Israeli cuisine is a vibrant fusion of flavors, blending Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and North African influences.
It’s fresh, hearty, and packed with ingredients that’ll make your taste buds sing.
Whether you’re a foodie looking to expand your culinary horizons or just someone who loves trying new dishes, these Israeli recipes are a must-try.
From creamy hummus to crispy falafel, these dishes are not only delicious but also bring a piece of Israel’s rich culture to your kitchen.
Ready to dive into a world of bold spices, fresh herbs, and mouthwatering textures? Let’s get cooking.
These recipes are perfect for weeknight dinners, weekend feasts, or even impressing your friends at your next gathering. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked.
1. Classic Hummus
Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt to taste
- Paprika and parsley for garnish
How to Make It:
Blend the chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and cumin in a food processor until smooth. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while blending.
Add a splash of water if needed to reach your desired consistency.
Season with salt, then garnish with a sprinkle of paprika and fresh parsley. Serve with warm pita bread or veggie sticks.
Why We Chose It:
Hummus is the ultimate Israeli staple. It’s creamy, versatile, and downright addictive.
Whether you’re dipping, spreading, or scooping, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser.
2. Crispy Falafel
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
How to Make It:
Drain the soaked chickpeas and blend them with onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, baking soda, salt, and pepper until coarse.
Form into small patties and fry in hot oil until golden brown. Serve in pita pockets with tahini sauce and veggies.
Why This Made It to Our List:
Falafel is the MVP of Israeli street food. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor—it’s a must-try.
3. Shakshuka
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 4-6 eggs
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How to Make It:
Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté onion and bell pepper until soft. Add garlic, tomatoes, and spices, then simmer for 10 minutes.
Make small wells in the sauce and crack eggs into them. Cover and cook until the eggs are set. Garnish with parsley and serve with crusty bread.
Why We Selected It:
Shakshuka is a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It’s a flavor explosion you won’t forget.
4. Israeli Salad
Ingredients:
- 4 cucumbers, diced
- 4 tomatoes, diced
- 1 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Toss all the ingredients in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper. Serve chilled.
Why This Made It to Our List:
This salad is fresh, crunchy, and oh-so-refreshing. It’s the perfect side dish for any meal.
5. Sabich
Ingredients:
- 2 pita breads
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
- 1 cup fried eggplant slices
- 1/2 cup tahini sauce
- 1/2 cup Israeli salad
- 1/4 cup pickles, chopped
- Hot sauce (optional)
How to Make It:
Stuff the pita bread with eggplant slices, boiled eggs, Israeli salad, and pickles. Drizzle with tahini sauce and hot sauce if desired.
Why We Chose It:
Sabich is a flavor-packed sandwich that’s perfect for a quick lunch or snack. It’s a taste of Israel in every bite.
6. Malawach
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- Oil for frying
How to Make It:
Mix flour, salt, and water to form a dough. Roll out thinly, spread with butter, and fold into layers. Roll out again and fry in hot oil until golden and crispy.
Why This Made It to Our List:
Malawach is a flaky, buttery flatbread that’s irresistible. It’s perfect for breakfast or as a snack.
7. Baba Ganoush
Ingredients:
- 2 large eggplants
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How to Make It:
Roast eggplants until soft, then scoop out the flesh. Blend with tahini, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Garnish with parsley.
Why We Selected It:
Baba Ganoush is smoky, creamy, and perfect for dipping. It’s a must-try for eggplant lovers.
8. Jachnun
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup water
How to Make It:
Mix flour, salt, and water to form a dough. Roll out thinly, brush with butter, and roll into tight spirals. Bake overnight at a low temperature until golden.
Why This Made It to Our List:
Jachnun is a unique, slow-cooked pastry that’s worth the wait. It’s a traditional Israeli breakfast treat.
9. Bourekas
Ingredients:
- 1 package puff pastry
- 1 cup mashed potatoes
- 1 cup grated cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- Sesame seeds for topping
How to Make It:
Cut puff pastry into squares, fill with mashed potatoes and cheese, and fold into triangles.
Brush with beaten egg, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and bake until golden.
Why We Chose It:
Bourekas are flaky, cheesy, and utterly delicious. They’re perfect for any time of day.
10. Ptitim (Israeli Couscous)
Ingredients:
- 2 cups ptitim (Israeli couscous)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until soft. Add ptitim and toast for 2-3 minutes. Pour in broth, cover, and simmer until cooked. Season with salt and pepper.
Why This Made It to Our List:
Ptitim is a versatile and comforting dish that’s easy to make and customize.
11. Halva
Ingredients:
- 1 cup tahini
- 1 cup honey
- 1/2 cup pistachios, chopped
How to Make It:
Mix tahini and honey in a saucepan over low heat until combined. Stir in pistachios, then pour into a mold and chill until set.
Why We Selected It:
Halva is a sweet, nutty treat that’s perfect for dessert or a snack.
Conclusion
There you have it—10+ Israeli recipes that’ll transport your taste buds straight to the bustling streets of Tel Aviv or the vibrant markets of Jerusalem.
These dishes are not just food; they’re an experience.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your apron, pick a recipe, and start cooking.