Vegan Lebanese Recipes: Authentic & Delicious Dishes to Try

Lebanese cuisine is a vibrant tapestry of flavors, colors, and textures, renowned for its rich history and emphasis on fresh, wholesome ingredients. The best part?

Many traditional Lebanese dishes are naturally vegan or easily adapted to be plant-based, making them perfect for those seeking a delicious vegan culinary adventure. From creamy hummus to crispy falafel and refreshing tabbouleh, vegan Lebanese recipes offer a delightful balance of aromatic spices, herbs, and nutritious ingredients that will tantalize your taste buds.

In this post, we’ll explore some classic vegan Lebanese recipes that are not only easy to prepare but also bursting with authentic flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just looking to add more plant-based meals to your repertoire, these dishes will transport you to the heart of the Mediterranean with every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lebanese vegan recipes are celebrated for their use of fresh vegetables, legumes, and herbs, delivering meals that are both healthy and satisfying. These recipes are:

• Rich in flavor: Thanks to a blend of garlic, lemon, olive oil, and spices like cumin and sumac.
• Nutritious: Packed with plant-based proteins like chickpeas and lentils, along with fiber and vitamins from fresh veggies.
• Versatile: Perfect as appetizers, mains, or sides, suitable for any occasion.
• Easy to prepare: Most dishes require minimal cooking skills and simple ingredients.

Plus, these dishes will impress your family and friends with their exotic yet approachable taste. Vegan Lebanese recipes are a wonderful way to enjoy wholesome, delicious food that’s kind to the planet.

Ingredients

Classic Hummus

• 1 cup cooked chickpeas (or 1 can, drained and rinsed)
• 1/4 cup tahini (sesame seed paste)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt to taste
• Water as needed for desired consistency
• Paprika and chopped parsley for garnish

Falafel

• 1 cup dried chickpeas (soaked overnight)
• 1 small onion, roughly chopped
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or chickpea flour
• Vegetable oil for frying

Tabbouleh

• 1/2 cup fine bulgur wheat
• 2 cups fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
• 3 medium tomatoes, diced
• 3 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Equipment

• Food processor or blender (for hummus and falafel)
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Large skillet or deep frying pan (for falafel)
• Fine mesh strainer (for bulgur wheat)
• Knife and chopping board
• Serving plates and bowls

Instructions

Classic Hummus

1. Prepare the chickpeas: If using dried chickpeas, soak them overnight and cook until tender. If using canned, rinse and drain well.
2. Blend ingredients: In a food processor, combine chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, and salt. Pulse until smooth.
3. Add olive oil and water: While blending, slowly add olive oil and enough water to reach your desired creamy consistency.
4. Adjust seasoning: Taste and add more salt or lemon juice if needed.
5. Serve: Transfer to a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and garnish with paprika and parsley.

Falafel

1. Soak chickpeas: Place dried chickpeas in a large bowl and cover with cold water overnight, ensuring they expand.
2. Process ingredients: Drain chickpeas and add to a food processor with onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Pulse until finely ground but not pureed.
3. Add flour: Transfer mixture to a bowl and mix in flour to bind. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
4. Form balls: Shape the mixture into small balls or patties with your hands.
5. Heat oil and fry: Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Fry falafel balls until golden brown and crisp, about 3-4 minutes per side.
6. Drain and serve: Place on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Tabbouleh

1. Prepare bulgur: Rinse bulgur under cold water and drain well. Soak in cold water for 15 minutes until softened, then drain again.
2. Mix vegetables and herbs: In a large bowl, combine parsley, mint, tomatoes, and green onions.
3. Add bulgur: Toss the softened bulgur into the herb and vegetable mixture.
4. Dress salad: Add lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
5. Chill and serve: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor melding.

Tips & Variations

“For the best falafel texture, never cook the chickpeas before blending – soaking is enough. Also, fresh herbs really make the tabbouleh vibrant and refreshing!”

• Make it gluten-free: Substitute bulgur in tabbouleh with quinoa or cauliflower rice.
• Bake falafel: For a healthier option, bake falafel balls at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or sumac to your hummus for a smoky twist.
• Make a platter: Serve these recipes together with warm pita, pickled vegetables, and olives for an authentic Lebanese feast.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

These vegan Lebanese dishes are incredibly versatile. Consider serving hummus as a dip alongside fresh vegetable sticks or warm pita bread.

Falafel makes a wonderful main when tucked into a pita with tahini sauce, cucumber, and tomato. Tabbouleh is a bright, fresh salad that pairs beautifully with grilled vegetables or as part of a mezze spread.

For a complete meal, combine these recipes with other Middle Eastern staples like Middle Eastern Vegan Recipes for Flavorful Plant-Based dishes. You might also enjoy trying your hand at a Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes to add a creamy element to your meal.

And if you love homemade bread, pairing these recipes with a Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves will elevate your dining experience.

Conclusion

Embracing vegan Lebanese recipes is a delightful way to enjoy plant-based meals full of zest, texture, and history. These dishes celebrate simple, fresh ingredients that come together to create bold flavors and satisfying meals.

Whether you’re preparing a casual lunch or an impressive dinner party spread, these recipes are sure to impress.

By incorporating classic staples like hummus, falafel, and tabbouleh into your kitchen repertoire, you’ll not only enjoy delicious food but also explore the rich culinary heritage of Lebanon. Plus, these dishes are incredibly nutritious and adaptable to suit your dietary preferences.

Remember, cooking vegan doesn’t mean compromising on flavor or tradition — it means enhancing it in thoughtful, exciting ways. Happy cooking!

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