Lebanese Lunch Feast with Mezze
Experience the vibrant flavors and communal spirit of a Lebanese lunch with a variety of mezze and main dishes designed for sharing.
Ingredients
Mezze Dishes
- 2 cups Hummus Make creamy with tahini and use baking soda for tender chickpeas.
- 1 bunch Parsley A main ingredient in Tabbouleh, use fresh and abundant.
- 1 cup Bulgur Soak bulgur in water and use in Tabbouleh.
- 1 medium Eggplant Char over flame for Baba Ghanoush.
- 1/4 cup Tahini Blend with eggplant for Baba Ghanoush.
Main Dishes
- 1 pound Chicken Breast For Shish Tawook, marinate in yogurt and spices.
- 1 pound Ground Meat For Kafta, mix with onions and spices.
Herbs and Spices
- 1/4 cup Fresh Mint Adds a refreshing element to the dishes.
- 1 tablespoon Cumin Essential for seasoning various dishes.
- 1 tablespoon Sumac Sprinkle on dishes for a tangy flavor.
Instructions
Preparation of Mezze
- Prepare Hummus by blending chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Soak bulgur in water and mix with chopped parsley, tomatoes, lemon juice, and olive oil for Tabbouleh.
- Char eggplant over a flame, scoop out the flesh and blend with tahini and garlic for Baba Ghanoush.
Cooking Main Dishes
- Marinate chicken for Shish Tawook and grill until cooked through.
- Mix ground meat with spices and mold onto skewers for Kafta. Grill until browned.
Serving
- Arrange all mezze and main dishes on a large platter for communal sharing.
- Serve with warm pita bread and garnish with fresh herbs and olive oil.
Notes
Lebanese meals focus on communal dining, so serve everything family-style. Many dishes can be made ahead of time.