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These Lebanese-inspired dips and spreads are perfect light bites for warm summer days no matter where you are ? the Middle East, the Midwest, or anywhere in between. This collection featured classic Lebanese mezze dishes like labneh (the Lebanese cream cheese), muhammara (the roasted pepper and walnut spread), garlicky baba ghanoush, traditional hummus, and more.
Labneh (Lebanese Cream Cheese)
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Photo by AMATULLAH
"This is the Lebanese version of cream cheese, a lot tastier and lower in calories," says LEBANESE. "Serve on a plate, sprinkled with olive oil, olives, tomatoes, cucumbers and mint. Or simply spread it like cream cheese on pita bread."
Muhammara (Roasted Pepper & Walnut Spread)
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Photo by Chef John
This roasted red pepper and walnut spread is perfect with fresh pita bread. Garnish with toasted walnuts, a drizzle of olive oil, Aleppo pepper flakes, and chopped Italian parsley. “This roasted red pepper and walnut spread is quite popular in the Middle East and you’ll understand why when you make it and discover you can’t stop eating it,” says Chef John.
Best Hummus
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Photo by France C
This simple Lebanese-style hummus is a classic combination of garbanzo beans, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice garlic, and cumin. Serve topped with paprika and fresh parsley.. "I serve this at least once a week with a chicken or steak meal or just as a quick snack," says Reman9981. "Learned from my late grandfather who was of Lebanese descent. Serve with fresh Arabic bread."
Toum
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Photo by Meredith
Here's one for the garlic lovers! "This is a traditional Lebanese garlic dipping sauce," says Sahaj108. "Not for the faint of heart! Keeps for weeks in the fridge. Serve at room temperature with Lebanese breads, hummus, and tabbouleh."
Traditional Baba Ghanoush
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Photo by Meredith Food Studios
"A traditional recipe for this eggplant dip," says IMANKAY. "It consists of baked eggplant with garlic, lemon juice, and tahini sauce. Dip into this with pita bread and you have yourself a delicious-and-light appetizer."
Labneh (Lebanese Yogurt)
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Photo by
This recipe transforms Greek yogurt, a pinch or two of salt, and olive oil into a super-versatile, silky cheese spread or dip. "This is a Lebanese dish, excellent for dipping with vegetables or spreading on bread," says Baritone Bob. "It can also be used as a topping for just about any dish."
Lebanese Tahini
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Photo by Zainab Pervaiz
To make your own tahini, you'll simply blend toasted sesame seeds, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice into a creamy sauce. "Tahini is served as a dip on its own or as a major component of hummus, baba ghanoush, and halva," says Zainab Pervaiz, the recipe submitter. "Tahini sauce is also a popular topping for meat and vegetables in Middle Eastern cuisine. Made from toasted sesame seeds with a consistency similar to peanut butter. Make it as thick as you want."
Whipped Garlic
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Photo by mauigirl
Lebanese-style whipped garlic is "intense and delicious, with an infinite number of applications," says POMPIER85, the recipe submitter. "It's lovely spread on plain pita bread or used a dip for veggies."
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