#237- Lebanese Cooking

Sam Elkhatib joins Carol to share a few classic, authentic and delicious Lebanese recipes. Enjoy a fresh Tabouli Salad (Parsley and Tomato Salad). Dip pita bread into a tasty Baba Ghanoush (Eggplant Dip). And serve grilled vegetables on the side with an Arabic version of the American hamburger, known as Kafta.

Tabouli Salad

Serves 6 - 8

1/2 cup bulgur (cracked wheat), soaked in water for 20 - 30 minutes, then drained

3 bunches parsley, chopped fine

1 bunch mint, chopped fine

3 large tomatoes, diced

1/2 cup scallions, sliced thin

juice from 3 lemons

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1/2 teaspoon allspice

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix thoroughly. Chill before serving. Serve on a bed of romaine lettuce leaves.

Baba Ghanoush

Serves 4 - 6 as an appetizer

1 eggplant, grilled or baked about 20 - 30 minutes, until soft

4 tablespoons tahini (sesame seed paste)

1 clove garlic, minced

juice from 2 lemons

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

chopped parsley for garnish

Peel eggplant; discard skin and place flesh in food processor with tahini, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Process until smooth, about 10-15 seconds. Spread on a serving plate, drizzle with olive oil, and garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Serve with pita bread.

Kafta

Serves 4

1 pound ground beef or ground lamb

2 bunches parsley, chopped fine

1/2 onion, chopped fine

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1/2 teaspoon allspice

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl, and using your hands, mix thoroughly. Divide mixture into roughly sixteen portions and form each into sausage-like shapes on the end of 8-inch wooden skewers. Carefully squeeze the meat mixture around the skewers so that the meat will not become loose while turning on the grill. Cook kebabs on a grill over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until meat is no longer pink in the middle. Serve in pita breads with lettuce, tomato, and yogurt, if desired. Makes about 16 meat kebabs.

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