Lebanese Rice and Peas - Bazila W Riz

This is such a simple dish and it packs a huge amount of gastronomic satisfaction into something so easy to make! Don’t let the name fool you, this dishes main ingredient is ground beef or ground lamb, so I have know idea why it is called Bazila (Lebanese for peas) and Riz (Lebanese for rice). Made often by my Lebanese Mother-in-Law, it was a favorite of my husband Matt, while growing up in Buffalo, NY. The key to this dish is the Lebanese 7 Spice Blend . It is what creates all the deliciousness and will have you going back for...

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Lebanese Food: The Best Kept Secret

An Introduction to Lebanese Food & CultureIn June 1989 I met my husband Matthew. For our first date we went to lunch at Abbott’s in Noank, CT. I remember standing in line waiting to place our lobster order, talking and asking all those typical first date questions. With the last name of “Ostrowski”, I knew he was Polish; but, he was tall, dark and handsome (and still is!), he couldn’t be all Polish. So I asked, “what nationality are you?”, “Guess” he said. So, I said the most logical answer, “Italian”. “Nope, guess again” he said. “Greek?” “No, I’m half...

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Lebanese Garlic Dip

Yields 20 ServingsClick here for the video recipe!Ingredients 3 heads of garlic, peeled 4-5 cups of Olive Oil 1 lemon, freshly juiced 1 teaspoon of salt (or to taste) Instructions Before you start, ensure that all ingredients are at room temperature for a more reliable outcome. Also if you are using a large food processor make sure you use at least 3 heads of garlic otherwise smaller quantities of garlic may be reached by the blades. Add the garlic and salt in the food processor and run for 10-20 seconds. Stop processor, scrap garlic down the sides, then run the...

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