Aromatic & Elevated Flavors
Lebanese cuisine takes basic ingredients and elevates them with aromatic spices, sauces, and sweeteners. Zesty sumac, unique za’atar, earthy parsley, delicate rose water, distinctive pomegranate molasses, creamy tahini paste, punchy garlic, and refreshing yogurt are some of the flavorings used to enhance Lebanese recipes. Meat (usually chicken or lamb), whole grains, legumes, and fresh vegetables form the basis of most Lebanese meals. In fact, Lebanese cuisine is a great choice for those who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet because there are so many veggie-based options. However, Lebanese cuisine also offers plenty of carnivorous delights to satisfy meat eaters, too. Many meals are centered around mezze, a dining style that uses small plates to compose an entire meal. Mezze is a social experience with groups of friends or family sharing a variety of small plates during each course. If you have the chance, we recommend enjoying Lebanese food in this way with your loved ones. In terms of cooking methods, Lebanese recipes call for straightforward approaches like grilling, frying, or baking. While the food is cooked simply, it is always lovingly prepared and carefully flavored to create a fascinating, complex flavor profile. Interested in trying this flavorful cuisine? You don’t have to fly all the way to Lebanon, because we’ve rounded up the five best Lebanese recipes to try making at home! Ready to start your culinary journey to Lebanon? Check out our picks below!
#1 Baba Ganoush
It wouldn’t be a list of the best Lebanese recipes without baba ganoush. This eggplant dip is creamy, smoky, and flavorful. It accommodates a variety of dietary needs (including gluten free and vegan) and it is ready in less than an hour. To make it, eggplant is roasted until it turns sweet and smoky. Then it is blended with tahini, garlic, and lemon juice. The result is a creamy, irresistible dip that’s perfectly spreadable and incredibly tasty! We recommend pairing it with pita bread, vegetables, or crackers. Want to try making this classic Lebanese recipe in your own kitchen?
#2 Fattoush
This Lebanese salad is tangy, fresh-tasting, and bright. Seasonal vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, and green peppers are tossed together with fresh parsley and green onions. Then deliciously crunchy pieces of fried pita bread are tossed in. The salad is finished off with a zesty, tangy dressing made with extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, garlic, mint, sumac, and pomegranate molasses. The result is a next-level salad that tastes like nothing you’ve ever had before. Want to try this light yet satisfying Lebanese recipe at home?
#3 Falafel
Lebanese falafel is crispy, crunchy, and delicious – this dish really elevates humble chickpeas into something truly special. Mashed chickpeas are combined with flour, baking powder, fresh parsley, and fresh cilantro. Other flavorings include black pepper, onion, garlic, cumin, and coriander. The mixture is hand-formed into patties and then fried until hot and crispy. Falafel is traditionally with a sauce made from tahini paste, lemon juice, garlic, and salt; you can also serve falafel with hummus or garlic sauce. Stuffing the falafel into a pita or wrap with vegetables like tomatoes, pickles, and onions is the most popular way to enjoy these crispy chickpea patties, but you can also toss them into a salad or even eat them on their own if you really want to! Ready to make this classic Lebanese recipe in your kitchen?
#4 Kibbeh
Often referred to as the national dish of Lebanon, kibbeh is a meat lover’s dream. The dough is made from a mix of bulgur (cracked wheat), onions, mint leaves, and meat. Then it’s formed into football-shaped croquettes and filled with more meat, onions, pine nuts, and spices. Each croquette is then deep-fried to crispy perfection. You can serve kibbeh along with yogurt, hummus, tahini, or even baba ganoush. Kibbeh is great as part of a mezze and is extremely shareable. Want to try making kibbeh at home?
#5 Mujadara
This classic Lebanese recipe is made up of only three main ingredients – lentils, rice (or, in some regions, bulgur), and onions. Cumin and olive oil add extra depth of flavor, but it’s the well-cooked onions that really bring it all together. In addition to the onions in the main dish, extra slices of onion are crisped and caramelized; these get served up as a savory garnish on top of the main dish. If you’re looking for a healthful, plant-based Lebanese recipe to share with your loved ones, this is it! Ready to try making mujadara yourself?
Bonus!
#6 Baklava
Baklava is crunchy, syrupy, sweet, and delicious. A crunchy walnut filling is spread between layers of crispy phyllo dough that’s been brushed with clarified butter. Then the whole thing is baked to crispy perfection before being soaked in a sweet, sticky syrup. What sets Lebanese baklava apart from other versions is the use of an aromatic simple syrup flavored with rose water. Lebanese baklava is often served at holidays and other special occasions, so the recipe makes a lot; we recommend enjoying baklava with family and friends at your next gathering. Ready to make this classic Lebanese dessert at home?