Lebanese

Introduction/History
Lebanese food has a high and exquisite reputation around the world, many of the tourists within Lebanon go for the food. The Lebanese cuisine is built on the different styles of the Ottomans, French, and neighboring countries. The food is composed of many grains, fruits, vegetables, spices, and meats. Lebanese cuisine is also very healthy many of the foods has vegetables and the meats are grilled. With the different styles and backgrounds the Lebanese food has made a major reputation.

Typical Foods

 * Meats:** There is a variety of different meats. There is lamb, goat, beef, veal, pigeon, chicken, and duck. In Lebanon the poultry's are consumed and preferred more. Most of the meats are grilled or roasted with many herbs and spices.


 * Fish:** Fish is also popular but mostly in the costal areas.


 * Vegetables:** A large variety of vegetables are consumed in the daily diets.


 * Starches:** There aren't many starches used in the foods or even as an ingredient except for the breads and occasionally the rices.


 * Breads:** Lebanese bread (similar to pita bread). Bread is eaten with almost every meal.


 * Desserts:**


 * Condiments/Spices:** Many herbs and leaves, and zatar is very important.

Famous Dishes

 * [[image:230px-Yoghurt_and_Hummus_at_Moroccan_Soup_Bar.jpg]] ||
 * A plate with a variety of Mezza's ||

Baba Ghanouj Fattoush Hummus Labneh Manaeesh Shawerma Shis Taouk Tahini Tabbouleh Wara'Enab Za'atar

Foreign Influences
Ottoman Turkish - This came from the time when Lebanon was occupied by the Ottomans. French - The French influence came in 1914 after the War and the Ottomans lost control. Also the other influences came from the neighboring countries (Syria, Israel, and Jordan).

A Typical Meal
A typical meal would be a variety of Mezza's (appetizers). Medium sized portions of: of grille

Recipe


Ingredient

 * 1 teaspoon cornstarch
 * 1/3 cup lemon juice
 * 2 cloves garlic, minced
 * 2 teaspoons sumac powder
 * salt to taste
 * ground black pepper to taste
 * 1 head romaine lettuce, torn into bite-size pieces
 * 1 medium cucumber, diced
 * 2 large tomatoes, diced
 * 4 green onions, chopped
 * 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
 * 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
 * 1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
 * 1 cup chopped purslane
 * 1/2 (5 ounce) package arugula
 * 4 pita rounds, toasted and torn into pieces
 * 1/2 (5 ounce) package arugula
 * 4 pita rounds, toasted and torn into pieces

Directions

 * 1) Mix the water and cornstarch in a small saucepan over medium-high heat until thickened. Remove from heat, and mix in lemon juice, garlic, sumac, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate until ready to use.
 * 2) In a large bowl, toss together the lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, green onions, parsley, mint, bell pepper, purslane, and arugula. Toss with the dressing, and serve with pita.

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