Makaruna Imbaukha originates from East Libya, but is known throughout the country. A more time-consuming version is rishda imbaukha which calls for home-made pasta known as rishda. Steamed pasta is the basis of this dish, but the secret is a rich onion and chickpea sauce with the consistency of stew… Read more“Steamed Pasta with Pumpkin and Raisins: Makaruna Imbaukha مكرونة مبوخة”
Libyan Soup with Chicken and Thyme : Sharba Libiya bil Dajaj wa Alzatar شربة ليبية بالدجاج والزعتر
As its name suggests Libyan Soup holds a special place in Libyan cuisine. It’s an aromatic soup that combines olive oil and a typical Libyan mix of herbs and spices. During Ramadan, it takes pride of place on every Iftar table. There are countless versions of this soup, and everyone… Read more“Libyan Soup with Chicken and Thyme : Sharba Libiya bil Dajaj wa Alzatar شربة ليبية بالدجاج والزعتر”
Layered Potato and Minced Meat Bake: Mubattan Kusha مبطن بطاطا في الفرن
This version of mubattan includes all the ingredients of the fried version, but they are in layers, with the potato slices sandwiching the meat mixture. A quick and easy recipe makes this the family-friendly Mubatan. With a salad its a complete meal, heartier and healthier than the side dish or… Read more“Layered Potato and Minced Meat Bake: Mubattan Kusha مبطن بطاطا في الفرن”
Cabbage Salad: Salatet Kronb سلطة كرنب
This very simple fresh-tasting cabbage salad only takes a few minutes to make. It is particularly good with hot fresh bread and as much olive oil as possible. It is often served with heavier spicy meals as a light and tasty alternative to the usual cucumber and tomato salad. I… Read more“Cabbage Salad: Salatet Kronb سلطة كرنب”
Fried Potato Wedges Stuffed with Minced Meat: Mbatan Batata مبطن بطاطا
Mubatan, or Mbattan which is also called Batata Mbatna, is a Libyan speciality which consists of potato wedges with a herb and minced meat filling, coated in breadcrumbs and egg and fried. They are especially popular in Ramadan. This addictive appetizer is made by slicing a potato, keeping two slices… Read more“Fried Potato Wedges Stuffed with Minced Meat: Mbatan Batata مبطن بطاطا”
Bseisa and Howira بسيسة و حويرة
Bseisa and Howira are two different mixtures of roasted barley and other cereals ground with fenugreek and aniseed and coriander . This kind of food is North African in origin, known in Tunis and Algeria as well as throughout Libya. Its history goes back a long way, and travellers and nomads used to… Read more“Bseisa and Howira بسيسة و حويرة”
Libyan Rice Sausage: Osban عصبان
Osban is a traditional Libyan sausage, stuffed with a mixture of rice and herbs, as well as chopped lamb meat, liver and heart. Osban might be the Libyan version of haggis, but no one would have osban for breakfast! It is usually served alongside the main meal on special occasions,… Read more“Libyan Rice Sausage: Osban عصبان”
Ramadan Pastry with Shredded Coconut and Raisins: Kunafa bil Zabib wa Joz al Hind كنافة بالزبيب و جوز الهند
Kunafa is a pastry dessert eaten during Ramadan throughout most of the Arab world. The very fine threads of Konafa pastry are filled with sweet cheese, nuts or even mango. It can be made in a variety of ways, including in individual forms, or in a frying pan on the… Read more“Ramadan Pastry with Shredded Coconut and Raisins: Kunafa bil Zabib wa Joz al Hind كنافة بالزبيب و جوز الهند”