For many Lebanese people, zalabia is not just a dessert, it is a nostalgic taste that brings back childhood memories. This sweet treat is a staple at family gatherings, especially during holidays and celebrations. Today, I will share with you a Lebanese zalabia recipe that is easy to make and will impress your friends and family. This traditional dish is not only delicious but also a reflection of the rich culture and history of Lebanon.
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef Chuck, Chopped Parsley, Sun Dried Tomatoes
Kafta, also known as kofta, is a popular Middle Eastern dish made from seasoned ground beef or lamb. It's a favorite among many Lebanese households and is often enjoyed as a main dish or as part of a mezze spread. To make kafta, ground beef is mixed with spices such as cumin, allspice, and parsley, formed into skewers, and grilled to perfection. The result is a juicy and flavorful kebab that pairs perfectly with a side of hummus or baba ghanoush.
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Lebanese Lentil Salad with Garlic, Cumin, Mint, and...
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Lentils are a staple in Lebanese cuisine, and this lentil salad is a must-try for anyone looking to explore the flavors of the Middle East. Cooked lentils are tossed with a flavorful dressing made from garlic, cumin, mint, and olive oil. The result is a refreshing and nutritious salad that can be enjoyed as a side dish or a light lunch. Feel free to add your own twist to this salad by incorporating other ingredients such as feta cheese or cherry tomatoes.
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Lebanese Garlic Sauce (Toum)
Main Ingredients: Kosher Salt, Garlic Cloves, Grapeseed Oil, Lemon Juice
No Lebanese meal is complete without a side of toum, a creamy and garlicky sauce that pairs well with almost everything. This sauce is made from a base of garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil, and it's commonly served with dishes such as shawarma, falafel, and grilled meats. Some people also like to add chickpeas to their toum for a thicker and more flavorful dip.
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Main Ingredients: Russet Potatoes, Olive Oil, Sea Salt, Garlic Cloves
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Lebanese Chicken Tawook
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, Lemon, Garlic, Salt
Chicken tawook, also known as shish tawook, is a popular Lebanese street food that has gained popularity all over the world. It's made by marinating chicken in a blend of yogurt, lemon juice, and spices such as cumin and paprika, and then grilling it on skewers. The result is a tender and flavorful chicken kebab that's perfect for a summer barbecue or a quick weeknight dinner.
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Main Ingredients: Instant Yeast, Sugar, Lukewarm Water, All Purpose
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Rice is a staple in Lebanese cuisine and is often served as a side dish or used as a base for other dishes. Lebanese rice is typically cooked with vermicelli noodles, which adds a unique texture and flavor to the dish. It's a simple yet delicious way to enjoy rice, and it pairs well with a variety of meats and stews.
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Garlic Sauce (Mediterranean/Lebanese Dip)
Main Ingredients: Greek Natural Yogurt, Garlic Cloves, Mayonnaise, Olive
Garlic sauce, also known as toum, is a popular dip in Mediterranean and Lebanese cuisine. It's made from a base of garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil, and is often served with dishes such as shawarma, falafel, and grilled meats. It's a simple yet flavorful dip that adds a punch of garlic flavor to any meal.
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Toum - Lebanese Garlic Spread
Main Ingredients: Garlic, Vegetable Oil, Lemon, Kosher Salt
Toum, also known as Lebanese garlic spread, is a staple in Lebanese cuisine and is often served as a dip or condiment. It's made from a base of garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil, and is commonly enjoyed with dishes such as shawarma, falafel, and grilled meats. Some people also like to add chickpeas to their toum for a thicker and more flavorful dip.
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Lebanese Style Stuffed Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Eggplants, Jasmine Rice, Olive Oil, Pine Nuts, Onion
Stuffed eggplant, also known as sheikh-al-mehshi, is a popular dish in Lebanese cuisine. It's made by stuffing eggplants with a mixture of ground beef, tomatoes, and spices such as cinnamon and allspice, and then cooking them in a rich tomato sauce. This dish is hearty and flavorful and is often served with a side of rice or pita bread.
Lebanese garlic sauce, also known as toum, is a popular dip in Lebanese cuisine. It's made from a base of garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil, and is often served with dishes such as shawarma, falafel, and grilled meats. It's a simple yet flavorful dip that adds a punch of garlic flavor to any meal.
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Shish Taouk – Lebanese Chicken Skewers
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, Greek Yogurt, Extra
Shish taouk, also known as chicken shish kebab, is a popular Lebanese dish that's made by marinating chicken in a blend of yogurt, lemon juice, and spices, and then grilling it on skewers. The result is a tender and flavorful chicken kebab that's perfect for a summer barbecue or a quick weeknight dinner. Serve it with a side of hummus or baba ghanoush for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Dough:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup semolina flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground cardamom
1/4 tsp ground anise
1/4 tsp ground mahlab
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 cup warm water
1/4 cup yogurt
1 tbsp rose water
1 tbsp orange blossom water
Syrup:
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp rose water
1 tbsp orange blossom water
Instructions
Step 1: Making the Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, semolina flour, baking powder, salt, and all the ground spices.
Add in the warm water, yogurt, rose water, and orange blossom water, and mix until a soft dough forms.
Cover the dough and let it rest for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Preparing the Syrup
In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, water, lemon juice, rose water, and orange blossom water.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
Remove from heat and let the syrup cool.
Step 3: Frying the Zalabia
Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.
Using a spoon, scoop small portions of dough and carefully drop them into the hot oil.
Fry until golden brown, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Remove the fried zalabia from the oil and place them on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.
Step 4: Soaking the Zalabia in Syrup
Place the fried zalabia in the cooled syrup and let them soak for 5 minutes.
Remove the zalabia from the syrup and place them on a serving platter.
Step 5: Serving and Enjoying
You can serve the zalabia warm or at room temperature.
Sprinkle with some ground pistachios or almonds for added crunch and flavor.
Enjoy this delicious and traditional Lebanese dessert with your loved ones.
Lebanese zalabia is a perfect combination of crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The warm spices and floral flavors in the dough give it a unique and irresistible taste. The syrup adds a touch of sweetness and makes it moist and decadent. This dessert is not only a treat for the taste buds, but it also represents the warmth and richness of Lebanese culture. So why not try making this Lebanese zalabia recipe and bring a piece of Lebanon to your home?
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