Lebanese Food- Heritage of Flavor

Lebanese food is the most popular of all Middle Eastern cuisines because of a unique cultural history. Earlier in past, Lebanon has been governed by foreign powers that have motivated the types of food the Lebanese ate. The Ottoman Turks regulated Lebanon and introduced a variety of foods that have become staples in the Lebanese diet, including olive oil, fresh bread, a sweet pastry dessert like baklava, homemade yogurt usually called labon, stuffed vegetables, and a variety of nuts from 1516 to 1918,. The Ottoman people also encouraged the popularity of lamb. 

Lebanese cuisine includes a collection of starches, whole grain, fruits, vegetables, fresh fish and seafood. Also animal fats are consumed sparingly.

Drinks are served without being accompanied by food in Lebanon. Just like the tapas of Spain and mezeluri of Romania, Mezze is a collection of small dishes placed before the guests making it full of colors, flavors, textures and aromas. Mezze may be as easy as pickled vegetables or raw vegetables, hummus and bread.  It may become an entire meal consisting of Grilled marinated seafood, skewered meats, a variety of cooked and raw salads and an arrangement of desserts becomes an entire meal and this all is represented as Mezze.

Mezze

A  mezze will consist of a detailed variety of thirty hot and cold dishes and may include salads such as the tabbouleh and fattoush, together with dip such as hummus, baba ghanoush or moutabal, and kebbeh, some patties such as the Sambusac and stuffed grape leaves.

The Lebanese flat bread is compulsory to every Lebanese meal and can be used to replace the usage of the fork.

Arak

Arak, is the Lebanese national alcoholic drink and is usually served with the authentic convivial Lebanese meals. Lebanese wine is also famous in Lebanon.

Lebanese desserts also include pastries such as Kaak, Sfouf and Maamoul. Lebanon is also famous for its ice cream with its oriental flavors made from dried apricot and fresh fruits.

At the end of a Lebanese meal, simple fresh fruits are often served. Dessert is also there, such as coffee & Baklava.  Baklava is the most worldwide known dessert.