🥣 Picture a steaming bowl of golden maftoul, its chewy grains infused with warm spices, tossed with smoky grilled vegetables like zucchini and eggplant, and brightened by a zesty sumac dressing. Scattered with toasted pine nuts and fresh herbs, this dish is a love letter to Palestinian cuisine — rustic yet refined, wholesome yet bursting with flavor.

It’s perfect as a main course for a family gathering 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦, a side dish alongside roasted meats 🍖, or a chilled couscous salad for warm days ☀️. Like the original, it’s versatile and meal-prep-friendly, but it’s steeped in the soul of Palestine, where food is a celebration of community and resilience 🌿.

A Dish Rooted in Palestinian Heritage

Maftoul, sometimes called Palestinian couscous, is a cornerstone of the region’s cuisine. Traditionally hand-rolled by women 👵🏼 in rural communities, it’s made from bulgur and wheat flour, giving it a nutty flavor and satisfying texture.

Unlike pearl couscous, which was developed in Israel, maftoul carries deep cultural significance in Palestine 💚. It’s often served during holidays or special occasions with stews or roasted meats. Pairing it with grilled vegetables reflects the Palestinian love for seasonal produce 🍆🥒, while sumac and za’atar add authentic flair 🌿✨.

If you’ve been searching for a hearty palestinian recipe or a refreshing palestinian salad idea like salata arabieh, this beautifully spiced and vibrant dish is sure to become a new favorite.

Whether enjoyed warm or chilled, this maftoul recipe embodies the spirit of the land — celebrating fresh ingredients, communal tables, and timeless traditions.

For vegetarians and anyone craving a naturally wholesome meal, this vegetarian-friendly creation offers everything: texture, flavor, and soul.

The Nutritional Powerhouse

Like the original, this dish is packed with health benefits. Each ingredient plays a role:

Maftoul: Fiber + B vitamins = energy and wellness ⚡
Zucchini: Immunity booster and eye health 🥒👀
Eggplant: Heart-loving antioxidants 💜
Olive Oil: Good fats for a happy heart 💚🫒
Sumac: Anti-inflammatory magic 🌺
Za’atar: Thyme + sesame = flavor + nutrients 💫
Lemon Juice: Immunity and digestion support 🍋
Pine Nuts: Protein + vitamin E = strong and glowing 💪✨
Herbs (Dill/Parsley): Bone & immune strength 🌿🦴

🔁 Versatility at Its Best

This maftoul dish can do it all:

🍽️ Serve warm with grilled chicken or lamb
🧊 Chill it for mezze or picnic vibes
🧺 Prep ahead—it keeps well for 3–4 days!

Try these variations:

🧆 Add chickpeas for plant protein
🌶️ Chop in green chilies for spice lovers
🥕 Toss in carrots or bell peppers for color
🍶 Swirl in labneh for creamy comfort

🧂 Tips for Success

Here’s how to keep it authentic:

🥣 Get hand-rolled maftoul from trusted Palestinian brands
🔥 Grill veggies over flame for that smoky depth
🌿 Use fresh sumac + za’atar—store airtight!
🫒 Choose Palestinian olive oil for richness
🌰 Toast pine nuts to bring out flavor

🥂 Pairing Perfection

Complete your meal with these drink pairings:

🍑 Qamar al-din (apricot juice)
🌿 Mint lemonade for a zesty echo
🍵 Sage tea (maramia) for herbal harmony
🍸 Arak (if you want something spirited!)

🎉 When to Enjoy It

This dish fits every moment:

🕛 Lunch: Light but filling
🌙 Dinner: Wholesome and warm
🥳 Celebrations: Eid, weddings, or Iftar spreads

❤️ Why You’ll Keep Coming Back

Maftoul with Grilled Vegetables and Sumac-Lemon Dressing is comfort, culture, and community in one bowl. It honors Palestinian heritage, uplifts humble ingredients, and fills your kitchen with soul.

Whether you’re new to Palestinian cuisine or already love it, this recipe will transport you straight to the heart of Palestine 🏡✨.

So roll up your sleeves, fire up the grill 🔥, and prepare to share this joy with loved ones. Every bite tells a story—let it be part of yours.

Maftoul with Grilled Vegetables and Sumac-Lemon Dressing

A vibrant Palestinian dish featuring hand-rolled maftoul, grilled zucchini and eggplant, and a zesty sumac-lemon dressing. This hearty and healthy recipe captures the spirit of Palestinian cuisine—flavorful, rustic, and perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Course Main Course, Salad

Cuisine Mediterranean, MIddle Eastern, Palestinian

Servings 4 people

Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

1 Grill or skillet For charring the vegetables
1 Saucepan To cook the maftoul
1 Mixing Bowl For combining ingredients
1 Whisk or fork For preparing the dressing
1 Cutting board For prepping vegetables

Ingredients

1 cup Maftoul Use hand-rolled if available
1 medium Zucchini Sliced into rounds
1 small Eggplant Sliced into rounds
3 tsp Olive oil Extra virgin
2 cloves Garlic Minced
1 tsp Sumac
1 tsp Za’atar
2 tsp Lemon juice Freshly squeezed
Salt & pepper To taste
¼ cup Pine nuts Optional toasted
2 tsp Dill or parsley fresh chopped

Instructions

Grill the Vegetables:Slice the zucchini and eggplant into ½-inch rounds. Toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil, a pinch of salt, and za’atar. Grill or sear in a hot skillet 3–4 minutes per side until lightly charred. Chop into bite-sized pieces once cool.
Cook the Maftoul:Bring 2 cups of water or vegetable broth to a boil. Add maftoul with a pinch of salt. Simmer 12–15 minutes until tender. Drain and fluff with a fork.
Make the Dressing:In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, sumac, salt, and pepper.
Combine and Serve:Toss the maftoul with grilled vegetables and dressing. Fold in fresh herbs and top with toasted pine nuts. Serve warm or chilled.

Notes

This dish is deeply rooted in Palestinian culture and is incredibly versatile. Enjoy it warm with grilled chicken or lamb, or serve chilled with hummus and tabbouleh. It’s meal-prep friendly, flavorful, and nourishing.

Maftoul with Grilled Vegetables and Sumac-Lemon Dressing