Lebanese cuisine is a rich and diverse reflection of the country's history and cultural influences. From the aromatic spices and herbs, to the flavorful meats and vegetables, Lebanese dishes are a feast for the senses. One of the most beloved and iconic Lebanese recipes is the traditional Lebanese rice and chicken dish, known as "Riz bi Djaj". This mouthwatering dish is a staple in Lebanese households and is often served at special occasions and gatherings. In this article, we will take a closer look at the history and ingredients of this delicious Lebanese recipe.
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef Chuck, Chopped Parsley, Sun Dried Tomatoes
If you're looking for a flavorful and easy meal to make on the grill, these Lebanese beef kebabs are the perfect choice. Made with a blend of ground beef, spices, and herbs, these kebabs are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Serve them with pita bread, hummus, and tahini sauce for a delicious and authentic Lebanese meal.
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Baked Lebanese Lamb Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Ground Lamb, Egg, Bread Crumbs, Chopped Parsley, Mint
These tender and juicy Lebanese lamb meatballs are a must-try for any meatball lover. Made with a combination of ground lamb, onions, herbs, and spices, these meatballs are packed with flavor and can be enjoyed as an appetizer or as a main dish. Baking the meatballs in the oven ensures a crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and tender.
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Lebanese Lentil Salad with Garlic, Cumin, Mint, and...
Main Ingredients: Green Lentil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Garlic, Chopped
This refreshing and healthy Lebanese lentil salad is a great option for a light lunch or as a side dish for a larger meal. The lentils are flavored with garlic, cumin, mint, and lemon juice, giving this dish a delicious and tangy flavor. It's also a great source of protein and fiber, making it a nutritious addition to any meal.
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Lebanese Garlic Sauce (Toum)
Main Ingredients: Kosher Salt, Garlic Cloves, Grapeseed Oil, Lemon Juice
Toum, or Lebanese garlic sauce, is a staple in Lebanese cuisine and is often served as a condiment with various dishes. Made with garlic, lemon juice, vegetable oil, and salt, this sauce has a strong garlic flavor and a creamy texture. It's great to dip pita bread in or to use as a spread for sandwiches and wraps.
This traditional Lebanese dish is made with lentils, rice, and caramelized onions, making it a hearty and flavorful option for a vegetarian meal. The lentils and rice are cooked together with spices and topped with crispy fried onions, giving the dish a delicious crunch. Serve with a side of yogurt for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Spicy Lebanese Potatoes
Main Ingredients: Russet Potatoes, Olive Oil, Sea Salt, Garlic Cloves
If you love spicy food, these Lebanese potatoes are a must-try. The potatoes are tossed in a blend of spices and herbs, including paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper, and then baked to perfection. They make a great side dish for any meal or can be enjoyed as a snack on their own.
This Lebanese baked chicken is a simple and delicious way to prepare chicken. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and spices, and then baked in the oven until tender and juicy. Serve with a side of tabbouleh or fattoush salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Lebanese Chicken Tawook
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, Lemon, Garlic, Salt
Chicken tawook, or grilled chicken skewers, is a popular street food in Lebanon and is often served with garlic sauce and pickles. The chicken is marinated in a blend of yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, and spices, giving it a tangy and flavorful taste. Grilling the chicken on skewers adds a delicious smoky flavor to the dish.
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Lebanese Fattoush Salad
Main Ingredients: Pita Bread, Romaine Lettuce, Tomatoes, Sliced Cucumber
This Lebanese salad is a delicious and refreshing combination of vegetables, herbs, and pita bread. The pita bread is toasted and then mixed with the salad, giving it a delicious crunch. The dressing is made with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and sumac, a tangy and citrusy spice commonly used in Lebanese cuisine.
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Lebanese Rice Pilaf
Main Ingredients: White Rice, Clarified Butter, Vermicelli Pasta, Boiling
This flavorful Lebanese rice pilaf is a great side dish for any meal. The rice is cooked with chicken broth and spices, giving it a delicious and savory taste. Serve it alongside your favorite meat dish or add some vegetables to make it a complete meal.
Lebanese rice is a staple in Lebanese cuisine and is often served as a side dish for many meals. The rice is cooked with vermicelli noodles, giving it a unique texture and flavor. It's a great accompaniment to many dishes and can also be used as a base for stews or curries.
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Garlic Sauce (Mediterranean/Lebanese Dip)
Main Ingredients: Greek Natural Yogurt, Garlic Cloves, Mayonnaise, Olive
This creamy and flavorful garlic sauce is a popular dip in both Lebanese and Mediterranean cuisine. Made with garlic, egg whites, lemon juice, and vegetable oil, this sauce has a strong garlic taste and a smooth and creamy texture. It's great to serve with pita bread, grilled meats, or vegetables.
This Lebanese lamb rice is a delicious and hearty meal that is perfect for colder days. The lamb is braised with spices, tomatoes, and rice, giving it a rich and flavorful taste. This dish is often served with a side of yogurt and pickles for a complete meal.
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Authentic Lebanese Tabbouleh Salad
Main Ingredients: Italian Parsley, Mint, Persian Cucumber, Tomatoes
This authentic Lebanese tabbouleh salad is a refreshing and healthy option for any meal. Made with bulgur wheat, tomatoes, cucumbers, parsley, and mint, this salad is packed with nutrients and flavor. The dressing is made with olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic, giving it a tangy and zesty taste.
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Traditional Lebanese Rice
Main Ingredients: Rice, Vermicelli Pasta, Unsalted Butter, Water, Salt
This traditional Lebanese rice is a staple in Lebanese households and is often served as a side dish for many meals. The rice is cooked with vermicelli noodles and butter, giving it a delicious and nutty flavor. It's a simple and comforting dish that pairs well with many Lebanese dishes.
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Toum - Lebanese Garlic Spread
Main Ingredients: Garlic, Vegetable Oil, Lemon, Kosher Salt
Toum, or Lebanese garlic spread, is a must-try for any garlic lover. Made with garlic, lemon juice, vegetable oil, and salt, this spread has a strong garlic flavor and a creamy texture. It's great to use as a dip for grilled meats or as a spread for sandwiches and wraps.
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Lebanese Style Stuffed Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Eggplants, Jasmine Rice, Olive Oil, Pine Nuts, Onion
This Lebanese style stuffed eggplant dish is a delicious and hearty meal that is perfect for vegetarians. The eggplant is baked and then stuffed with a mixture of rice, vegetables, and spices, giving it a delicious and flavorful taste. Serve with a side of yogurt for a complete and satisfying meal.
This Lebanese garlic sauce is a staple in Lebanese cuisine and is often served as a condiment with various dishes. Made with garlic, lemon juice, vegetable oil, and salt, this sauce has a strong garlic flavor and a creamy texture. It's great to dip pita bread in or to use as a spread for sandwiches and wraps.
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Shish Taouk – Lebanese Chicken Skewers
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, Greek Yogurt, Extra
Shish taouk, or Lebanese chicken skewers, are a popular street food in Lebanon and are often enjoyed as a quick and delicious meal. The chicken is marinated in a blend of yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, and spices, and then grilled to perfection. Serve with a side of tabbouleh or fattoush salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Kibbeh (Lebanese Beef Croquettes)
Main Ingredients: Onion, Lean Ground Beef, Olive Oil, Allspice, Cinnamon
Kibbeh, or Lebanese beef croquettes, are a popular appetizer in Lebanon and are often served at parties and gatherings. Made with a mixture of ground beef, bulgur wheat, and spices, these croquettes have a crispy exterior and a flavorful and juicy interior. Serve with a side of hummus and pita bread for a delicious and authentic Lebanese meal.
The History of Riz bi Djaj
Riz bi Djaj, which translates to "rice with chicken", has been a part of Lebanese cuisine for centuries. It is believed to have originated during the Ottoman Empire, when the Turks ruled over Lebanon. The dish was adapted and transformed over time, with each region and family adding their own unique twist to the recipe. Today, Riz bi Djaj has become a symbol of Lebanese hospitality and is a beloved dish that brings families and friends together.
The Ingredients
The key ingredients in Riz bi Djaj are rice, chicken, and spices. The type of rice used can vary, but the most commonly used is long-grain basmati rice. The chicken is often cut into small pieces and marinated in a blend of spices, including allspice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Other essential ingredients include onions, garlic, and olive oil. These ingredients come together to create a delicious and aromatic dish that is bursting with flavor.
The Cooking Process
To make Riz bi Djaj, the chicken is first marinated and then browned in a large pot with the onions and garlic. The rice is then added and cooked with the chicken and spices, allowing the rice to absorb all the flavorful juices. As the dish cooks, the kitchen is filled with the enticing aroma of the spices and herbs. Once the rice and chicken are fully cooked, the dish is topped with toasted almonds and pistachios, adding a delightful crunch to each bite.
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<h3>The Ingredients</h3>
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