20 Must-Try Lebanese Recipes for 2024 Flavors

Lebanese food holds a special place in my heart. From its fresh ingredients to the balance of spices, it’s a cuisine that has something for everyone. I’ve found myself returning to these recipes time and time again because they offer a blend of flavors and textures that are hard to resist. Whether you’re familiar with Lebanese dishes or just starting to explore them, you’ll quickly discover how approachable and delightful they are. Let’s dive into some of my favorite Lebanese recipes, perfect for everything from a casual family meal to a festive gathering. Each one brings a little bit of Lebanon to your table.

1. Tabbouleh

Tabbouleh is a refreshing salad made primarily with parsley, tomatoes, and bulgur. It’s light, citrusy, and perfect as a side or on its own.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup finely chopped parsley
• 1/4 cup finely chopped mint
• 2 tomatoes, finely diced
• 1/4 cup bulgur wheat
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Soak the bulgur in warm water for about 10 minutes, then drain.
2. In a large bowl, combine the parsley, mint, tomatoes, and bulgur.
3. Add lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until well combined.
4. Let the salad rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition per serving:
Calories: 120 | Protein: 3g | Carbs: 18g | Fat: 5g

2. Hummus

Hummus is creamy, rich, and goes well with everything from pita bread to veggie sticks.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained
• 1/4 cup tahini
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Blend chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil in a food processor until smooth.
2. Add salt and more olive oil if needed for a smoother consistency.
3. Serve with a drizzle of olive oil on top.

Nutrition per serving:
Calories: 150 | Protein: 5g | Carbs: 15g | Fat: 8g

3. Fattoush

Fattoush is a crunchy salad made with toasted pita, fresh vegetables, and a tangy dressing.

Ingredients:

• 2 pita breads, toasted and broken into pieces
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sumac
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix cucumber, tomatoes, and parsley.
2. Add lemon juice, olive oil, sumac, salt, and pepper.
3. Toss in the toasted pita pieces right before serving.

Nutrition per serving:
Calories: 180 | Protein: 4g | Carbs: 30g | Fat: 7g

4. Kibbeh

Kibbeh is a traditional Lebanese dish made of ground meat and bulgur, shaped into patties or balls.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup bulgur wheat
• 1 lb ground beef or lamb
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Soak the bulgur in water for 30 minutes, then drain well.
2. In a bowl, combine bulgur, ground meat, onion, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
3. Shape into patties or balls and fry until golden brown.

Nutrition per serving:
Calories: 250 | Protein: 18g | Carbs: 20g | Fat: 10g

5. Baba Ganoush

This smoky eggplant dip is creamy and packed with flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 large eggplant
• 1/4 cup tahini
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 garlic cloves
• Salt to taste
• Olive oil for drizzling

Instructions:

1. Roast the eggplant until tender and skin is charred.
2. Scoop out the flesh and blend with tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and salt.
3. Drizzle olive oil on top before serving.

Nutrition per serving:
Calories: 100 | Protein: 2g | Carbs: 10g | Fat: 7g

6. Shawarma

Shawarma is tender, marinated meat, often served in pita bread with a variety of toppings.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast or lamb
• 1/4 cup yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Marinate the meat in yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper for at least 2 hours.
2. Grill or pan-fry the meat until cooked through.
3. Serve in pita bread with your favorite toppings.

Nutrition per serving:
Calories: 300 | Protein: 25g | Carbs: 15g | Fat: 12g