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Lebanese Cuisine, or foods from
Lebanon, are considered a Mediterranean delicacy consisting of a
variety of fresh vegetarian recipes, salads and stews all seasoned
with a flavorsome combination of herbs and spices. One of the most
world known Lebanese specialties is called the Maza, also written "Mezze",
which is a selection of appetizers: olives, cheeses, Labanee, or
small portions also known as muqabbilat (starters).
As with most Mediterranean cuisines, Lebanese cuisine is considered
to be a very balanced, healthy diet.
The cuisine of Lebanon is the epitome of the Mediterranean diet. It
includes an abundance of starches, fruits, vegetables, fresh fish
and seafood; animal fats are consumed sparingly. Poultry is eaten
more often than red meat, and when red meat is eaten it is usually
lamb. It also includes copious amounts of garlic and olive oil,
often seasoned by lemon juice -nary a meal goes by in Lebanon that
does not include these ingredients. Most often foods are either
grilled, baked or sautéed in olive oil; butter or cream is rarely
used other than in a few desserts. Vegetables are often eaten raw or
pickled as well as cooked. While the cuisine of Lebanon doesn't
boast an entire repertoire of sauces, it focuses on herbs, spices
and the freshness of ingredients; the assortment of dishes and
combinations are almost limitless. The meals are full of robust,
earthy flavors and, like most Mediterranean countries, much of what
the Lebanese eat is dictated by the seasons. |