Delicious Lebanese Delights: Recipes to Savor

 Lebanese cuisines are known for its rich and diverse flavors, offering a culinary journey like no other. Here are three classic Lebanese recipes that will transport your taste buds to the heart of the Mediterranean.

Lebanese Potato Stew

Ingredients:

  • 4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon of cumin
  • 1 teaspoon of paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 can of crushed tomatoes (400g)
  • 1 cup of water
  • 1 cup of frozen peas
  • Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent.
  2. Add the minced garlic and continue to sauté for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper. Cook for a couple of minutes to allow the spices to release their flavors.
  4. Add the potatoes to the pot and season with salt and black pepper. Stir them to coat with the aromatic spices.
  5. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and water. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  6. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20–25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and fully cooked.
  7. Stir in the frozen peas and continue simmering for an additional 5–7 minutes.
  8. Taste the stew and adjust the seasonings if needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or cayenne to suit your taste.
  9. Serve the Lebanese Potato Stew hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves. It’s perfect on its own or with some warm pita bread.

Lebanese Hummus Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1/3 cup of fresh lemon juice (from about 1 large lemon)
  • 1/2 cup of well-stirred tahini
  • 2 small garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for serving
  • 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons of water
  • Dash of paprika, for serving
  • Dash of parsley, for serving

Here is Instructions for Lebanese Hummus Recipe :

  1. In a food processor, combine the tahini and lemon juice and process for about 1 minute. This will make your hummus smooth and creamy.
  2. Add the olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, and a pinch of salt to the tahini and lemon mixture. Process for another 30 seconds or until well blended.
  3. Add half of the chickpeas to the food processor and process for about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl, then add the remaining chickpeas. Process until the hummus is thick and smooth, about 1–2 minutes.
  4. If your hummus is too thick, add 2–3 tablespoons of water and process until the desired consistency is reached.
  5. Taste the hummus and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, lemon juice, or garlic if needed.
  6. Serve the hummus in a bowl, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with paprika and chopped parsley. It’s perfect for dipping pita bread, fresh veggies, or as a spread for sandwiches.

Lebanese Kafta Kabobs

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef or lamb
  • 1 large onion, finely grated
  • 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon of ground allspice
  • 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Skewers, wooden or metal

Instructions:

  1. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, grated onion, chopped parsley, olive oil, allspice, cinnamon, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
  3. Take a small handful of the meat mixture and mold it onto a skewer, shaping it into a long, flat sausage shape. Repeat with the remaining meat mixture.
  4. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once the grill is hot, place the kafta skewers on it and grill for about 5–6 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked to your preferred level of doneness.
  5. Serve the Lebanese Kafta Kabobs with pita bread, a side of hummus, and your favorite Mediterranean salads for a complete and delicious meal.

Enjoy these authentic Lebanese recipes and savor the flavors of Lebanon in the comfort of your own home

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