Exploring the world of Lebanese cuisine can be a delightful experience, especially for those unfamiliar with its rich heritage. Unless you have family roots or connections to Lebanon, you may not be aware of the country’s unique and delicious desserts and dishes. In fact, when it comes to Asian cuisine in the United States, Lebanon often takes a backseat to more popular destinations like China, Japan, and India.
However, this doesn’t mean Lebanese food is any less impressive or deserving of attention. On the contrary, their culinary offerings are truly exceptional, with an emphasis on fresh ingredients and bold flavors that make each dish a standout. While this list may not transform you into an expert overnight, it will certainly give you a sampling of the sweet treats and savory delights found in Lebanon’s Middle Eastern cuisine.
I hope you’ll discover new favorites among these desserts and develop a deeper appreciation for the region’s gastronomic treasures.
Maamoul
Looking for a sweet treat that’s both delicious and sugar-conscious? You’ll love maamoul, traditional Arabian date-filled cookies that are surprisingly easy to make. While they do require some time upfront, the recipe produces 20 scrumptious cookies that will keep fresh for several weeks before losing their flavor. Made with just a few key ingredients, these soft cookies boast impressive flavors despite being low in sugar content.
The combination of sweet date fillings and powdered sugar coatings is a game-changer, making them a must-try dessert option.
Shaabiyat
Evidently, those who have indulged in baklava will already be familiar with the essence of shaabiyat. Both pastries share a common trait – they are crafted from crispy, flaky phyllo dough and topped with rich, buttery, and syrupy flavors. However, there exists a distinct difference between the two in terms of their fillings. Baklava typically consists of pistachios and butter, whereas shaabiyat boasts an indulgent, gooey, cheesy filling that is both sweet and creamy.
The subtle yet alluring aroma of rose and orange blossom water further enhances the overall appeal of this layered delight, making it a true sensory experience.
Lebanese Baklava
Smoothly blending traditional flavors with modern twists, Lebanon is also renowned for its delectable baklava. While the shaabiyat may win over some fans with its unique taste, others still swear by the classic goodness of traditional baklava. Personally, I find it challenging to choose between the two – they’re both undoubtedly delicious in their own right.
Lebanese baklava, though familiar in its composition, is made with precision and care, featuring layers of flaky phyllo dough paired with crushed pistachios and a sweet syrup infused with the subtle essence of rosewater. Even after trying it countless times before, there’s always room for another indulgent slice of this Middle Eastern delight.
Halawet El Jibn (Sweet Cheese Dessert)
Looking at this dessert, it’s clear why its creators made such bold claims about its taste. Each bite is a delicate balance of textures and flavors, from the soft, pillowy cheese cubes to the crunchy pistachios on top. The addition of clotted cream adds an extra layer of richness, while the sweet rose petal jam provides a subtle floral note that complements the sweetness of the syrup perfectly made with rose and orange blossom water.
It’s no wonder why these treats are impossible to resist – the combination of flavors is truly irresistible.
Layali Lubnan
Beyond its unappealing color, this dessert is actually quite delectable, thanks to the combination of pistachios mixed with a sweet syrup. The unusual color is simply a result of the ingredients, rather than a reflection on the taste. Creating this dessert is relatively straightforward and requires minimal time and effort. In fact, it can be prepared in under 20 minutes, although a couple of hours will need to pass before it’s ready to serve.
The process begins with a soft semolina pudding layer, which provides a smooth base for the rest of the dessert. On top of this layer, homemade ashta is added, providing a rich and silky texture that’s similar to whipped cream. For the final touches, crushed pistachios are sprinkled on top before being coated in an orange blossom water/sugar syrup. While it may not be visually stunning like some other desserts, the aroma and flavor of this treat more than make up for its appearance.
Kanafeh
Just like many Lebanese desserts, Kanafeh stands out for its exceptional visual appeal and alluring aroma that is characteristic of the country’s sweet treats. Some people may find it challenging to source certain ingredients from traditional stores, but this shouldn’t be a major concern as they are often readily available in Asian markets or can be easily purchased online.
It’s essential to have precise ingredient measurements, as using substitutes could compromise the dessert’s flavor and texture, resulting in an inferior final product.
Nammoura (Semolina Cake)
Falling in love with Nammoura is a bit like discovering your new favorite comfort food – it’s that good! The cake’s texture bears a striking resemblance to cornbread, but its sweetness level is off the charts. In fact, even the sweetest of cornbreads pale in comparison to this delightful treat. And then there’s the pièce de résistance: pouring a sugar and rosewater syrup over the entire masterpiece (honey works just as well if you prefer).
The cake itself relies on standard ingredients – with the exception of semolina and rose water, of course. The harmonious union of rose water, coconut, almonds, and vanilla extract creates a flavor profile that’s nothing short of perfection. Initially, the crumbly texture may raise an eyebrow or two, but trust us, you’ll grow accustomed to it in no time. And with each bite, the taste buds do the happy dance, rendering any texture concerns utterly irrelevant.
Znoud El Sit
Gently combining the textures and flavors of cannoli, crepes, and baklava, this unique dessert is a true culinary innovation. Its odd combination of ingredients may raise some eyebrows, but the end result is undeniably spectacular, with a delightful crunch giving way to a rich, indulgent treat. While it’s not for the faint of heart, as the process can be exacting and requires patience and attention to detail, don’t worry if your first attempts don’t yield perfect results.
Whether they look visually appealing or not, rest assured that the flavor remains consistently delicious, so feel free to indulge in any imperfections – after all, the more you practice, the better you’ll get!
Aish el Saraya Recipe (Lebanese Bread Pudding)
Very few traditional bread puddings offer an exciting twist, but this one stands out from the rest. By using rusks as the base ingredient, you’ll create a sweet and dry foundation that’s perfect for soaking up the flavors of the syrup. The latter is made with a unique combination of rose water, orange zest, and lemon juice, which will infuse the bread pudding with an aromatic and tangy taste. The construction process involves layering the rusks with another layer of creamy custard.
This thick and deliciously scented addition gives the bread pudding a smooth texture that’s similar to what you’d find in a cream puff cake or whipped cream pound cake. The result is a light, cool, and refreshing dessert that’s perfect for warm weather. The final touch comes in the form of chopped pistachios on top, which add a delightful nutty crunch to the bread pudding. This contrasting texture complements the smooth custard perfectly, creating a truly unique and enjoyable eating experience.
Sfouf
Baking this simple cake is not only quick but also packed with flavor. Its moist and fluffy texture, combined with its sweet and nutty taste, makes it a delightful dessert option. What’s more, the prep work takes just 15 minutes, followed by a 40-minute cooking time. Furthermore, this recipe uses fewer than 10 ingredients, making it incredibly convenient to prepare.
Moreover, one of the best aspects of this cake is that it doesn’t require eggs, which makes it an excellent choice for those with egg allergies or dietary restrictions. Overall, this cake is perfect as a light and refreshing treat after a big, heavy dinner, providing a sweet contrast to rich and filling meals.
10 Best Traditional Lebanese Dessert Collection
Venturing into the world of Middle Eastern sweets can be a delightful experience. The rich flavors and textures of traditional Lebanese desserts make them stand out from other global treats. To indulge in something new and exciting, consider trying these iconic Lebanese desserts: Baklava, semolina cake, and bread pudding are just a few examples of the tasty options on this list!
Instructions
Launch into the world of sweet treats by selecting your preferred recipe. To ensure success, gather and organize all necessary ingredients beforehand. With a little practice, you can prepare a delicious Lebanese dessert in under 30 minutes!
