Lebanese cuisine has become synonymous with mezze, hummus and tabouleh. But, did you know that there is a whole other side to Lebanese cuisine that seems to be relatively unexplored and still very much a secret to the West? Tabkha (s.) refers to any home-cooked, wholesome dish that is traditionally prepared by mothers and grandmothers around Lebanon. I have fond memories of coming home from school to one-pot dishes and stews simmering on the stove as my grandmother would meticulously set the table. Mezze (pronounced mezza in Lebanese), is typically reserved for restaurants, on weekends, when families come together. If you’ve ever seen a lavish, Lebanese mezze spread you’ll quickly understand that to recreate such a spread at home is near impossible without the manpower of a full commercial kitchen staff.
So, my fellow food lovers, with that information in mind I would like to challenge you to Taste Lebanon for this Monthly Mingle. I am very delighted to be hosting this month’s mingle for Meeta from What’s For Lunch, Honey? and I am really looking forward to seeing the recipes you dig up and the one’s you come up with; whether mezze dishes, lavish spreads or a tabkha. I am also eager to read the stories and history you may learn along the way. For example, I bet you’ll be surprised when you learn where, when & how the mezze came to be. For those a bit bewildered with where to start here are some uncommon ingredients and dishes to help build your appetite; freekeh, kebbeh, labneh, mujadarah, foul medamas, mankoushe, za’atar, and sumac. Get out there and let’s discover ALL the flavors of Lebanon.
Here’s how it works:
1) Create a dish that fits the Taste Lebanon theme as described above.
2) Post about it on your blog from now till 18 October 2010 (entries must be in English, please).
3) Your creation should be prepared for the current Monthly Mingle theme and posted anytime from now till the given deadline.
4) You must provide a link to this post and the official Monthly Mingle page.
5) Once you’ve posted your dish, send your entries to [email protected]
Feel free to leave your questions in the comments section and Let the good cookin’ begin!
I’m not really into events but I’m kind of motivated to participate in this. Firstly, coz I love Meeta and secondly coz its Lebanese food. I love LOVE Lebanese food and would love to learn more.
When I get home today I shall check my pantry and starting pulling up a something to contribute.
Thank u !
Ooh, this could be entree into Lebanese cooking! Will get hunting ^_^
I’d love to take part, I have to find something somewhere, can’t wait!!
I wanna mingle with you too…. getting busy with my sumac and za’atar.
Looking forward to seeing what everyone comes up with – I just need to go and see what I can offer too. Beth looking forward to hosting this with you!
Great to hear everyone! I’m super super excited about this mingle! Thanks again Meeta!
Bravo pour ce superbe blog qui dope l’amour des européens pour le Liban et pour les libanais.
Greetings and congratulations from the Mexican-Lebanese community in Mexico City! I just read L’Orient-Le Jour and learned about this fabulous blog… recipes just like my grandparents’!! Good homecooking, beautiful pictures!! Thanks for sharing.
nice theme,.:-)
Woohoo!! look forward to this :))
What a splendid idea! I am also looking forward to your cooking show at Tawlet on October 6!
Great opportunity! I will try my best to take part in this lovely activity!
Ooooh! I’ve never really cooked Lebanese food, will definitely try to take part! Off to research Lebanese cusine now. 🙂
Hi Beth, count me in – I’m still deciding between sweet and savory… hmmmm… we’ll see.
What an exciting theme. I’ll try to participate and run some stuff by you first 🙂
Congrats on the magazine mention.
Hi, I have a lebanese recipe already published on my blog, can it be submitted to this event if I add the logo and the required links?
Thank you!
Hmmm, already have something in mind for this. Not sure if it is Lebanese though, have to read up.
I have to try this mingle, simply because I have never tried Lebanese food, except for hummus and tabouleh. Google here I come…
I love middleastern food.. and of coruse, lebaanse is one of my favortie!
Just mailed you my entry.
Hi Bethany,
I mailed you my entry today morning.
just one quick ques..do I also need to fill in the entry form at Meeta’s announcement page?
Thanks in advance for the reply
ah shoot, I’m late. I just made a Lebanese dish on my blog! when will you have the monthly mingle again! 🙂 Thanks.
Cheers,
Sara