Embark on a culinary journey with these delicious Lebanese recipes, perfect for those looking to explore the rich and diverse world of Middle Eastern cuisine. Each recipe showcases authentic Lebanese flavors, combining traditional ingredients with easy-to-follow instructions.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook, these dishes are a great way to bring a taste of Lebanon to your kitchen. From heartwarming soups, vibrant salads, mouthwatering mains, to decadent desserts, each recipe offers a unique blend of spices and textures, guaranteeing an unforgettable dining experience.
1. Tabbouleh
An Iconic Lebanese Salad
Tabbouleh is a vibrant Lebanese salad made primarily of finely chopped parsley, tomatoes, mint, onion, and soaked bulgur. This salad is bursting with fresh and tangy flavors, and is known for its refreshing qualities.
A Nutritious Side Dish
Ideal as a side dish, tabbouleh is full of nutritional benefits, including vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants from its primary ingredient, parsley. This salad pairs perfectly with grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own for a light meal.
Adapt to Your Taste
Feel free to adjust the proportions of the ingredients according to your liking. You might prefer more bulgur for a heartier salad, or extra lemon juice for more tang.
2. Hummus
A Creamy Chickpea Dip
Hummus is a beloved Lebanese spread made from pureed chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. It’s smooth, creamy, and has a delightful savory flavor that pairs well with a variety of dishes.
A Versatile Spread
You can enjoy hummus as a dip with pita bread, a spread on sandwiches, or as a companion to grilled vegetables or meat. Its protein and fiber content make it a healthy choice for any meal.
Customize Your Hummus
Experiment with adding additional flavors to your hummus such as roasted red peppers, jalapenos, or fresh herbs for a personalized touch.
3. Baba Ghanoush
A Smoky Eggplant Spread
Baba ghanoush is a Lebanese spread made from roasted eggplants, tahini, olive oil, and lemon juice. The slow roasting of the eggplant gives this dish a unique smoky flavor that sets it apart from other dips.
Healthy and Delicious
Baba ghanoush is a nutritious option for a snack, appetizer, or side dish. The eggplant provides dietary fiber and vitamins, while tahini adds protein and healthy fats.
Make it Your Own
Feel free to garnish your baba ghanoush with pomegranate seeds, chopped parsley, or a sprinkle of paprika for an extra burst of flavor and color.
4. Falafel
A Classic Lebanese Snack
Falafel is a traditional Lebanese food made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, mixed with herbs and spices, then deep-fried until crispy. They are usually served in pita bread with tahini sauce or hummus.
A High-Protein Vegetarian Option
As a rich source of protein, falafel is an excellent choice for vegetarians and vegans. These crispy balls are flavorful and filling, making them an ideal main course or snack.
Customize Your Falafel
You can also customize your falafel with your favorite fillings such as pickles, tomatoes, lettuce, or even add some hot sauce for a spicy kick.
5. Fattoush
A Refreshing Lebanese Salad
Fattoush is a Lebanese salad that features mixed greens, fresh vegetables, herbs, and crispy pieces of fried or baked pita bread. The salad is dressed with a tangy vinaigrette made of lemon juice, olive oil, and sumac.
A Perfect Side or Main Dish
Fattoush is versatile and can be enjoyed as a side dish or a main meal. Its fresh ingredients and tangy dressing make it a refreshing option, particularly during hot summer months.
Make it Your Own
Feel free to add other ingredients like feta cheese, olives, or grilled chicken to make this salad more substantial according to your taste.
6. Lebanese Lentil Soup
A Warm and Comforting Dish
Lebanese lentil soup is a comforting dish packed with flavors from lentils, vegetables, and aromatic spices. It’s a hearty soup that’s perfect for cold days or when you’re in need of a comforting meal.
Healthy and Nutritious
This soup is loaded with proteins from the lentils and vitamins from the vegetables, making it a nutritious choice for a meal. It’s also a good source of dietary fiber, helping to keep you feeling full longer.
Personalize Your Soup
Feel free to experiment with different types of lentils, vegetables, and spices to suit your preferences. You could also garnish with fresh herbs, a swirl of yogurt, or a squeeze of lemon for added flavor.
7. Manakish (Lebanese Pizza)
A Lebanese Take on Pizza
Manakish, often referred to as Lebanese pizza, is a popular flatbread topped with a mixture of za’atar spice, olive oil, and sometimes cheese or ground meat. It’s traditionally baked in a very hot oven until it’s crispy and flavorful.
Perfect for Any Meal
Manakish can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Its versatility and delicious flavors make it a beloved dish among children and adults alike.
Customize Your Manakish
Feel free to experiment with different toppings to personalize your manakish. Try adding fresh vegetables, different types of cheeses, or a variety of meats to make it your own.
8. Shish Tawook (Chicken Kebabs)
A Popular Lebanese Grilled Dish
Shish tawook is a popular Lebanese dish made of marinated chicken cubes that are skewered and grilled to perfection. The marinade typically includes yogurt, lemon juice, and various spices, imparting a rich flavor to the chicken.
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Great for Gatherings
These chicken kebabs are perfect for barbecues and gatherings. They’re a crowd-pleaser that can be served on their own or with a side of salad, rice, or grilled vegetables.
Make it Your Own
Feel free to experiment with the marinade ingredients or add vegetables like bell peppers and onions to the skewers to create a colorful and well-balanced meal.
9. Kibbeh
A Lebanese Staple
Kibbeh is a classic Lebanese dish that consists of a shell made from bulgur wheat and finely ground meat, traditionally lamb or beef, filled with a flavorful mixture of spiced meat, onions, and pine nuts.
Ideal for Any Occasion
These savory meatballs are perfect for any meal, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet evening at home. They can be served as a main dish or a hearty appetizer.
Customizable Recipe
You can customize your Kibbeh by adding different spices to the meat mixture, experimenting with various fillings, or even making a vegetarian version using lentils or chickpeas instead of meat.
10. Mujadara (Lentils and Rice with Crispy Onions)
A Humble Yet Nutritious Dish
Mujadara, a staple in Lebanese cuisine, combines lentils, rice, and crispy caramelized onions. It’s a humble yet satisfying dish, packed with fiber and protein.
Ideal for a Hearty Meal
This dish is perfect for a hearty vegetarian meal. The simplicity of Mujadara, coupled with its complex flavors, makes it a satisfying dish to enjoy on its own or as a side with other Lebanese delicacies.
Make it Your Own
Feel free to customize the Mujadara according to your preference. Add your favorite spices to it or adjust the ratio of lentils to rice. For a special touch, garnish with fresh herbs or a dollop of yogurt.
11. Lebanese Garlic Sauce (Toum)
A Flavorful Companion to Dishes
Toum, a traditional Lebanese garlic sauce, is a delicious accompaniment to a variety of dishes. Made with garlic, oil, lemon juice, and salt, this creamy sauce brings a zesty flavor to your meal.
A Versatile Sauce
This sauce pairs perfectly with grilled meats, shawarma, or even as a spread on sandwiches. It’s a simple recipe that packs a big punch of flavor.
Customizable to Your Taste
You can customize the amount of garlic and lemon juice in the sauce to suit your taste. If you find it too pungent, you can balance it with a little bit of yogurt.
12. Lebanese Meat Pies (Sfeeha)
A Savory Lebanese Treat
Sfeeha, Lebanese meat pies, are delightful little pastries filled with a savory mixture of meat and spices. They offer a delicious taste of Middle Eastern flavors.
Perfect for Any Occasion
These meat pies make a great appetizer for parties or a satisfying snack for a quick bite. Their size and portability make them an excellent choice for picnics and packed lunches as well.
A Recipe to Personalize
You can modify the meat filling to your preference. Some people prefer lamb over beef, and some add pomegranate molasses for a tangy twist. The choice is yours!
13. Spinach Fatayer (Spinach Stuffed Pastry)
A Flavorful Vegetarian Delight
Spinach Fatayer, a popular Lebanese pastry, involves a delicious combination of spinach, onions, and spices enclosed in a soft, warm dough. It’s a delightful vegetarian dish that’s packed with flavor.
Ideal for Parties and Snacks
These pastries are perfect for serving at parties, as snacks, or even as a light meal. They’re portable, delicious, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Experiment with Your Fillings
Feel free to experiment with different fillings. You could swap spinach for other leafy greens or add feta cheese for an extra layer of flavor. Enjoy the versatility that comes with this delightful dish.
14. Shish Barak (Lebanese Dumplings)
A Hearty Lebanese Classic
Shish Barak, a traditional Lebanese dish, features tiny meat-stuffed dumplings simmered in a tangy and creamy yogurt sauce. It’s a hearty and comforting meal that offers a unique taste experience.
Perfect for Family Dinners
This dish is ideal for a warm, comforting family dinner. The blend of flavors and textures in Shish Barak is sure to make it a favorite amongst both adults and children.
A Recipe to Personalize
You can customize the dumpling fillings or experiment with the yogurt sauce’s tanginess. Some people like to add a hint of mint or cilantro for a refreshing twist.
15. Lebanese Potato Salad
A Fresh and Zesty Salad
Lebanese Potato Salad is a light, refreshing alternative to traditional potato salad. It involves boiled potatoes tossed with fresh herbs, lemon juice, and olive oil, resulting in a zesty and flavorful side dish.
Ideal for Barbecues and Picnics
This salad is a perfect side for barbecues, picnics, or any meal really. It’s light, healthy, and adds a burst of freshness to your spread.
Make it Your Own
Feel free to add your favorite ingredients to this salad. Consider adding some sliced radishes for a crunch or some olives for a salty kick.
16. Fatteh (Lebanese Layered Bread Salad)
An Exciting Mix of Flavors and Textures
Fatteh is a traditional Lebanese dish that layers crispy toasted bread, chickpeas, yogurt, and pine nuts. It’s a unique and delicious combination of flavors and textures.
Perfect for a Fun Meal
This dish is great for a fun, casual meal. Its layered structure makes it interesting to eat, and the combination of ingredients ensures it’s filling and satisfying.
Make it Your Way
Feel free to play with the layers in the Fatteh. Some versions include eggplant or minced meat. The choice is yours!
17. Kibbeh Nayyeh (Lebanese Raw Meatballs)
A Unique Lebanese Delicacy
Kibbeh Nayyeh is a traditional Lebanese dish featuring raw meat finely ground and mixed with fine bulgur, onion, and spices. It’s a unique delicacy best enjoyed with fresh mint and olive oil.
Perfect for Adventurous Eaters
This dish is ideal for those who enjoy trying new foods. The raw meat is transformed through the careful combination of ingredients and seasoning, resulting in a delicious and unique taste experience.
Safety First!
Always use fresh, high-quality meat for Kibbeh Nayyeh and serve it the same day it’s prepared to ensure freshness and safety.
18. Batata Harra (Spicy Lebanese Potatoes)
A Fiery Side Dish
Batata Harra are Lebanese spicy potatoes, fried until golden, then tossed with a spicy chili, garlic, coriander, and lemon dressing. They’re the perfect fiery side dish for any meal.
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Perfect for Spicy Food Lovers
If you love spicy food, this is the dish for you. It packs a punch but is also incredibly flavorful and delicious.
Make it As Spicy as You Like
You can control the heat level in Batata Harra. Feel free to adjust the amount of chili to suit your spice tolerance.
19. Maamoul (Lebanese Date Cookies)
A Sweet Lebanese Treat
Maamoul are traditional Lebanese shortbread cookies filled with dates, but they can also be filled with pistachios, walnuts, or almonds. They’re a delightful treat, often served during religious celebrations.
Perfect for a Sweet Tooth
These cookies are ideal for anyone with a sweet tooth. They’re lightly sweet, buttery, and filled with a delicious, sweet filling.
Make it Your Way
You can play with the fillings in Maamoul. Try different types of nuts or even a mixture of date and nuts.
20. Lebanese Rice Pilaf
A Flavorful Side Dish
Lebanese Rice Pilaf is a simple yet flavorful side dish, made from vermicelli pasta and rice, cooked in butter or olive oil.
Perfect with Any Meal
This rice pilaf pairs well with a variety of dishes, from grilled meats to stews. It’s a versatile side dish that complements any meal.
Make it Your Way
Feel free to add your favorite spices or herbs to the rice pilaf. Some people like to add a bit of turmeric for color and flavor.
Conclusion
Lebanese cuisine provides a diverse array of dishes, each bursting with flavor and offering a unique gastronomic experience. This list of 20 traditional Lebanese recipes offers a glimpse into this rich culinary tradition, with dishes to satisfy all tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a special occasion, or simply looking to diversify your culinary repertoire, these recipes are a great way to immerse yourself in the enticing flavors of Lebanese cuisine. Enjoy the cooking journey and relish the delicious outcomes!
