Lebanese Vegetarian Recipes
Asparagus Pickles with Grape Leaves
Asparagus pickles with grape leaves in the jar go extra-crisp! The grape leaves deliver tannins that impart more crunch. These are refrigerator pickles, quick and easy. So delicious for your cocktail hour or on the buffet. This recipe is as much about the humble grape leaf as it is about the grand pickled asparagus. I…
Read MoreGreen Beans with Onions and Pomegranate
Green Beans and red onions are gently sweetened with pomegranate molasses (find it here). This dish is at home at summer cookouts as it is on the holiday buffet. For how tiny the country of Lebanon is (a little smaller than Connecticut), the diaspora of the Lebanese outside of Lebanon seems to be absolutely ginormous.…
Read MoreMujadara Pita Roll Up
The Mujadara Pita Roll Up is a great way to eat mujadara, the pilaf of lentils and bulgur with caramelized onions, on the go. Get the mujadara recipe here. Watch how its made here. Find the right lentils and bulgur for mujadara at MaureenAboodMarket.com. Mujadara is one of the most versatile dishes in my repertoire,…
Read MoreMediterranean 7 Layer Dip
This recipe takes the classic 7 Layer Dip and goes Mediterranean, with hummus, avocado, labneh and more. Dip your pita chip in 7 layers of Mediterranean flavors and you’ll be in 7th heaven. I’m a big fan of the idea that hummus ought to be a foundation, holding up the greatness of other toppings like…
Read MoreRoasted Cauliflower Shawarma
Shawarma is traditionally spit-grilled chicken or meat with succulent spices. Roasted Cauliflower Shawarma marries the same flavors that make classic chicken shawarma so delicious, in a gluten-free, vegan recipe. The other day at a football tailgater at Michigan State, I met a kid of Dan’s cousin who found out not long ago that he has…
Read MoreCaprese Salad with Pomegranate and Mint
Caprese salad with pomegranate and mint is a flavor explosion. The pomegranate molasses, like balsamic vinegar, lends a sweet-tart note to ripe tomatoes. I figure it was because we had such a cold and unforgiving winter last year (polar vortex, lest we’ve forgotten), but when the leaves made a full appearance last spring, I felt…
Read MoreRoasted New Potatoes with Mint
Roasted New Potatoes with Mint are par-cooked, then roasted at high heat til golden. The result is buttery, soft interior. Toss the potatoes with lemon, oil, garlic, and mint to finish. If the boiled new potato is a thing of simple, great beauty, the roasted boiled new potato is thing of extra great beauty. The…
Read MoreBasil Dipping Oil
Basil oil is the jewel of the table, and a perfect use for the profusion of herbs from gardens and markets in the heart of summer. For the most part, we don’t seek out Arabic or Mediterranean restaurants all that often. I figure this is because we eat so much of our great food at…
Read MoreCrunchy Cucumber Salad
Crunchy Cucumber Salad is made creamy–yet still healthy–with labneh, and the cukes hold their crunch with a quick drain after they are sliced. I consider this crunchy, creamy salad one of the greatest in my summer repertoire for three reasons: I always have cucumbers, labneh, and herbs. A creamy (yet healthy) salad that can be…
Read MoreKoosa Core Saute
What to do with koosa cores, the centers of summer squash scraped out when you maked stuffed koosa? There are a few great ways to put the cores to use; my favorite is a quick koosa core saute over high heat, with plenty of aromatics for flavor. It’s like winning a little victory in the…
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