|
Treasures of Lebanon: Favorite
Middle Eastern Recipes
By Suzy Rhine Hicks
There is a precious jewel in the middle-east, which is Lebanon.
This country, which is roughly the size of Connecticut, sits on
the east side of the Mediterranean Sea. Their cuisine is simple,
yet elegantly complex in flavors.
 Cumin
and allspice are used frequently along with sumac. Sumac is a dark
red berry which grows wild in this part of the world, as well as
in parts of Italy. You can find this ingredient in dried berry form,
or ground, in Middle Eastern Markets. The berries have a fruity,
astrigent flavor that complement a variety of foods, from meat and
fish to vegetables. Mint and lemon juice are also dominant in Lebanese
cuisine.
Most of these are ancients recipes that have been adapted for our
time. Pita bread is not only a staple at most meals, it is regarded
as a part of life. Lebanese people begin their meals with Mezze
or an array of appetizers. Typically this would consist of pickled
or grilled vegetables, fattoush salad, hummus and skewered cooked
vegetables with meats and, of course, pita bread.
Hummus is a dip made of ground garbanzo beans or chickpeas and
fattoush is a salad of green vegtables tossed with a vinigrette
and mixed with pieces of pita bread. Grilled eggplant and zucchini
are very popular, served along with yoghurt sauce. Mainstay dishes
like Tabouli, a bulgur wheat salad made with fresh lemon juice,
parsley, mint and tomatoes, are bursting with flavor. Kibbeh, a
dish made from freshly ground lamb and/or beef, spices and lots
of mint, can be eaten baked, fried or even raw like a tartare.
Most of these dishes are also eaten in neighboring Middle Eastern
countries, but renamed. Always use the freshest mint and spices
for these dishes. They are delicate and fragrant foods, truly treasures
to be enjoyed and savored.
I love learning everything I can about the homeland of others
and their foods. These kinds of recipes are the family treasures
that make us truly special and make our cultural heritages endure.
I hope you enjoy these treasures of Lebanon, as my family does.
Favorite Lebanese Recipes
| Suzy Rhine Hicks lives in Southern Missouri with
her 3 dogs. She has a self-confessed obsession for good
food and happiness! |
|
|
