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Month: September 2015

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Blog Lebanese Food Traditional Ingredients

What is Baba Ghanouj?

Baba Ganoush

Also known as baba ghanoosh, baba ghanouj is a type of smoked eggplant dip that has been part of Lebanese cuisine for thousands of years. It is believed to have first been eaten in the Levant (a region comprising modern day Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Palestine and Israel) though nowadays everyone from Egypt to Turkey has their own version. As is the case with any popular food, there is much debate surrounding what constitutes the real thing; here is a brief look at what goes into making traditional Lebanese baba ghanouj.

what is Baba ganoush
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Lebanese foods don’t get much healthier, more delicious or authentic than baba ghanouj. Time to get a taste of what the fuss is all about.

Aubergine (Eggplant)

If you like eggplant you will love baba ghanouj as it is all about the aubergine. The secret is to roast the eggplants directly over an open flame as this leaves behind a delicious smoky flavour that is the trademark of this traditional Lebanese food. Once cooked, the eggplant is peeled and strained – as this prevents the flavours from being watered down – and finally, that soft aubergine is gently mashed until it is as smooth or chunky as you like.

best baba ghanouj sydney
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Garlic

You can’t have baba ghanouj without garlic, although opinions vary regarding the quantities required. Recipes differ from family to family, with some adding one clove of garlic for every eggplant while others add just the one clove to the entire batch. Whatever your taste, for your baba ghanouj to be considered authentic it needs a noticeable kick of garlic.

Lemon Juice

Baba ghanouj requires a definite touch of citrus, which is traditionally provided by way of lemon juice – again, opinions vary regarding the level of citrusy zing necessary. Ideally, you want the citrus flavours to compliment the smokiness of the eggplant but without overpowering it.

Tahini

Many styles of baba ghanouj don’t contain tahini, but the traditional Lebanese version certainly does; however, keep in mind that the role of the tahini is to compliment the other flavours, not steal the show. Only by balancing the nutty flavour of the tahini with the smokiness of the eggplant, the zap of the garlic and the zing of the lemon can you create that real baba ghanouj magic!

Seasoning

Every Lebanese family has their own way of seasoning their baba ghanouj, though thanks to all that garlic, lemon and tahini only the slightest extra touch of flavour is needed. Salt, cumin and even chili powder are often used and some people mix fresh herbs directly into their baba ghanouj to provide a burst of flavour. Mint and parsley are by far the most popular garnishes.

Olive Oil

Like almost every Lebanese dish, baba ghanouj isn’t complete without a drizzle of olive oil on top. A popular approach is to pour a moat of olive oil around the edge of the dish prior to serving, as this ensures that there is a taste of that delicious oil in every bite.

best baba ghanouj inner west
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Lebanese foods don’t get much healthier, more delicious or authentic than baba ghanouj. To get a taste of what all the fuss is about, drop by OOSHMAN (formerly known as Manoosh) or order online – you haven’t lived until you’ve tried our baba ghanouj!

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Blog Lebanese Food

New Specials Board | Best in the West

Vegan Pepperoni C

We like to keep things fresh, and have a new specials board featuring Vegan Pizza, Lamb Souvlaki Wrap, and Spinach and Cheese Wrap. Try some of the best pizza in Sydney. Some of these are for a limited time only, so Drop by OOSHMAN (formerly known as Manoosh) or order online today.

Special Menu Items

1. Vegan wonder – Vegan cheese, mushroom, garlic, vegan pepperoni, marinated broccolini served with a lemon wedge on a medium size pizza. $9

2. Lamb Souvlaki wrap – Marinated lamb souvlaki, lettuce, tomato, spanish onion and cucumber drizzled with tzatziki sauce in a fresh baked wrap. $7

3. Spinach and cheese wrap – cheese, spinach and fetta wrapped in our delicious baked sesame wrap. $5.50

best vegan pizza inner west

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Blog Lebanese Food

Vegan Pepperoni is Here! | Vegan Pizza Inner West

pepperoni

We’re very pleased to announce we are now serving delicious Vegan Pepperoni as part of our range of Vegan Pizzas. Good news for those needing a vegan pizza in the inner west or those who just want to try something a little different. Our Baklavas are now vegan too and you can try them as part of the combo meal deal. Drop by OOSHMAN (formerly known as Manoosh) or order online.

 

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Traditional Ingredients Blog Lebanese Food

Lebanese Food – The Spice of Life

Spcices

To Lebanese people, our spices are far more than just a way to flavour our food – they connect us to our history, they keep us healthy, and they are an important part of who we are. The following guide looks at what makes our spices so special and highlights a few of those that matter most.

spicy food takeaway sydney
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Traditional Lebanese food is one of the world’s tastiest and healthiest cultural cuisines, thanks in large part to our amazing spices.

An ancient and delicious history

You can trace the roots of Lebanese culture back thousands of years simply by following the history of our spices. For instance, za’atar was eaten as far back as Ancient Egypt more than 5,000 years ago, while the Ottoman occupation of Lebanon (1516 – 1918) left behind many tasty influences, not least of which was cardamom. Nomadic tribes have also had an impact on Lebanese taste buds throughout the years by introducing us to spices from all over the world, including baharat from North Africa, mint from Asia and cumin from Egypt.

lebanese food sydney
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The secret to good health

Traditional Lebanese food has long been known for being extremely healthy and much of the credit needs to go to our spices. For instance, za’atar has been used to treat everything from indigestion to leprosy, while mint has helped those struggling with weight issues, headaches and nausea. Sumac has antifungal, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, cardamom can be a powerful aphrodisiac, and baharat is high in calcium, iron, as well as vitamins A and C.

Flavours like no other

The spices used in traditional Lebanese cuisine make it truly irresistible – from the well-rounded flavours of za’atar and baharat to the tang of sumac, through to the freshness of mint and the sweetness of cardamom. Every one of our spices plays a vital role in creating that authentic Lebanese taste.

best pizza sydney
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The essentials

While many spices go into creating authentic Lebanese food, the following are a few of the main players;

  • Za’atar – Technically considered a plant as well as a blend of spices, za’atar commonly consists of roasted sesame seeds, thyme, sumac, salt, marjoram and even oregano. Za’atar is added to everything from manoosh to labne through to grilled meat and vegetables.
  • Baharat – This spice blend commonly includes cumin, pepper, paprika, cloves, coriander seeds and cinnamon. It is mostly used as a seasoning or a marinade for meat, though it can also be added to soups and stews.
  • Sumac – This delicious lemon flavoured spice is often used to season meat and vegetables; however, it is also sprinkled over salads, like tabbouleh and fattoush, as well as added to dips such as hommus and labne.
  • Cardamom – This versatile spice is a fantastic flavour enhancer used in both sweet and savoury dishes. Cardamom is also part of many traditional blends of Arabic coffee and provides a subtle sweetness to both meat and vegetables.
  • Mint – Mint provides a burst of flavour to many Lebanese dishes. For example, it can be mixed into baba ghanouj to add a burst of freshness, it is a key ingredient in tabbouleh, and our national dish, kebbeh nayeh, just wouldn’t be the same without a sprig of fresh mint on top.

Traditional Lebanese food is one of the world’s tastiest and healthiest cultural cuisines, thanks in large part to our amazing spices. To try Lebanese food at its best (or the best pizza in Sydney) stop by OOSHMAN (formerly known as Manoosh) or order online, and prepare your taste buds for something special.

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Blog Lebanese Food Traditional Ingredients

Have you Fallen for Falafel?

Falafel

If you have recently fallen for falafel you are certainly in good company, as this delicious treat has wooed millions throughout the years. Here is a brief look at how it all began as well as what makes falafel so special.

fallen for falafel manoosh pizza sydney
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While there are many who can make a tasty falafel, few can match the fresh, healthy and authentic Lebanese version.

What is falafel?

If you are one of the few who have never eaten falafel, prepare yourself for a new favourite food. Lebanese falafel is made from chick peas which are soaked, ground and mixed with spices, such as cumin, chili, garlic and coriander. This mix is then formed into balls or patties and fried. Falafel balls can be eaten on their own, with a side of hommus or tabouleh, or as part of a full sized meal – the most popular approach is to stuff them inside a pita with a salad and a drizzle of tahini on top.

Falafel’s ancient roots

Everyone from Palestinians to Indians to Israelis claim to have been the first to eat falafel and considering that its main ingredients have been around for thousands of years it is little wonder that so many have developed such a strong affinity with this popular food. However, falafel almost certainly originated in Egypt, where it was first known as ra’amia and was made using fava beans rather than chick peas. Many believe that is was Egyptian Christians who created falafel, using it as a meat substitute on days when their diet was restricted by their religious beliefs.

manoosh pizza sydney best takeaway
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The perfect snack

Apart from being delicious, falafel is fast, cheap and healthy, making it the ideal snack food. While it takes quite a few hours to soak the chick peas, cooking falafel is extremely quick, making it very attractive for those looking to save money on fuel. Furthermore, its core ingredients are not only inexpensive, they are easy to transport and can keep for long periods of time without spoiling. Best of all, falafel is high in protein; it contains carbohydrates, fibre and an array of vitamins and minerals as well, including potassium, magnesium and folate. Falafel is also low in fat, salt and cholesterol.

fallen for falafel manoosh takeaway pizza
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A global phenomenon

From its humble beginnings in ancient Egypt, falafel quickly spread throughout the Middle East and beyond. Ancient sailors are credited with the early rise in falafel’s popularity, many of whom would have stocked up on falafel in the port city of Alessandria and taken these tasty treats with them as far as Yemen, Saudi Arabia and Morocco. The popularity of falafel in Israel is attributed to the influence of Yemeni immigrants during the 1950’s, while places like Australia have their Lebanese born citizens to thank for this delicious treat. Nowadays you can find falafel almost everywhere, from Brisbane to Baghdad to Boston.

While there are many who can make a tasty falafel, few can match the fresh, healthy and authentic Lebanese version. If you have fallen for falafel and are looking to indulge your newfound love, stop by OOSHMAN (formerly known as Manoosh) or order online, we’d be happy to prepare this delicious and healthy Lebanese food for you!

Categories
Blog Lebanese Food Traditional Ingredients

OOSHMAN Delivery Area Expanding

Pizza Delivery Scooter

That’s right, due to high demand from other suburbs, we’re expanding our delivery area. If you or anyone you know are unfortunate enough to miss out on OOSHMAN (formerly known as Manoosh) because you’re too far away, fear not and watch this space, because we may be able to get too you soon too!

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