If you’re looking for an exciting new cuisine to try, Lebanese food should be on your list. Lebanese cuisine is a combination of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors, making it both vibrant and delicious. Lebanese cooking is also known for its healthy ingredients and generous use of fresh herbs and spices. Here are some of the most popular Lebanese recipes that you should definitely try.
Hummus
Hummus is a popular Middle Eastern dip made from cooked, mashed chickpeas, blended with tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and salt. It is a perfect accompaniment to almost any meal and can also be used as a spread on sandwiches or wraps. Hummus is a great source of protein, fiber, and vitamins, making it a healthy and delicious option for any meal.
Ingredients
– 2 cups cooked chickpeas
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 tablespoons tahini
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– ¼ teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
1. Place the cooked chickpeas, garlic, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt in a food processor.
2. Process until smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
3. Slowly add the water while the processor is running, until the desired consistency is reached.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Serve with pita bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables.
Nutrition
Per serving:
Calories: 128
Fat: 6.6g
Carbohydrates: 14.3g
Protein: 4.2g
Fiber: 3.6g
Sugar: 0.9g
Sodium: 127mg
Tabbouleh
Tabbouleh is a popular Lebanese salad made with bulgur, tomatoes, cucumbers, parsley, mint, and a simple lemon and olive oil dressing. This classic dish is light and refreshing, perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish. It’s also a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables and whole grains.
Ingredients
– 1 cup bulgur
– 2 cups boiling water
– 2 tomatoes, diced
– 1 cucumber, diced
– 1 cup chopped parsley
– ¼ cup chopped mint
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Place the bulgur in a bowl and pour the boiling water over it.
2. Cover and let sit for 30 minutes, until the bulgur is tender.
3. Drain the bulgur and transfer it to a large bowl.
4. Add the tomatoes, cucumber, parsley, and mint.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
6. Pour the dressing over the salad and mix well.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
8. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition
Per serving:
Calories: 149
Fat: 5.4g
Carbohydrates: 22.4g
Protein: 4.4g
Fiber: 5.4g
Sugar: 2.4g
Sodium: 17mg
Kibbeh
Kibbeh is a traditional Lebanese dish made from ground meat, bulgur, and spices. It is usually formed into small balls or patties and fried or baked. Kibbeh is popular in many Middle Eastern countries and is often served as an appetizer or main dish.
Ingredients
– 1 pound lean ground beef
– 1 cup bulgur
– 1 onion, minced
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 teaspoons ground allspice
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Place the bulgur in a bowl and cover with boiling water.
2. Let sit for 30 minutes, until the bulgur is tender.
3. Drain the bulgur and transfer it to a large bowl.
4. Add the ground beef, onion, garlic, olive oil, allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
5. Mix well until all the ingredients are combined.
6. Form the mixture into small balls or patties.
7. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil.
8. Fry the kibbeh for about 5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
9. Serve with tahini sauce or your favorite dip.
Nutrition
Per serving:
Calories: 247
Fat: 11.6g
Carbohydrates: 19.4g
Protein: 17.5g
Fiber: 3.2g
Sugar: 1.5g
Sodium: 74mg
Fattoush
Fattoush is a Lebanese salad made with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a delicious lemon and olive oil dressing. This salad is light and refreshing, a perfect side dish for any meal. It’s also a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables and fiber.
Ingredients
– 2 tomatoes, diced
– 2 cucumbers, diced
– 1 red onion, diced
– 1 green bell pepper, diced
– 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
– ½ cup chopped parsley
– ½ cup chopped mint
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 pieces pita bread, cut into small cubes and toasted
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, bell pepper, lettuce, parsley, and mint.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and mix well.
4. Add the toasted pita cubes and mix gently.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition
Per serving:
Calories: 112
Fat: 7.1g
Carbohydrates: 10.4g
Protein: 1.9g
Fiber: 2.8g
Sugar: 3.3g
Sodium: 58mg
Tzatziki
Tzatziki is a popular Greek dish made from yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, and herbs. It is often served as an accompaniment to grilled meats or as a dip for fresh vegetables. This creamy and refreshing dip is also a great source of probiotics and calcium.
Ingredients
– 2 cups plain Greek yogurt
– 1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and grated
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Place the yogurt in a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth.
2. Place the sieve over a bowl and let sit for at least 2 hours, until the yogurt is thick and creamy.
3. Discard the liquid in the bowl.
4. In a medium bowl, combine the yogurt, cucumber, garlic, dill, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
5. Mix well until all the ingredients are combined.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Serve chilled with pita bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables.
Nutrition
Per serving:
Calories: 144
Fat: 9.3g
Carbohydrates: 8.7g
Protein: 6.4g
Fiber: 0.7g
Sugar: 5.4g
Sodium: 49mg
These are just a few of the delicious Lebanese recipes that you can make at home. From classic dips and salads to main dishes and sides, there are plenty of Lebanese recipes to choose from. So, the next time you’re looking to spice up your dinner menu, try some of these tasty Lebanese recipes.