Cooking Lebanese food is more accessible than many people realise, says chef Joseph Abboud from Melbourne Middle Eastern restaurant, Rumi.
"Most of the ingredients, people already have on hand. There's only a few ingredients here and there, but otherwise it's very accessible," he says in his appearance on Season 8 of The Cook Up with Adam Liaw.
And Lebanese food is all about sharing, adds podcast host Ash London, who joins Joseph and Adam in the Cook Up kitchen.
"It's meant to be shared. It's meant to be messy. It's meant to be on the table."
So let's dive in and explore how you can cook and share these classic Lebanese dishes at home.
Fluffy scrambled eggs meet tender potatoes and a fragrant blend of warm spices — a hearty Lebanese breakfast dish that speaks straight to the soul. Ready in just under 20 minutes, it's a must-try recipe for busy families looking for something quick, yet satisfying.
Credit: Tammi Kwok
This Middle Eastern street food is perfect for appetisers, lunchboxes, or meat-free mains. High in protein and packed with herbs and spices, falafel is both nourishing and full of flavour. If you've been wondering how to make falafel, try this recipe for an authentic reward, great served up with sauce in flatbread. Don't have time to soak dried chickpeas and beans? Then try this cheat's version.
Falafel with tahini sauce and pita. Source: iStockphoto / Elena Danileiko
Nothing beats fresh homemade hummus. Enjoy it with pita bread or vegetable sticks or as part of your mezze platter. Hummus is a cross-cultural favourite — versatile, nourishing and endlessly adaptable. While there are many variations, this recipe by Jasmin Rose Ibrahim is super simple, using just seven ingredients, including canned chickpeas. If you have the time to soak dried chickpeas, then try this recipe by Greg Malouf. You will not be disappointed! Check here for more hummus ideas.
Hummus Credit: One World Kitchen
Bean stews (fasolia) are a staple of Lebanese home cooking, offering warmth, comfort, and hearty flavour. Often served with rice, these time-honoured dishes are passed down through generations and enjoyed at family gatherings. This recipe comes from Ash London’s mum.
Credit: Jiwon Kim
This comforting classic of ground meat, rice, chicken, spices and nuts is one of the simplest Lebanese dishes to make at home. Try Adam Liaw’s shortcut: he uses a rice cooker. This version, with spiced lamb and rice topped shredded poached chicken, golden almonds and pine nuts, takes a little longer, but makes a pretty addition to a multi-dish meal for special occasions.
Credit: Jiwon Kim
Inspired by the classic Lebanese samke harra, this dish by chef Joseph Abboud swaps fish for chicken. With just 15 minutes of prep and the oven doing the rest, it’s an easy, fuss-free way to get a delicious dinner on the table — even on your busiest nights.
Credit: Jiwon Kim
A staple of the Middle East, tahini sauce is served as a dip, dressing, sauce or condiment, and pairs perfectly with everything from grilled meats and vegetables to falafel and kibbeh. Best of all, you can make it at home with just three ingredients.
Mopped up this bowl quickly with some bread after this photo was taken. Credit: Camellia Aebischer
Kibbeh is a national dish of Lebanon, made from bulghur grain, fresh lamb mince and fragrant spices. Rolled into ball or patties, then either deep-fried or baked, these make great party snacks. Serve with a squeeze of lemon and a side of creamy labneh or tahini sauce for the perfect bite. Here's a round-up some delicious kibbeh recipes.
Credit: Andrew Dorn
Lebanese cuisine is also known for its wide variety of flatbreads and pastries. More than just a side, bread is often used in place of cutlery to scoop, dip, and wrap. This basic dough recipe, shared by Haikal Raji of Melbourne’s A1 Bakery, has you covered — from za’atar manouche to cheese pies and sweet date pastries. Or discover how to making simple Lebanese bread.
Credit: A Middle East Feast
A beloved Middle Eastern dessert made of thin layers of flaky filo pastry, filled with crushed nuts, and sweetened with syrup. This classic recipe by Abla Amad will not disappoint, with each bite a perfect balance of crispness, sweetness, and tradition. And baklawa isn’t the only highlight of Lebanese sweets. Here’s a list of some of the best Lebanese desserts on the SBS Food portal.
Credit: Lottie Hedley
