5 Best Lebanese Cookbooks to Spice Up Your Kitchen
Rich spices, fresh herbs, and bold flavors make Lebanese food unforgettable. From creamy hummus to sizzling shawarma, every dish tells a story of tradition and hospitality. Home cooks across the world now crave the comforting dishes of Beirut’s streets and mountain villages.
These Lebanese cookbooks open the door to authentic recipes that fill the kitchen with warmth and aroma. Each book on this list brings something special classic mezze spreads, family recipes passed down for generations, or modern twists on old favorites.
Simple instructions and vibrant photography make it easy to follow, even for beginners. These cookbooks go beyond ingredients and measurements. They invite readers to explore a culture through its food, offering stories, tips, and regional secrets.
Start your journey into the heart of Lebanese cuisine with these five cookbooks. They promise delicious results and unforgettable meals for any table.
5 Best Lebanese Cookbooks 2025
1.
Cookbook Overview
My Lebanese Cookbook
This cookbook brings together the heart of Lebanese cooking. It mixes everyday dishes with special recipes made for family gatherings. It covers traditional meals that use fresh produce, spices, and pantry staples from Lebanese kitchens.
The book goes beyond recipes. It helps you understand the culture behind the food. You will learn about the Lebanese pantry, meal customs, and small-plate serving styles like mezze.
With over 80 recipes, this book gives you a full tour of Lebanese cuisine from street food to holiday dishes. It fits both casual cooking and weekend feasts. Each dish is written in clear steps, with short ingredient lists and simple cooking tips.
Features
A Guide to Lebanese Basics
The first section offers a gentle introduction to Lebanese cooking. You’ll find a glossary that explains key Arabic words used in recipes. It also breaks down the pantry, or mouneh, showing the ingredients you’ll use often.
Expect to learn about spices like sumac, za’atar, and cinnamon. You’ll also discover how lemon, garlic, and olive oil bring balance to the food.
Traditional Recipes You Can Make
The book features over 80 classic dishes. These include Baba Ghanoush, Falafel, Lamb Kebabs, and Baked Kafta in Tahini. You’ll also find stews like Zucchini and Chickpea, plus sweet treats like Baklava. Each recipe uses easy steps and everyday words. Most ingredients are simple and easy to find. Even dishes that seem complex feel doable.
Meals for Every Occasion
The book gives ideas for how to serve full meals. It suggests menus for holidays and weekend dinners. You can mix and match dishes to create your own spread. It also teaches the style of eating many small dishes at once called mezze. This way, meals become more than just food. They become a shared experience.
Made for Home Cooks
This book speaks to beginners and home cooks. The steps are short. The language is clear. The photos guide you without confusion. Each recipe feels like advice from a friendly cook. You won’t need fancy tools. Just basic pots, pans, and a love for good food.
2.
Cookbook Overview
About the Author
Rose Previte owns popular restaurants in Washington, DC, called Maydān and Compass Rose. She grew up in a Lebanese American family and learned cooking from her mother.
She traveled across the Middle East, North Africa, and nearby places. Her experiences with local cooks inspired many recipes. Rose worked with Marah Stets, a New York Times bestselling cookbook author, to write this book.
What the Book Offers
This cookbook features more than 150 recipes. They focus on bold flavors and easy-to-make meals. Many recipes come from home cooks and grandmothers Rose met on her travels.
The food shows how cooking styles mix across countries like Lebanon, Morocco, Tunisia, and Georgia. Recipes are perfect for sharing with family and friends. The book also shares tips on building a meal with small plates, main dishes, and breads.
Features
Simple and Shareable Recipes
Recipes are not complicated. They use easy-to-find ingredients. Meals are designed to be shared around the table. For example, Tunisian Chicken Skewers or Lebanese small plates can be mixed and matched. The book encourages cooking for any occasion, from quick weeknight dinners to larger gatherings.
Cultural Connection
The book tells stories behind the recipes. It explains how food traditions cross borders. For example, the spicy harissa sauce in Tunisia is like adjika in Georgia. Bread baking methods also appear in many countries. The word Maydān means “gathering place” in many languages. It symbolizes how food brings people together.
Practical Cooking Advice
Clear instructions help beginners cook confidently. Recipes include how to scale dishes up or down. The book suggests wine pairings from Georgia and Lebanon. It also offers ideas for making special breads like Khachapuri, a cheesy Georgian bread.
3.
Cookbook Overview
What You Get in This Cookbook
This book offers a complete collection of authentic Lebanese recipes. The author, Samira Kazan, grew up in a family of Lebanese restaurateurs. She traveled across Lebanon to learn from top chefs. Her deep knowledge shows in every recipe.
The cookbook uses fresh, healthy ingredients like whole grains, chickpeas, parsley, olive oil, and lemons. Many recipes include seafood, poultry, and lamb. There are also vegan and vegetarian versions for almost every dish.
Each recipe comes with clear step-by-step photos. This makes cooking easier and more fun. You can see exactly how to prepare the food correctly for the best taste.
Types of Recipes Included
Recipes range from simple dips and salads to more detailed meals. Some popular examples are:
-
Moutabal, baba ganoush, and hummus (with several variations)
-
Salads like tabouli and fattoush
-
Stuffed makdous and spinach fatayer (stuffed pastries)
-
Basic recipes such as tahini, za’atar, and pita bread
These dishes represent the heart of Lebanese cuisine. They bring fresh, vibrant flavors to your table.
Features
Authentic and Healthy Ingredients
Lebanese cooking focuses on fresh, natural ingredients. Whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and healthy fats like olive oil play a key role. This cookbook respects these traditions. It guides you to use the right ingredients for authentic taste and health benefits.
Clear, Step-by-Step Photos
Photos show each stage of the cooking process. They help you avoid confusion and mistakes. This makes the recipes easy to follow for cooks of all levels.
Vegan and Vegetarian Options
Many recipes include plant-based versions. This suits people who prefer vegan or vegetarian diets. The book offers flexibility without losing traditional flavors.
Expert Knowledge from a Local Chef
Samira Kazan’s background adds value. Her family experience and travels across Lebanon bring real authenticity. She shares tips and secrets from top Lebanese chefs.
4.
Cookbook Overview
Authentic Lebanese Recipes
This cookbook shares real Lebanese recipes made with traditional ingredients. It covers many kinds of dishes. From smoky baba ghanouj to za’atar bread, savory kibbeh, and sweet roz bel laban, it offers a wide range. These recipes are easy to follow for cooks of all skill levels.
Variety of Dishes
The book divides recipes into sections. Mezze favorites, street food classics, hearty family meals, and rich desserts each get special attention. This makes it easy to find dishes for any occasion. Whether cooking a quick snack or a full meal, this book has options.
Cultural Experience
More than just recipes, the cookbook shows the culture behind the food. Beautiful photos capture the spirit of Lebanon’s markets, fields, and kitchens. It invites readers to join a culinary journey and enjoy the warmth of Lebanese hospitality.
Features
Easy-to-Follow Instructions
Clear steps guide readers through each recipe. Even beginners can cook authentic Lebanese dishes without confusion. The instructions focus on simple language and practical tips.
Traditional Ingredients and Techniques
Recipes highlight time-honored Lebanese ingredients like olive oil, fresh herbs, and spices. The book explains how to use these ingredients to get the best flavor. It also shares cooking methods that have been passed down through generations.
Suitable for All Skill Levels
No matter if a cook is a beginner or has more experience, the cookbook works well. The recipes range from simple snacks to more complex meals, all with clear guidance.
Beautiful Food Photography
Photos show finished dishes and ingredients in a bright, inviting way. These images help readers understand how the food should look and inspire them to try new recipes.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This book fits many needs. Whether you want to explore Lebanese cooking for yourself, reconnect with family traditions, or host a mezze party, it offers great ideas. It brings the flavors and warmth of Lebanon to your table.
5.
Cookbook Overview
About the Author
Julie Ann Sageer, also known as Julie Taboulie, hosts the PBS show Cooking with Julie Taboulie. Her love for Lebanese food began at age six. Julie shares recipes from her family heritage, making Lebanese cooking simple and enjoyable for everyone.
Recipe Variety
This cookbook contains 125 recipes covering classic dishes like falafel, shawarma, and taboulie. It also includes less-known meals such as Bazilla, a tasty lamb stew with tomato and green peas. The cookbook covers desserts flavored with honey and rosewater, bringing sweet endings to Lebanese meals.
Dietary Options
The book offers many vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, and gluten-free recipes. No special ingredient swaps needed. Every chapter provides options for meat lovers and those who prefer plant-based dishes.
Features
Step-by-Step Instructions
Recipes come with clear, hands-on steps that anyone can follow. Each dish includes tips and tricks to help cooks prepare meals with confidence.
Fresh Ingredients Focus
The cookbook encourages using fresh, seasonal ingredients to capture authentic Lebanese flavors. It shows how simple fresh herbs, vegetables, and spices can create rich tastes.
Homemade Spice Mixes
Readers learn to make their own Lebanese spice blends. These mixes add depth and aroma to many dishes and can be used in multiple recipes.
Wide Range of Recipes
From appetizers to main courses and desserts, the cookbook offers a broad selection. It suits beginners and experienced cooks alike. This variety keeps meals interesting and full of flavor.
This Lebanese cookbook by Julie Taboulie opens the door to the flavors of Lebanon. It provides easy recipes and clear guidance to bring fresh, vibrant dishes into your kitchen. Anyone eager to enjoy Lebanese food will find great value in this book.
Final Thoughts
Exploring Lebanese cooking can be a joyful experience with the right guide. These cookbooks offer clear instructions, fresh ingredients, and a variety of recipes for all tastes. From traditional favorites to new twists, each book helps bring the rich flavors of Lebanon into your kitchen.
Whether you prefer meat, vegetables, or gluten-free meals, these books provide simple ways to enjoy delicious Lebanese dishes. For anyone who wants to dive into this vibrant cuisine, choosing from the best Lebanese cookbooks will make cooking both easy and rewarding.
