16 Vegetarian Lebanese Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is the healthiest Lebanese food to eat? ›

Kibbeh is considered to be one of the best Lebanese foods in Lebanon and across the Arab world. It is made of ground meat, typically lamb or beef, mixed with bulgur wheat and spices. You can find kibbeh at each and every meal - breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Most of this is found within the mezze – the small dishes – and a quick look at our menus show that approx 60% of the mezze are vegetarian, and 25 out of the 34 vegetarian dishes are truly vegan.

Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, seafood, starches and the occasional bit of poultry are the primary focus of the Lebanese diet. These foods are more natural for the human body to consume, easier to digest and more beneficial for the body.

For example, Middle Eastern dishes tend to be more heavily spiced and savory, while Mediterranean cuisine is known for a lighter touch and a focus on fresh seafood and vegetables. Ultimately, the choice is yours, but one thing is for sure- no matter which you choose, you're in for a delicious and flavorful meal.

The national dish of Lebanon is kibbeh, an emulsified paste of fresh lamb and bulgur wheat with spices. Meat tends to be made into nuggets and charcoaled or stuffed into vegetables. Vegetables are usually the main feature of the meal.

The striped hyena is Lebanon's national animal and is seldom seen, coming out only at night. They are extinct in some areas, but some thrive and steal livestock and garbage in villages.

Lebanese cuisine is the culinary traditions and practices originating from Lebanon. It includes an abundance of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, fresh fish and seafood. Poultry is eaten more often than red meat, and when red meat is eaten, it is usually lamb and goat meat.

What is the healthiest Lebanese dish? ›

Tabbouleh – This traditional Lebanese tabbouleh salad is a healthy vegan Mediterranean recipe made with bulgur, parsley, mint, and chopped vegetables. Packed with flavor, tabbouleh can be served as an appetizer using pita to dip in, or on top of lettuce as a meal.

An absolute staple ingredient in Lebanese cuisine is none other than the humble bulb of garlic. Crushed, minced, roasted… it is all used! The most popular way to use garlic in Lebanon is to flavour dishes such as hummus, baba ghanoush and meat marinades.

Lebanon depends on Ukraine for 80% of its supply of wheat, an unequivocally staple ingredient. So, the Russian invasion of Ukraine has slowed the process of cultivating and exporting grain. Wheat has become scarce and thus more expensive. Cost of production and business operations have also soared.

Seafood, seeds, nuts, legumes and some vegetable oils have healthy fats, including the polyunsaturated kind. Fish also are a key part of the Mediterranean diet. Some healthy choices are: Mackerel.

Labneh cheese is a good source of protein, which bolsters many components of your health — including weight management, metabolic function, blood sugar control and bone density.

The fatty meats used in shawarma are often high in saturated fats, which can lead to heart problems if consumed in excess. For these reasons, it is important to enjoy shawarma in moderation.” “Shawarma is very high in sodium, which may make it bad for heart health.

Levantine cuisine is not only delicious but also healthy. The use of olive oil, fresh vegetables, lean meats, and herbs and spices, results in dishes that are high in fiber, protein, and healthy fats. This makes the Levantine diet a great option for those looking to eat a balanced and nutritious diet.