10+ Lebanese Recipes to Savor and Share

Lebanese cuisine is a vibrant mix of flavors, colors, and traditions that brings people together. Exploring these recipes lets you experience the rich culture and hospitality of Lebanon right in your own kitchen.

From savory dishes to delightful sweets, Lebanese food offers something for everyone.

You can easily create authentic meals using simple ingredients and techniques. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a meal with family, Lebanese recipes will add a special touch to your dining experience.

1) Kibbeh – Spiced meat and bulgur wheat patties

Kibbeh is a popular Middle Eastern dish made from ground meat and bulgur wheat. It has a spiced flavor and a unique texture.

You can enjoy kibbeh fried, baked, or even raw. To make kibbeh, start with fine bulgur wheat, soaked to soften it.

Blend bulgur with ground meat, usually lamb or beef, and spices like cumin and cinnamon. This mixture forms an outer layer that holds tasty fillings inside.

Serve kibbeh as an appetizer or a main dish. It pairs well with yogurt sauce or salad.

Ingredients

• 1 kg ground meat
• 1 kg fine bulgur wheat
• 1 large onion
• ½ birds eye chili (optional)
• 1.5 tablespoons kibbeh spices
• 1 tablespoon 7 spice mix
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak the bulgur wheat in water for 30 minutes, then drain.
2. In a large bowl, combine soaked bulgur, ground meat, finely chopped onion, and spices.
3. Mix until well combined, then form into small patties.
4. Fry in heated oil at 375°F (190°C) until golden brown or bake in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes.

2) Stuffed Grape Leaves (Warak Enab) – Tender vine leaves filled with rice and herbs

Stuffed grape leaves, or warak enab, are a delicious part of Lebanese cuisine. These tender vine leaves are filled with a mixture of rice, herbs, and often ground meat.

The filling usually includes parsley, mint, and spices for extra flavor. Lemon juice adds tartness to the dish.

Serve warak enab as an appetizer or a main dish. They are often paired with yogurt or a fresh salad.

Ingredients

• 1 jar of grape leaves (about 50 leaves)
• 1 cup rice, rinsed
• 1 lb ground meat (beef or lamb)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup chopped parsley
• 1/4 cup fresh mint
• 2 lemons, juiced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse and soak grape leaves in water.
2. In a bowl, mix rice, meat, onion, parsley, mint, salt, and pepper.
3. Place a spoonful of filling onto each grape leaf.
4. Roll the leaves tightly and arrange them in a pot.
5. Cover with water and lemon juice, then simmer on low heat for about 45 minutes.

3) Classic Hummus – Creamy chickpea dip with tahini

Classic hummus is a smooth and creamy dip made from chickpeas and tahini. It’s a staple in Lebanese cuisine.

This dip is perfect for spreading on pita bread or as a vegetable dip. Use a food processor to blend the ingredients smoothly.

Fresh lemon juice makes hummus tastier, and garlic adds extra flavor. Serve it with a drizzle of olive oil on top.

Add paprika or chopped parsley for a colorful touch.

Ingredients

• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 cup tahini
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 garlic clove
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Water as needed

Cooking Instructions

1. In a food processor, combine chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. Add olive oil and salt.
4. If it’s too thick, add water until you reach your desired consistency.
5. Serve with olive oil drizzled on top.

4) Fattoush Salad – Fresh mixed greens with toasted pita and sumac

Fattoush salad is a refreshing dish from Lebanon. You will love the mix of fresh greens, crispy pita, and a tangy dressing.

Start with crisp romaine lettuce and add herbs like parsley and mint. Cherry tomatoes and radishes bring crunch and color.

Toasted pita adds texture to the salad. The dressing is a blend of lemon juice and sumac for a zesty flavor.

You can make this salad quickly, making it great for busy days.

Ingredients

• 1 head romaine lettuce
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 5 radishes, thinly sliced
• ½ cup fresh mint leaves
• ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 pita bread, toasted
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon sumac
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Chop the romaine lettuce and place it in a large bowl.
2. Add the tomatoes, cucumber, radishes, mint, and parsley.
3. Toast the pita bread until golden, then break it into pieces.
4. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, sumac, salt, and pepper.
5. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently.
6. Top with toasted pita pieces and serve fresh.

5) Tabbouleh – Parsley and bulgur wheat salad with tomatoes and mint

Tabbouleh is a refreshing Lebanese salad loaded with flavor. This dish features finely chopped parsley, mint, tomatoes, and bulgur wheat.

Use fresh ingredients for the best taste. Lemon juice adds a zesty kick, and mint gives it a vibrant touch.

You can serve tabbouleh chilled or at room temperature. It’s easy to prepare and can be made in advance.

Ingredients

• 1 cup bulgur wheat
• 2 cups boiling water
• 1 bunch fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh mint, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Place bulgur in a large bowl and pour boiling water over it.
2. Cover and let sit for 30 minutes until soft.
3. Fluff bulgur with a fork.
4. Add parsley, mint, tomatoes, and onion.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
6. Season with salt and pepper. Mix well.
7. Serve immediately or chill before serving.

6) Chicken Shawarma – Marinated grilled chicken wraps

Chicken shawarma is a tasty Middle Eastern dish with marinated grilled chicken. You’ll love making wraps filled with spiced chicken.

Start by marinating chicken with cumin, coriander, garlic, and lemon juice. Let it sit for at least an hour, or overnight for more flavor.

Grill the chicken until cooked through and it has grill marks. Use a stovetop or outdoor grill.

Slice the chicken thinly and wrap it in pita bread or flatbreads with fresh veggies. Add toppings like garlic sauce, tahini, or pickles.

Ingredients

• Chicken thighs
• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Garlic
• Cumin
• Coriander
• Salt
• Pepper
• Pita or flatbreads
• Fresh vegetables (lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and spices.
2. Add chicken thighs to the bowl and coat well. Marinate for 1 hour or overnight.
3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F or 190°C).
4. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Remove the chicken and let it rest for a few minutes.
6. Slice the chicken thinly and place it in pita or flatbreads.
7. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy!

7) Kafta Kebabs – Ground meat mixed with spices and grilled on skewers

Kafta kebabs are a popular Middle Eastern dish made with ground meat, usually beef or lamb, mixed with spices and fresh herbs. Shape the mixture onto skewers and grill them to perfection.

Use onion and parsley for flavor. Cumin and coriander add extra taste.

Grill the kebabs outdoors for a smoky flavor. Serve with pita bread or rice and your favorite sauces.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) ground beef or lamb
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon coriander
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix the ground meat, onion, parsley, and spices.
2. Shape the mixture onto skewers.
3. Preheat the grill to 400°F (200°C).
4. Grill the skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally.
5. Serve hot with pita or rice.

8) Mujadara – Lentils and rice topped with caramelized onions

Mujadara is a traditional Lebanese dish that combines lentils and rice, topped with sweet, caramelized onions. It’s simple to make and full of flavor.

This meal is vegan and rich in protein. Serve it with yogurt or a side salad.

Ingredients

• 1 cup green or brown lentils
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 large onions, sliced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups water

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the lentils. Cook them in a pot with 2 cups of water until tender, about 20 minutes.

2. In another pot, cook the rice with 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt until fluffy.

3. Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add sliced onions and cook on medium heat until golden brown.

4. Combine the lentils and rice in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper, then top with caramelized onions before serving.

9) Lebanese Garlic Sauce (Toum) – Creamy and tangy garlic dip

Toum is a popular Lebanese garlic sauce that adds a rich flavor to many dishes. It’s creamy and tangy, perfect for dipping or as a condiment.

You only need garlic, oil, lemon juice, and salt. These simple ingredients make it easy to prepare at home.

Traditionally, people use a food processor to make toum. You can also use simpler methods if you don’t have one.

This sauce pairs well with grilled meats and vegetables.

Ingredients

• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Peel the garlic cloves.
2. Blend the garlic in a food processor until smooth.
3. Gradually add the oil while blending.
4. Slowly mix in the lemon juice and salt.
5. Serve fresh with your favorite dishes.

10) Baked Fish with Garlic and Lemon – Simple flavorful seafood dish

Baked fish with garlic and lemon is an easy and delicious dish. This recipe uses fresh ingredients for a wholesome meal.

You’ll need fish, garlic, olive oil, and lemons. These ingredients create a bright and flavorful dish.

Prepare your fish by marinating it in crushed garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice. Let it sit to soak in the flavors.

Bake the fish in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until tender and flaky. This takes about 20-25 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish.

Serve hot with your favorite sides.

Ingredients

• Fresh fish (like cod or snapper)
• 3-4 garlic cloves
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Mix crushed garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice in a bowl.

3. Marinate the fish in the mixture for at least 15 minutes.

4. Place the fish on a baking dish.

5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the fish becomes flaky.

6. Serve and enjoy!