, is subtly sweet and perfect with a cup of tea or coffee.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups semolina flour
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup pine nuts (optional, for topping)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Mix all the dry ingredients (semolina, flour, turmeric, and baking powder) in one bowl.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients (milk, sugar, and oil). Gradually combine the wet mixture with the dry ingredients.
4. Pour the batter into a greased baking pan and sprinkle pine nuts (or almonds) on top.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Why it’s easy: The ingredients are simple, substitutions are a breeze, and the cake comes together in just one bowl. Dessert doesn’t get much simpler than this!

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