You know they are good when they are teta approved :)
Every other summer, my family and I journey to Lebanon, where we're treated to delicious, authentic Lebanese home-cooked meals. These culinary delights not only satisfy our taste buds but also bring our family together. In this post, I'd like to highlight some of my favorite Lebanese foods that I always request from my relatives when we visit!
Stuffed Grape Leaves - أوراق العنب (warak enab)
Lebanese stuffed grape leaves, or "warak enab," hold a special place in my heart and palate. There's something truly magical about the combination of tender grape leaves wrapped around a savory filling of rice, herbs, and sometimes minced meat. The flavors meld together perfectly, creating a culinary masterpiece that never fails to delight me!
One of the things I adore most about Lebanese grape leaves is their versatility. They can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or even a main course, making them suitable for any occasion. Whether served warm or cold, each bite is a delightful explosion of taste and texture.
I love warak enab so much that I made a dedicated recipe blog post on it. Check out my most recent blog post to learn about how this delectable dish is made!
Making stuffed grape leaves (warak enab) in Lebanon with my aunt, mother, and brother.
Fried Sardines
Lebanese fried sardines are a culinary delight that I absolutely adore. These crispy, golden-brown fish are a testament to Lebanon's rich coastal cuisine and the freshness of its seafood.
What I love most about Lebanese fried sardines is their simplicity. They're typically seasoned with a blend of aromatic spices, such as cumin, paprika, and garlic, which infuse the fish with incredible flavor. Then, they're lightly coated in flour or breadcrumbs before being fried to perfection. However, because I am gluten-free, my teta makes me a separate platter of fried sardines without them being breaded.
The result is a dish that's crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a wonderful depth of flavor that's both satisfying and addictive. Served alongside a squeeze of lemon and perhaps a side of tahini sauce or a fresh salad, Lebanese fried sardines make for a perfect meal that's both comforting and incredibly delicious.
Moreover, enjoying these sardines brings to mind the vibrant seaside markets of Lebanon, where freshly caught fish are abundant and culinary traditions are alive and thriving. It's a reminder of the country's rich maritime heritage and its deep connection to the Mediterranean Sea.
Fried sardines (gluten-free version) by teta!
Spicy Potatoes - بطاطا حرا (batta harra)
"Batta harra" is a delightful Lebanese dish that holds a special place in my culinary repertoire. Translating to "spicy potatoes," this dish is a tantalizing blend of flavors and textures that never fails to impress.
What I love most about batta harra is its simplicity combined with its bold flavors. It typically consists of cubed potatoes that are pan-fried until crispy and golden brown. These potatoes are then tossed with a generous amount of garlic, cilantro and chili peppers creating a vibrant and aromatic dish. The combination of crispy potatoes with the heat of the chili peppers and the freshness of the garlic and cilantro is simply irresistible. Each bite is a harmonious blend of spicy, savory, and herbaceous flavors that dance on the palate.
Batta harra is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. It can be served as a side dish alongside grilled meats or seafood, or enjoyed as a satisfying vegetarian main course. Whichever way it's served, it never fails to add a burst of flavor and excitement to the meal. My teta makes the most flavorful batta harra and is the ultimate comfort food.
The ultimate combo: fried sardines with batta harra, curteousy of my talented teta :)
Stuffed Sheep Intestines/Stomach - غامي (ghammé)
Okay, so this dish does sound a little bit intense I do admit. My parents would not let my brother and I try this until we got older (mostly because they hate the strong smell!) but now it is one of my favorites.
In the old days people would use every piece of the sheep. After making sure they used all the meat for cooking in many different ways, they used the the head, the bones, etc… and even the intestines. They found a way to stuff it and cook it in a DELICIOUS recipe. My teta used basically every single part of sheep, including the intestines, stomach, head, ear, tongue, and even the brain. Each part of the sheep has a unique texture and flavor. My favorite part are the intestines because they are stuffed with rice and seasoned to perfection.
Once you get past the idea that you are eating the insides of a sheep, this dish is so flavorful and comforting. The rice that it is served in has absorbed the fat and flavor from the meet and also contains creamy chickpeas. There is a special herb sauce that goes with it as well, adding more dimension to this unique dish!
The plate on the left has the sheep intestines and stomach, the bowl on the right has a mixture of tongue, ear, leg, and head, and the small dish in the middle has the sheep brain!
Falafel
Falafel holds a special place in my heart, representing not only a beloved dish but also a connection to the rich culinary heritage of the Middle East. The mere mention of falafel conjures up memories of bustling streets filled with the tantalizing aroma of sizzling chickpea fritters, and the anticipation of sinking my teeth into those crispy, golden-brown orbs of goodness. My dad has perfected his falafel recipe, and we often host "Falafel parties" with our family friends where the only meal we have is falafel!
Whether stuffed into a warm pita with fresh vegetables and tahini sauce or served as part of a mezze platter alongside creamy hummus and tangy pickles, falafel never fails to satisfy my cravings. Its crunchy exterior gives way to a soft, flavorful interior, bursting with the earthy goodness of chickpeas and fragrant herbs and spices. I tend to break apart the falafel and make a salad by adding parsely, radishes, tomatoes, pickles, and lemons.
Falafel is more than just a delicious snack or meal; it's a symbol of cultural exchange and culinary fusion. Originating from the Middle East, falafel has traveled the world, gaining popularity and inspiring countless variations along the way. From food trucks in New York City to bustling markets in Tel Aviv, falafel has transcended borders and brought people together through a shared love of good food.
For me, falafel represents comfort, nostalgia, and a connection to my roots. Whether enjoyed on a bustling street corner or homemade with love in my own kitchen, falafel never fails to bring a smile to my face and warmth to my soul. It's a dish that I will always hold dear, reminding me of the simple joys of life and the power of food to bring people together.
My dad's famous falafel; nice and crisy, just how I like it!