Vegan Lebanese Recipes byZaatar and Zaytoun - Lebanese Food Blog (2024)

Best Vegan Lebanese Recipes

We Lebanese can go Vegan without even trying. We have so many effortless delicious plant based recipes you could easily survive on a vegan Lebanese diet and be happy too.

Here on Zaatar and Zaytoun we have over 30 vegan recipes, but have selected some of our most popular for you ranging from beginner to the more advanced.

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1. Falafel

Falafel is the ultimate vegan recipe to get right as it is a food group in itself. You can even make a big batch and freeze the rest to make later.

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Falafel go beautifully with hummus or in a wrap with tahini sauce, tomato, parlsey and pickles.

For our falafel recipe go here.

2. Batata Harra

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Batata harra is our favourite potato based recipe for you vegans. Did I mention it's my signiture recipe so you have to give it a go.

I use way more cialntro (fresh coriander) than most recipes which is why mine is best, but I also make sure I choose the right potatoes and never ever burn the garlic.

For my full batata harra recipe go here.

3. Foul Mudamas

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So you want a hearty veagan breakfast that doens't include eggs? Easy, make some foul mudamas.

Using foul from a can is perfectly fine, the secret to the best foul mudamas is getting the texture right (not too dry or wet).

For the full foul mudamas recipe go here.

4. Loubia B'zeit

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Loubia b'zeit (green bean stew) is a great vegan recipe to have up your sleeve. You can make it with either frozen or fresh green beans and even used canned tomatoes when out of season.

I like to add half a chilli to give it a nice kick which is not traditional but hey it tastes better.

There is a very similar version with okra (bamia b'zeit) which is practically made in the same way only replacing the green beans.

Loubia b'zeit is traditionally eaten with flatbreads to scoop up all that yummy sauce.

For the full loubia b'zeit recipe go here.

5. Zucchini Bulgur Wheat Pilaf

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This zucchini pilaf is so warming and keeps you full for ages.

Coarse bulgur wheat is added to a mildly spiced tomato sauce with little chunks of zucchini (or kousa as we say in Arabic).

We also have very similar recipe that uses chickpeas instead of zucchini (vegan chickpea pilaf).

For the full zucchini pilaf recipe go here.

6. Fattoush

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Fattoush is the ultimate Lebanese salad and definitely one you should know if you love Lebanese food.

Using the very thin flatbreads makes the best fattoush. These can be found in your local Middle Eastern store.

The best fattoush is finished off with a little drizzle of pomegranate molasses.

For the full fattoush recipe go here.

7. Waraq enab (Stuffed Grape Leaves)

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My favourite dish of all time ever since I was very young and even now is vegan stuffed grape leaves.

You cannot beat a brimming pot of grape leaves especially when you turn it over and there are golden potatoes at the bottom.

Our recipe is the very best we have no qualms in claiming that and will challenge anyone who thinks otherwise!

Get the full vegan stuffed grape leaves recipe here.

8. Mujadara

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Classic Lebanese Mujadara is a humble dish that uses lentils and rice topped with lots of caramelised onions.

It's a great store cupboard recipe that you can whip up when you don't have too many fresh ingredients in the fridge and can't be bothered to go out.

We actually have four types of mujadara on the website and I've written more about them here.

For the full mujadara recipe go here.

9. Baba Ghanoush

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Baba ganoush or (moutabal) as it's sometimes known in Lebanon uses eggplants (aubergines) to make the most creamy dip.

But it's more than just a dip, you can put it in your sandwiches, you can have it as a light dinner with some very good quality extra virgin olive oil and fresh vegetables and herbs.

We make it the traditional way by scorching it on the fire and peeling away the skin. Yes it's messy but oh so worth it.

For the full baba ganoush recipe go here.

10. Pumpkin Kibbeh

To finish off our most amazing list of vegan Lebanese recipes, we have the most amazing vegan centrepiece in the form of pumpkin kibbeh.

This kibbeh uses fine bulgur wheat with cooked pumpkin, and has a walnut chickpea filling with lots of caramelised onions.

Pumpkin kibbeh is one for the advanced cooks out there and is definitely a showstopper. Plus it's so delicious you will be hosting dinner parties just so you can make it.

For the full pumpkin kibbeh recipe go here.

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We have a livelyFacebook groupwhere we post frequent recipes and discuss Lebanese cooking in general, as well as a handyPinterest pagewhere you can save all of your favourite Zaatar and Zaytoun recipes.

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Here are some other Zaatar and Zaytoun recipes you might like:

  • Lebanese Hummus Recipe
  • Okra In Tomato Sauce (Bamia b'zeit)
  • Mujadara Hamra
  • Kamounet Banadoura (Tomato Kibbeh)
Vegan Lebanese Recipes byZaatar and Zaytoun - Lebanese Food Blog (2024)

FAQs

Is Lebanese food good for vegans? ›

Lebanese food is often naturally vegan and is a popular choice for vegans and vegetarians. In fact, recent research has found Lebanese food one of the top two choices for vegans in Ireland, according to Shemazing Magazine. Let's have a look at some of the delicious meat-free and plant-based Lebanese food you can enjoy.

What are 4 dishes traditionally eaten in Lebanon? ›

Well-known dishes include baba ghanouj, tabbouleh, sfeeha, falafel and shawarma. An important component of many Lebanese meals is hummus, a chickpea puree dish, and many dishes are eaten with flatbread. Well-known desserts include baklawa, sfouf and ka'ak.

What are the top 5 dishes in Lebanon? ›

Here are 10 best Lebanese food that you definitely should sample at least once in your life.
  • 1.) Tabbouleh. ...
  • 2.) Hummus. ...
  • 3.) Falafel. ...
  • 4.) Kibbeh. ...
  • 5.) Fattoush. ...
  • 6.) Manakish. ...
  • 7.) Kebab. ...
  • 8.) Rice Pilaf.
Dec 19, 2020

Which country is #1 for vegans? ›

India. Three of India's major religions — Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism — teach the practice of ahimsa, or non-violence towards all beings. Because of this religious tradition, India has the highest percentage of vegetarians out of all the countries in the world.

What does Allah say about vegans? ›

"If the question is, is a Muslim doing something wrong and against their religion if they choose to only eat a plant-based diet? The answer is simply, not at all," he tells me. "The requirement in Islam is that what you eat must be halal and tayyub (Arabic for wholesome and pure). A vegan diet is both of those things."

What is Lebanon's national dish? ›

The national dish of Lebanon is kibbeh, an emulsified paste of fresh lamb and bulgur wheat with spices. Meat tends to be made into nuggets and charcoaled or stuffed into vegetables. Vegetables are usually the main feature of the meal.

Why is Lebanese food so good? ›

Lebanese cuisine has always utilised fresh local ingredients, ensuring that you get the maximum nutritional benefits from every bite. Fruits, vegetables, legumes and proteins form the foundations of traditional Lebanese food which are then embellished by an array of fresh spices.

What is the difference between Turkish and Lebanese food? ›

What is the difference between Turkish and Lebanese cuisine? - Quora. Dill, red pepper, including chili pepper, bay leaves, oregano, and paprika are more common in Turkish cuisine, while Lebanese cuisine favors thyme, allspice, and cinnamon. Both use Mint, sumac, coriander and cumin.

What is the signature dish of Lebanon? ›

Kibbeh is considered to be one of the best Lebanese foods in Lebanon and across the Arab world. It is made of ground meat, typically lamb or beef, mixed with bulgur wheat and spices. You can find kibbeh at each and every meal - breakfast, lunch or dinner.

What type of bread is eaten with most meals in Lebanon? ›

If you are in Lebanon and you order several dishes to eat, traditional restaurants will serve them with spring onions, mint, tomatoes, olives, and pita bread.

What is a typical Lebanese dinner menu? ›

Mains menu
  • Oven kibbe. Oven baked kibbeh in a tray. ...
  • Oven baked kofta. ...
  • Fassoulia. ...
  • Arabic spiced slow cooked leg of lamb. ...
  • Moroccan Lamb. ...
  • Lahem meshwi (lamb and chicken skewers) ...
  • Baked eggplant with lamb mince. ...
  • Kofta skewer.

What seasoning is often used in Lebanese cooking? ›

Baharat. The Arabic word for spices, “baharat” refers to a Middle Eastern seasoning blend that's also known as Lebanese seven-spice blend. The mixture varies by region but it typically contains some combination of black pepper, allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, coriander, cumin, paprika, cardamom and cloves.

Can vegans eat Lebanese bread? ›

Yes, pita bread is suitable for vegans. Its two main ingredients are flour and yeast, both of which are plant-based. Usually, salt is added for flavour, but it is very unlikely that any animal products or byproducts will be used. However, it is always worth checking ingredients labels to make sure.

What cuisine is the most vegan-friendly? ›

When dining out, Middle Eastern restaurants offer the most consistently vegan-friendly menus. Nearly everything that isn't meat is commonly vegan, especially falafel, hummus, tahini dressing, tabbouleh salad, and lavash bread or pita.

Can Muslims eat anything vegan? ›

Vegan food is almost always Halal with the exception of certain ingredients that contain alcohol. If the ingredients contain alcohol, the next question you may ask is "will it get me drunk?" and the answer is no.

What food groups do vegans not eat? ›

Vegans don't eat any foods made from animals, including:
  • Beef, pork, lamb, and other red meat.
  • Chicken, duck, and other poultry.
  • Fish or shellfish such as crabs, clams, and mussels.
  • Eggs.
  • Cheese.
  • Butter.
  • Milk, cream, ice cream, and other dairy products.
  • Mayonnaise (because it includes egg yolks)
Nov 3, 2023

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