Celebrate Arab American Heritage Month with this delicious round-up of plant-based Arab dishes.
April is Arab American Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the cultural contributions of Arab Americans—including their incredible food! Many traditional Arab dishes are fully plant-based, making it easy to enjoy meals that align with compassion for animals. Whether you’re enjoying these meals at home or exploring Arab American restaurants, there are plenty of delicious, animal-friendly dishes to celebrate.
1. Hummus
A staple in Arab cuisine, hummus is a creamy blend of chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. It’s a versatile dish enjoyed as a dip, spread, or side, offering a protein-packed and satisfying bite with every scoop of pita or fresh vegetables.
2. Falafel
These crispy, golden-brown chickpea fritters are a popular street food across the Arab world. Traditionally deep-fried or baked, falafel is often served in pita with fresh vegetables and drizzled with tahini sauce, making it a filling and flavorful option for plant-based eaters.
3. Mujaddara
A comforting and hearty dish made of lentils, rice, and caramelized onions, mujaddara is both budget-friendly and packed with protein. The rich, savory flavor of the slow-cooked onions makes this dish an easy favorite.
4. Ful Medames
Often eaten for breakfast, ful medames is a slow-cooked fava bean dish flavored with garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and spices. It’s a warm, nourishing meal that’s commonly served with fresh bread and vegetables for dipping.
5. Baba Ganoush
This smoky, creamy eggplant dip is a delicious alternative to hummus. Made by roasting or grilling eggplant and blending it with tahini, garlic, and lemon juice, baba ganoush has a distinct, bold flavor that pairs perfectly with pita or fresh veggies.
6. Tabbouleh
A refreshing parsley-based salad, tabbouleh is a vibrant mix of finely chopped parsley, tomatoes, bulgur, lemon juice, and olive oil. Light and zesty, it’s often served as a side dish but can easily be enjoyed as a main course on warm days.
7. Lentil Soup
A staple in many Arab households, lentil soup is a simple yet deeply flavorful dish made with lentils, onions, and spices. It’s a warm, comforting meal, often enjoyed with a squeeze of lemon for extra brightness.
8. Stuffed Grape Leaves (Warak Enab)
Stuffed grape leaves are a beloved dish filled with a flavorful mix of rice, herbs, and spices. While some versions include meat, the plant-based variety is just as delicious and offers a refreshing balance of citrus and herbs!
9. Makdous
A lesser-known but highly cherished dish, makdous consists of baby eggplants stuffed with walnuts, garlic, and red pepper and preserved in olive oil. These flavor-packed bites are commonly eaten for breakfast or as part of a mezze spread.
10. Fattoush
This bright and tangy salad features crispy pieces of toasted or fried pita bread mixed with fresh vegetables, sumac, and a zesty dressing.