Summer in Palestine is an especially delicious and colorful season! It's a time of harvest and it's truly enjoyable to walk through the hisbe7, the market. You'll find molokhiya on the stalk, or leaves picked and prepared in bags, baby eggplants to pickle into maqdous, faqous-a white cucumber that is sweet and a bit dry on the outside but moist inside, green beans and lubiya (yard beans or green-black-eyed-peas), peaches and nectarines, figs and prickly pears...a rainbow of fresh produce!

And what’s better than sitting down to a delicious, home made meal on a summer day? From salads, fruits, and delicious meats, there are so many traditional Palestinian dishes to enjoy in the summer. These summertime meals are the centerpieces on so many tables throughout the season, and have become a meaningful tradition to share among friends and family.

Today we’re sharing a few of these recipes with you! We’ve gathered five recipes from some of our favorite food blogs to highlight the delicious masterpieces so you can make them at home during these hot months. Just click the photo below to visit the blogs and see the recipes! 

Molokhiya

This dish has a long history in the region, with many variations found around the area. In Palestine, this hearty dish combines the succulent flavors of molokhiya leaves with chicken, spiced with cardamom, onion, and garlic. While you can make this with your choice of lamb, or beef too, this recipe uses fresh chicken in most households. Simmered with the chicken and its stock for half an hour until tender, molokhiya makes a refreshing dinner served with rice and fresh lemon wedges to squeeze over it. This incredible recipe from Palestine in a Dish is a must-try!

Warik duwali

Who doesn’t love stuffed vine leaves? Warik duwali is one of those famous dishes found around the region that still finds itself to be unique to the region it’s made in. This dish requires time and care to wrap the leaves properly, making it a perfect dish to make with loved ones. In face, you'll find it's the centerpiece at most holiday tables because it always says, I love you, when you go to the effort to prepare this dish.

Our friends at Taste of Palestine have a fantastic recipe for vine leaves stuffed with spiced squash, tomatoes, and rice! Warik duwali can be served either cold or warm with a side of yogurt and salad!

Fattoush

Salad is perfect for a hot summer day, and this dish is just what you need to enjoy a refreshing, nutrient-filled meal! Fattoush combines a number of fresh vegetables, like cucumber, radishes, tomatoes, and romaine. Of course, there are some variations to this salad, adding different ingredients to give it a unique twist! This recipe adds purslane, green unions, mint, and sumac for a burst of flavor. This irresistible salad will have you coming back for seconds! Find this recipe at Almond and Fig!

Tabbouleh

Another day, another salad – what more could you want? Tabbouleh is a parsley-filled salad mixed with bulgur wheat, mint, tomatoes, and citrus dressing. To give the wheat that perfect texture, it’s best to soak it for about 45 minutes before adding it to the leafy mixture. Making a quick salad dressing of good-quality olive oil and lemon juice (or lime if you prefer!) also livens the flavor of the parsley and mint perfectly. This salad has a sharp, distinct flavor that freshens your appetite, and can be served with a variety of dishes! Check out this recipe from our friends at The Mediterranean Dish!

Watermelon and jibna bayda

Fruit and cheese is an incredible combination, so this dish has become very popular. This summertime classic is usually enjoyed around dinnertime, with watermelon served alongside akkawi cheese and bread. The sweet flavors of the fruit mixed with the salty flavors of the cheese is sure to make everyone’s day. This incredibly simple recipe from Palestine in a Dish is only a few ingredients, so it’s an easy go-to snack for the summer! Plus, you could match your evening snack with some watermelon jewelry for some extra fun!

These traditional recipes from Palestine are big hits during the summer. We’ve even put together a bundle of much-needed kitchen supplies like olive wood tools, ceramics, and an apron designed with Palestinian recipes to help you make these delicious dishes this season! So why not share these meals with your friends and family this summer?