Lebanese eggplant casserole with ground meat, tomato, and pine nuts

We tried this recipe: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1017426-eggplant-with-lamb-tomato-and-pine-nuts Our modifications: First, we used ½ lb each minced pork and minced bison in lieu of 1lb minced lamb. To reduce sodium, we used no-salt tomato sauce. Second, because we find cinnamon cloying, we used a combo of ¼ tsp cinnamon and ¼ tsp nutmeg. Third, instead of broiling the… Continue reading Lebanese eggplant casserole with ground meat, tomato, and pine nuts

Lebanese chick pea stew

We tried this recipe: http://www.arabamerica.com/lebanese-chickpea-stew/ Our modifications: first, based on our pantry, we used a homemade roasted green bell pepper, following these instructions: https://www.daringgourmet.com/how-to-roast-red-peppers/ (see Note below). Second, we used 2 ½ tsp za’atar, 1 tsp crushed red pepper for red pepper flakes, and 1 Tbsp cumin powder (not cumin seeds). Third, we increased the… Continue reading Lebanese chick pea stew

Lebanese oven-roasted salmon fillet

We followed a recipe from Faye Levy’s Feast from the Mideast. An online version is here: http://recipesfrom4everykitchen.blogspot.com/2007/03/lebanese-roasted-salmon.html?m=1 We used dried Greek oregano in lieu of zaatar. We also cooked the whole salmon fillet (1 ¼) lb for 15-17 mins at 450. (Apr. 2017) Note: Marinate the salmon in the lemon juice/olive oil mixture for no… Continue reading Lebanese oven-roasted salmon fillet

Lebanese eggplant, chick pea, and tomato stew (maghmour)

We tried another version of maghmour, this time a family recipe from Hadia’s Lebanese cuisine: http://www.hadiaslebanesecuisine.com/content/my-moms-lebanese-moussaka-maghmour-velvety-vegetarian-eggplant-stew-chickpeas-garlic-onions Our US measurements: 2 large eggplant (which we cut into 8 vertical pieces) and about 9 medium vine-ripe tomatoes. Our modifications: first, as a shortcut, we used a handheld blender to finely chop the onions and then the peeled… Continue reading Lebanese eggplant, chick pea, and tomato stew (maghmour)

Lebanese-style stuffed eggplant

We followed this recipe but modified it from stovetop to the oven: http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/lebanese-style-stuffed-eggplant-358052. (Note: sometimes this link does not work. You can Google “Lebanese stuffed eggplant epicurious” and it should show up.) How we modified: preheated oven to 375; used small (instead of large) onion; toasted pine nuts in toaster oven at 350 for a… Continue reading Lebanese-style stuffed eggplant

Armenian-style roasted cauliflower with tahini sauce

Preheat oven to 425. Break one head cauliflower into bite-sized florets, toss in olive oil to lightly coat (about 1 Tbsp), and add a few sprigs each marjoram and thyme (leaves only). Season with salt and pepper, then roast for about 40 mins (turning once). Remove from oven.Separately, make the tahini sauce: combine ¼ cup… Continue reading Armenian-style roasted cauliflower with tahini sauce

Lebanese roasted eggplant and chickpea stew (maghmour)

We followed this recipe: http://www.slowburningpassion.com/maghmour-the-moussaka-from-lebanon-that-will-make-you-happy/. We also used canned, drained chickpeas. Our minor modifications: instead of 1 tsp smoked paprika, we used ½ tsp each paprika and smoked chipotle pepper; we used 6 julienned fresh mint leaves in lieu of dried mint; and instead of adding water towards the end, we added ½ cup of… Continue reading Lebanese roasted eggplant and chickpea stew (maghmour)

Lebanese layered London Broil with garlic yogurt and crispy pita (fatteh ma lahm)

Garnished with pine nuts and pomegranate arils. We used Stacy’s Pita Chips (natural) and toasted them at 350 for a few minutes before drizzling with butter. We also used nutmeg in lieu of most of the cinnamon (which I find cloying) in each component. Recipe is too complicated to summarize, but it’s from Chef Kamal… Continue reading Lebanese layered London Broil with garlic yogurt and crispy pita (fatteh ma lahm)

Lebanese meatball soup (shorba keema)

For the meatball mixture, combine 1/3 cup minced onion (patted dry with paper towels), ¼ cup finely chopped Italian parsley, 1 ½ tsp balsamic vinegar, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp each black pepper and allspice, 1/8 tsp cinnamon, and 1/16 tsp each cloves and nutmeg. Mix by hand, then using a mounded tsp, form by… Continue reading Lebanese meatball soup (shorba keema)