Lebanon, a land of rich culinary heritage, celebrates Christmas with a feast that is both visually captivating and gastronomically delightful. The festive table is adorned with a variety of dishes that reflect the country’s diverse flavors and traditions.
Here are 12 pictures that showcase the most tempting Lebanese foods savored during the Christmas season:
1. Kibbeh Bil Sanieh
Baked to golden perfection, this layered meat and bulgur dish, often infused with pine nuts and spices, is a heartwarming start to the Christmas meal.
2. Roast Lamb with Spices
A centerpiece of the Lebanese Christmas table, the roast lamb is marinated in aromatic spices and slow-cooked to tender perfection.
3. Meghli
A traditional Christmas dessert, this rice flour pudding is flavored with caraway and cinnamon, symbolizing the celebration of a new life.
4. Stuffed Grape Leaves
A festive favorite, these are filled with a savory mix of rice, meat, and spices, and simmered in a lemony broth.
5. Maamoul
These delicate shortbread pastries, filled with dates, pistachios, or walnuts, are a sweet embodiment of Lebanese Christmas traditions.
6. Baklava
Layers of phyllo dough, filled with nuts and sweetened with syrup, offer a crispy, sweet treat, integral to any Lebanese Christmas celebration.
7. Mulukhiyah with Chicken
A comforting stew made with mulukhiyah leaves and chicken, often served with rice, embodying the warmth of the season.
8. Fattoush
A refreshing salad with mixed greens, crisp vegetables, and toasted bread, dressed in a tangy pomegranate molasses dressing, adds freshness to the festive table.
9. Rice with Vermicelli
A simple yet elegant side dish, often served alongside main courses, adding a subtle flavor and texture to the Christmas feast.
10. Kibbeh Nayyeh
This finely ground raw meat dish, mixed with bulgur and spices, is a classic Lebanese delicacy often enjoyed during special occasions.
11. Chicken with Rice (Djaj Mahshi)
A comforting dish of chicken stuffed with spiced rice, nuts, and ground meat, exuding flavors and aromas that are quintessentially Christmas.
12. Sayadieh
A celebration of Lebanon’s coastal heritage, this fish and rice dish, seasoned with spices and served with caramelized onions, brings a unique flavor to the Christmas table.
Each of these dishes not only adds to the culinary delight but also carries with it centuries of traditions and stories, making the Lebanese Christmas feast a true celebration of culture and community.
