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Blog Lebanese Food Pizza

Manoosh Offer Some of the Best Value Eats in Sydney

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If there’s one thing that Manoosh are renowned for it’s producing fresh, top notch pizzas that are incredible value for money. If you are looking for cheap eats in Sydney that don’t forsake quality, we have options to suit almost anybody; from our 100% vegan options to traditional pizzas to more obscure Lebanese delicacies that you may not have tried before. To get your mouth watering, here are a few of our best value options on our extensive menu that are tasty, filling and won’t hurt your wallet.

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Manoosh are proud to offer some of the best value eats you’re likely to find in Sydney, from our delicious pizzas, to Lebanese-style street food and delicacies that you won’t find anywhere else in the city.

Folded Sujuk Pizza – $7.50

Looking for a thick, meaty, delicious meal but don’t think you can take on whole pizza by yourself? Our folded sujuk pizza is just for you. Featuring fluffy folded crust filled with cheese, sujuk, olives, capsicum and tomato it’s a delicious alternative to a traditional pizza. Sujuk is Lebanese sausage, somewhat similar to pepperoni, made from ground beef, combined with a selection of exotic, spices like garlic, cumin, sumac and red pepper.

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Haloumi Pie – $7

You’ve never had a haloumi pie like this. Featuring heaps of melted haloumi stuffed into in a semi circle pie coated with sesame seeds, its warm, gooey and filling. It’s also a great vegetarian option for those looking for something a little more delectable. But hold on, melted haloumi you say? At Manoosh we use Lebanese haloumi, which is different from traditional Cyprus-style haloumi that is crusty and squeaky. Lebanese haloumi is woven and stretched into bundles and stored in olive oil, giving it a stringy texture more akin to mozzarella. So good.

haloumi

Lahembajin – $6.50

Lahembajin is a folded meat pizza, but with no cheese. Instead we top a crispy base with tasty minced lamb, finely chopped tomatoes and onions which are then combined with a selection of 7 herbs and spices including paprika, peppers, cumin, cinnamon, parsley coriander and mint. Served with a thick slice of lemon as a garnish.

lahembajin manoosh pizza sydney

Za’atar Bread – $3 to $8

Za’atar is at the very crux of Lebanese food culture. It is made from a blend of herbs and spices, usually thyme, oregano, marjoram, sumac, toasted sesame seeds and salt, which is then mixed with olive oil and spread on flatbread and baked in the oven. At Manoosh we offer a rage of toppings to go with our delicious za’atar bread, from haloumi to labhne, olives, capsicum, ricotta or falafel. Try our Beirut-style za’atar with haloumi, tomato, onion & chilli flakes. Many of these are vegetarian or vegan options and range from $3 for plain bread, to $8 for the deluxe falafel option.

Zaatar best Manoosh pizza sydney

Kebbeh

An excellent side option or snack, Kebbeh is a delicious Lebanese street food classic made from a minced lamb, pine nut and onion filling, encased in a burghul (cracked wheat) & lamb ‘football’. We also a super vegan option made from a chickpea, spinach and onion filling, encased in a burghul and pumpkin football. These are huge and at $9 for 6, or $17 for a dozen, great value (vegan options are even cheaper!).

manoosh pizza sydney lebanese kebbeh

Traditional Pizzas

All of our pizzas are incredible value, especially considering the quality of the ingredients and the generosity of the servings. Ranging from a classic pepperoni at $14, to our deluxe options peaking at just $18, you won’t find better value anywhere. We have a range of options for meat lovers, seafood fans, vegetarian or vegans (our Daiya vegan cheese is amazing) with 19 pizzas on the menu. The best things is, on Monday-Wednesday, all of our large pizzas are just $10!

vegetarian pizza options

Wraps $6.50-8

We also offer a selection of delicious Lebanese wraps to suit the tastes of any customer, with range of vegetarian toppings like falafel or za’atar, or delicious meat (shawarma) and sauces. None are more than $8!

wrap

This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to cheap eats at Manoosh – our menu is massive, with great value options to satisfy any hunger. Give Manoosh a call right now. Simply order from us online or drop by and see us in person – we guarantee you will not be disappointed.

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Blog Lebanese Food Traditional Ingredients

Awesome Traditional Lebanese Ingredients & Cooking Techniques

Lebanese Ingredients

Lebanese cuisine has been around for thousands of years and amazingly little has changed since ancient times, with the secret to this healthy and delicious food still being fresh ingredients and time tested techniques. As Lebanese food continues to rise in popularity around the world, we look at some of the most awesome traditional Lebanese ingredients & cooking techniques. Let’s take a look at a few of the essential elements of traditional Lebanese cooking.

Awesome Traditional Lebanese Ingredients & Cooking Techniques
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Traditional Lebanese food is famous for its fresh ingredients with everything from mint and parsley to cucumber and tomatoes playing key roles in classic dishes.

 

Traditional Lebanese Food Ingredients

Fresh herbs and vegetables

Traditional Lebanese food is famous for its fresh ingredients with everything from mint and parsley to cucumber and tomatoes playing key roles in classic dishes. Regardless of whether you are preparing a falafel wrap, a shawarma or salads such as tabouleh or fattoush, they simply wouldn’t be the same without the burst of flavour provided by fresh local ingredients.

top lebanese ingredients

Bread

In Lebanese cuisine nothing is more important than bread as we eat fresh baked pita with every meal of the day. Pita provides the perfect way to enjoy our many dips, such as hommus and baba ghannouj; it is the ideal vessel for encasing falafel balls or marinated meats, or you can simply slather your pita with labne for a fast and healthy breakfast.

main lebanese cooking techniques
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Tahini

Made from crushed sesame seeds, tahini has been a core part of Lebanese cuisine for thousands of years. Apart from being a central ingredient in any authentic hommus, tahini is added as a dressing to everything from falafel wraps to shawarmas, making it an essential element in any Lebanese kitchen.

traditional lebanese food

Legumes

Our cuisine also includes plenty of legumes, particularly chick peas and lentils, both of which have a wide range of health benefits. Chick peas are the star of the show in classics such as falafel and hommus, while one of our most popular dishes, mujadara, basically consists of lentils, onions and rice.

traditional lebanese cooking

Lamb

While Lebanese food nowadays can contain anything from beef to lamb to chicken, lamb is the traditional meat of choice. Our many mouth-watering lamb dishes include our national dish, kebbeh nayeh, as well as our wildly popular ground lamb kufta kebabs.

lebanese cooking techniques
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Traditional Lebanese Cooking Techniques

Vertical roasting

Since the early days of the Ottoman occupation Lebanese cooks have been roasting meat on vertical spits; this enables the meat to cook in its own fats and juices making it tender and delicious. Our most famous dish utilising the vertical roasting technique is none other than shawarma.

Grilling

Few cultures have been grilling longer than we have, with our traditional ground lamb kufta kebabs one of our most famous grilled specialties. Lebanese cuisine also includes a variety of grilled skewers that can include all manner of meats and vegetables.

Baking

Wood fired ovens have been in use in the Middle East for eons, so it should come as no surprise that Lebanese people have mastered the art of baking. Our many baked specialties include the flat bread ‘Lebanese pizzas’ known as manoosh, as well as our impossibly delicious baklava.

Frying

While Lebanese don’t tend to cook in oil very much frying certainly has its place in a true Lebanese kitchen, particularly when it comes to preparing the perfect falafel balls or a delicious batch of fried kebbeh.

Get the year started off right by treating yourself to some of Sydney’s most delicious and authentic Lebanese food. Simply drop by Manoosh or order from us online, because you haven’t lived until you have tasted our traditional Lebanese cuisine.

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Blog Lebanese Food Traditional Ingredients

What is Hommus? And Why We Should All Be Eating More of it

Few elements of traditional Lebanese food are more popular or better known than hommus, so if you haven’t discovered this ancient delicacy yet you are in for a real treat. Also known as hummus, humos, hummous and hoummus, the word itself is actually the Arabic term for chickpeas and nowadays you can find this popular food in almost every country on earth. Here we will take a closer look at what hommus is, where it came from and why life simply wouldn’t be the same without it.

what is hommus
CC image courtesy of Basheer Tome on Flickr http://bit.ly/1P56LZw

The health benefits of chickpeas have been known for millennia, although primarily chickpea based, these days you can find hommus that contains everything from capsicum to sweet potato

What is hommus?

While most consider hommus to be a dip, it can also be spread on a sandwich or eaten as a complete meal all on its own. These days you can find hommus that contains everything from capsicum to sweet potato; however, most people will agree that authentic Lebanese hommus has four basic ingredients – chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice and garlic.

An ancient and delicious mystery

It seems that hommus has been around for so long that no one really knows when it was first made, though it appears to have been created by the Ancient Mesopotamians thousands of years ago. The core ingredients of hommus are among the oldest known to mankind (with chick peas being one of the first crops ever cultivated); however, the earliest written evidence of a dish resembling hommus doesn’t emerge until the 13th Century in Egypt. The lack of written evidence prior to this point is likely due to the fact that communication between people was extremely limited during ancient times and few could even write.

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Healthy and nutritious

The health benefits of chickpeas have been known for millennia and were a vital source of nutrition for everyone from the Ancient Romans and Egyptians to the nomadic tribes who travelled throughout the region. By adding garlic, tahini and lemon juice, hommus becomes almost a type of super food – high in protein, vitamin B6, vitamin C, zinc, iron, folate, phosphorous, sodium, manganese and dietary fibre.

Making hommus

Every Lebanese family has their own secret recipe for making authentic hommus, though the basic technique is relatively simple.

  • Rinse chick peas and soak them overnight in water.
  • Strain the chick peas, add fresh water and cook them.
  • Once cooked, strain the chick peas again before grounding them into a rough paste. (You can do so by using a food processor or simply mashing them with a large wooden spoon)
  • Add crushed garlic, tahini and lemon juice and mix thoroughly. If you’d like to add your own special ingredients, such as olives, peppers or sun dried tomatoes, do so now and mix well.
  • Your hommus is now ready to eat! It will keep for up to 5 days in the fridge if covered well or you can freeze hommus and it will be good for up to 6 months.

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You won’t find many foods that are healthier, tastier or more Lebanese than hommus and none can compare to our delicious and authentic version here at Manoosh. To get a taste of our heavenly hommus order from us online or drop by and see us in person, because we have a fresh batch right here waiting for you!

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Blog Lebanese Food Traditional Ingredients

What is Labneh? One of the Middle East’s Best Kept Secrets

labne

Despite it being much more common than people think, we’re often asked ‘what is labneh?’. The long answer is actually rather interesting. Light, refreshing, versatile and delicious, labneh is a type of soft cheese that has been part of traditional Lebanese cuisine for eons. Also known as labneh, lebneh and even zabedi, this humble yet ancient food is one of the Middle East’s best kept culinary secrets; let’s take a look at why you need to know about labneh.

what is labneh
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Labneh is healthy, delicious and will make a fantastic addition to any meal of the day. Apart from being an important source of protein, labne is considered a probiotic food, meaning that it is high in a range of healthy bacteria that help to boost your immune system.

The history of labneh

While no one knows exactly when labneh was first created, cheeses made from strained yoghurt have been eaten in the Levant (a region comprising modern day Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, Jordan and Israel) for thousands of years. Ancient Bedouin tribes used labneh as an important source of protein and even had a dry version designed to suit their travelling lifestyle, while the Armenians are widely credited with introducing labneh throughout much of the Middle East many centuries ago.

A wealth of options

The popularity of labneh grew quickly and before long every culture throughout the Middle East and beyond had developed a unique version. The main difference between labneh varieties comes via the choice of milk (which drastically affects the flavour) and everything from goat, sheep and cow’s milk through to camel and water buffalo’s milk have been used. The other main differences in labneh come from whether it is eaten fresh, dried or preserved in olive oil.

How to eat Lebanese labneh

In Lebanon, this versatile food tends to be eaten in a similar fashion to hommus and any traditional mezze spread will always include at least one type of labneh. Labneh makes a delicious dip for fresh pita or falafel balls; it is a nutritious breakfast when paired with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkling of fresh za’atar, and it is often slathered on a pita with za’atar and vegetables to form a fast and tasty lunch.

what is labne
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Health benefits

Like most Middle Eastern foods, labneh is extremely good for you. Apart from being an important source of protein, labneh is considered a probiotic food, meaning that it is high in a range of healthy bacteria that help to boost your immune system. Labneh is also low in calories and the process of lactic acid fermentation involved in making labneh means it offers a range of nutritional benefits as well.

Making labneh

The beauty of this amazing food is that it is extremely easy to make, and while every family has their own special technique the basics are as follows.

1. Take freshly made yoghurt (ideally made from raw milk) and mix in a sprinkle of salt.
2. Line a colander with cheesecloth, set it over a large bowl and pour in the yoghurt mixture.
3. Leave it to strain for 24 hours.
4. Your labne is now ready to eat though you can also mix in your favourite herbs and spices such as garlic, chilli, ginger or dill.
5. If kept covered and refrigerated labneh can keep for up to 2 weeks; however, you can also form it into balls and preserve it in olive oil where it will keep for months.

best labne in sydney

Labneh is healthy, delicious and will make a fantastic addition to any meal of the day and no one makes authentic Lebanese labneh quite like we do. To get a taste of Sydney’s best Lebanese food simply drop by Manoosh or order from us online; you will be glad that you did.

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Blog Lebanese Food Traditional Ingredients

What is Sujuk? Meet Your New Favourite Snag

Sudjuk

Also known as soudjouk, sucuk, sudzhuk and even soutzouki, sujuk is one of the world’s most delicious and ancient types of sausage, so if you are a fan of meat prepare to meet a snag you will never forget. Here we will take a closer look at what sujuk is, where it comes from and what makes it so special.

what is sujuk

What is Sujuk? In Lebanon this versatile sausage is often fried and eaten with tomatoes and a drizzling of garlic sauce in a pita.

Taste buds, meet sujuk

Sujuk is a type of dry, spiced sausage that is somewhat similar to salami, with its three main characteristics being that it is salty, dry and has a high fat content. It is traditionally made using ground beef (though mutton, pork and even horsemeat have also been used) and it is combined with spices such as garlic, salt, cumin, sumac and red pepper before being piped into a sausage casing. Sheep or goat intestines have historically been the casing of choice, though nowadays both natural and artificial sausage casings are used. Once encased, sujuk is dried for at least three weeks before it is considered ready to consume.

Who created sujuk?

The Turkish are widely believed to have been the first to make sujuk and while the exact date of this delicious invention is unknown most scholars believe it was at least several thousand years ago. After gaining prominence in Turkey, sujuk quickly spread throughout the Balkans, Central Asia, the Middle East, the Mediterranean, and beyond, with each culture adding its own unique style and flavour. The main difference between types of sujuk tends to be the choice of meat as well as the level of spiciness involved.

what is sucuk
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Sujuk in Lebanon

While sujuk has been eaten in Lebanon for many years, it wasn’t until the early 1900’s that the practice became widespread and this was thanks in large part to a huge influx of Armenians from Turkey. The Armenians quickly established themselves as part of Lebanese society and their talent for making tasty sujuk wasn’t lost on the locals, with sujuk fast becoming a core element of traditional Lebanese food.

How to eat sujuk

Raw sujuk is rather stiff, hard and challenging to chew, which is why most prefer their sujuk cooked. One of the most popular approaches is to eat it for breakfast, cut into slices and fried with eggs, and because sujuk has such a high fat content no additional oil is necessary for frying. In Lebanon it is often fried and eaten with tomatoes and a drizzling of garlic sauce in a pita, while others have used sujuk as a pastry topping, as is the case in Syria, Iraq, Egypt, Palestine and Israel. Sujuk makes a great addition to any barbeque, regardless of whether you grill it whole or add chunks of it to a skewer with your favourite vegetables, and sujuk also makes a truly incredible Lebanese pizza topping.

If all this talk about sujuk has awakened your appetite for something delicious, we can help; simply drop by Manoosh or order from us online. We have a wide variety of mouth-watering options for you to choose from and our sujuk pizza is truly out of this world.

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Blog Lebanese Food Traditional Ingredients

What are Lebanese Desserts? 7 Scrumptious Examples

Lebanese Desserts

Few cultures can compare to the Lebanese when it comes to desserts, because a big part of traditional Lebanese food involves our wide array of delicious and decadent treats, but what are Lebanese desserts? Here we take a brief look at a few of our many unforgettable options.

Lebanese Desserts

There is no better way to top off a great meal than with a tasty dessert and once you have tried Lebanese sweets you will never go back

Baklava

While baklava is believed to have been created by the Assyrians of Mesopotamia sometime around the 8th Century BC, every culture in the region has their own special version, including the Lebanese. Our baklava is sweet, flaky and we have dozens of different types – each one typically includes multiple layers of super thin pastry, a filling of chopped walnuts, pine nuts or almonds, and a drizzling of honey on top.

best baklava in sydney
CC image courtesy of Michael Miranda on Flickr

Awamat

If you like doughnuts you will adore Awamat as these are little balls of dough that are fried until crispy and golden before being coated with sweet syrup and served. These simple sweets are often found at large celebrations, such as weddings or birthdays, and are popular with kids and adults alike.

Mafroukeh

This traditional Lebanese dessert is one of our most popular. The body of this dessert features a cake-like element made from semolina, sugar and butter (often infused with orange blossom and rose water) and it is topped with a light cream mixture known as eshta or ashta. For a classy finishing touch, pistachios, almonds and pine nuts are roasted, crushed and sprinkled on top.

Katayef

These popular pastries are often served during Ramadan and look somewhat like a stuffed, folded pancake. While the pastry itself is a definite highlight it is the filling that will leave you in a state of bliss, as it is an exquisite mixture of Akkawi cheese, walnuts, pistachios, raisins, vanilla, sugar and cinnamon.

Nummoora

Nummoora is a type of slice made from semolina, sugar, yoghurt, butter and a little baking powder and you will find a large plate of these popular treats at any Lebanese celebration. This traditional dessert is almost always topped with an almond on each slice and is usually served with a drizzling of warm syrup.

Halawet el jibn

The name of this dessert translates to mean “the sweetness of cheese” and it certainly doesn’t disappoint. Particularly popular in Northern Lebanon, Halawet el jibn features a unique type of dough made from semolina and cheese that is rolled to encase a cream filling. This decadent dessert is then topped with a drizzling of sweet syrup and a sprinkling of crushed pistachios.

Muhallabieh

This fast and easy dessert has been described as a type of Lebanese rice pudding. It is made by heating milk, sugar and a hint of orange blossom water, before adding pulverized rice (or rice flour) and stirring the mix as it slowly thickens. Flavourings such as orange blossom essence are also often added. Once thickened, the mixture is strained into bowls or glasses and refrigerated before being topped with chopped pistachios and served.

best baklava inner west

There is no better way to top off a great meal than with a tasty dessert and once you have tried Lebanese sweets you will never go back. If you’d like to try the best baklavas in Sydney, simply drop by Manoosh or order from us online.

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Blog Lebanese Food Traditional Ingredients

Vegetarian and Vegan Lebanese Food

Zaatar Salad

Traditional Lebanese cuisine has something for everyone, regardless of your taste or diet, so whether you have specific dietary requirements or just love delicious, healthy food, Lebanese cuisine is ideal for vegetarian and vegan diets. Here we take a look at some of wide range of vegetarian and vegan Lebanese food; even the carnivores will be coming back for seconds.

vegetarian and vegan Lebanese food
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Lebanese cuisine is ideal for vegetarian and vegan diets. with a wide range of options from small snacks, to hearty meals, to desserts. Even the carnivores will be coming back for seconds.

Hommus

This mouth-watering dish is easily one of Lebanon’s most famous. Hommus is made primarily from chick peas that have been boiled and mashed, and the addition on tahini, garlic and lemon juice give it an unmistakeable texture and taste. Best of all, you can get as creative as you like with this versatile dip by adding anything from roasted eggplant or yams to olives, chillies and sundried tomatoes.

vegetarian and vegan food options inner west sydney
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Manoosh

Often referred to as Lebanese pizza, manoosh has been part of traditional Middle Eastern cuisine for eons and consists of a basic flatbread that can be topped with just about anything. The most traditional mannosh simply includes a healthy drizzling of olive oil and a sprinkling of za’atar, making it a vegan friendly classic, with more modern vegetarian versions often including toppings such as olives and haloumi.

vegan food newtown
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Tabbouleh

Lebanese cuisine is famous for its fresh and healthy ingredients, with our salads a particular highlight, and none have a more fanatical following than tabbouleh. Made from bulgur (a type of wheat), parsley, fresh tomatoes and seasonings such as lemon juice, olive oil and garlic, tabbouleh is as fresh and tasty as it is good for you. Whether you are in Beirut or Bondi, nothing is more refreshing on a hot summer day than a bowl of freshly made tabbouleh.
best vegetarian lebanese food sydney

Falafel

This ancient and famous food is made from chick peas that are soaked, ground and combined with a variety of spices that often includes cumin, coriander, chilli and garlic. This heavenly mixture is then formed into balls and fried until golden and crispy. Falafel makes an ideal snack (especially when dipped in hommus) or for something a little more substantial add a few falafel balls to a pita with your favourite vegetables and a drizzling of tahini for a filling lunch or dinner – delicious vegetarian and vegan Lebanese food!

top vegetarian and vegan restaurants inner west
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Baba ghannouj

If you like eggplant you will love baba ghannouj, whose distinctive flavour has been tantalising taste buds in the Arab world for thousands of years. It consists of eggplant that has been cooked, mashed and combined with garlic, lemon juice, tahini, mint and/or parsley, making this an extremely healthy and tasty dip.

vegan lebanese food sydney
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Mujadarra

This simple and delicious dish has been eaten throughout the Middle East for centuries. It is made from cooked lentils, rice and either sautéed or roasted onions, and the addition of spices such as coriander, chilli and mint make this a meal you won’t soon forget. Mujadarra is filling, flavourful and has long been considered a dish of the common people in Lebanon.
vegetarian lebanese food inner west mujadara

Baklava

While baklava is believed to have been created by the Assyrians of Mesopotamia sometime around the 8th Century BC, every culture in the region has their own special version, including the Lebanese. Our baklava is sweet, flaky and we have dozens of different types – each one typically includes multiple layers of super thin pastry, a filling of chopped walnuts, pine nuts or almonds, and a drizzling of honey on top.

vegetarian and vegan desserts sydney
CC image courtesy of Michael Miranda on Flickr

Haloumi & Spinach Pie

Nowadays, Haloumi is a core element of cultural cuisines all over the world, from Lebanon to Egypt to Sudan. One dish that has become a staple of Lebanese food is the Haloumi & Cheese pie. Sometimes made with just Haloumi, and often seasoned with Za’tar. With crispy delicate pastry on the outside and hot rich tasty Haloumi on the inside – it’s easy to see why this is a favourite of many when it comes to vegetarian and vegan Lebanese food.
vegetarian lebanese food

Our Vegan Cheese

Daiya are a fantastic Canadian-based company offering up a selection of delicious non-dairy alternatives to cheese, yoghurts and dressings. The vegan cheese we use is soft, stringy, bubbly and delicious in every way. You’ll be hard-pressed to find any differences between it and dairy-based cheese – we’re not quite sure how Daiya do it. And to top it all off, our vegan cheese contains fewer calories, less fat and less cholesterol than ‘real’ cheese. Score.

vegan and vegetarian lebanse food

If you would like to try some of the healthiest, tastiest and most authentic vegetarian and vegan Lebanese food in Sydney, drop by Manoosh or order from us online. We guarantee you will love it!

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Blog Lebanese Food Traditional Ingredients

Everybody Loves Baklava | The Story of this Delicious Pastry

baklava

Whether you are looking to treat yourself, top off a family meal in style or celebrate a special occasion, nothing will hit the spot quite like baklava. What is Baklava? From its thin, flaky pastry and decadent filling of nuts and spices to that perfect drizzle of honey on top, baklava is as close as your taste buds will get to heaven on earth. Here we take a look at the long and proud history of one the world’s most beloved desserts, and one of tastiest traditional Lebanese food options we serve at Manoosh.

what is baklava
CC image courtesy of Michael Miranda on Flickr

The history of baklava is is long and eventful. When the Ottoman Empire came to power in the 14th century the history of baklava would be changed forever.

A Mesopotamian Miracle

While everyone from the Greeks to the Turks to the Armenians claim to have been the first to make baklava, it appears that credit must go to the Assyrians of Mesopotamia (a region comprising modern-day Iraq, Syria, Iran and Turkey). Scholars believe that this magical moment in human history took place around the 8th Century BC, with the first baklavas made in rather rustic conditions and baked in wood-fired ovens.

the history of baklava
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Thin as a Leaf

In Ancient times, Greek sailors and merchants were regular visitors to Mesopotamia and it didn’t take them long to become huge fans of this delicious new treat. Not only did they take home as many baklavas as they could carry, they even managed to get the recipe and by the 3rd Century BC baklava was being made and served in wealthy Greek households. The Greeks are even credited with making a major improvement to this popular treat by mastering the art of rolling the dough extremely thin. This perfect pastry was dubbed phyllo (Filo) – which is the Greek word for leaf – in reference to just how incredibly thin it was.

we love baklava
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So Many Baklavas, so Little Time

Word spread quickly about this amazing sweet and soon everyone from the ancient Persians and Romans to Asians and North Africans were making and enjoying baklava, often with their own subtle variations. Arabs added rosewater and cardamom, while the Armenians preferred cloves and cinnamon, and Serbian pastry chefs became famous for creating baklava with 100 layers or more. Unfortunately, baklava was still an extremely expensive and time consuming treat to create, therefore it remained a food associated with the wealthy or at least only enjoyed on special occasions.

One Baklava to Rule Them All

When the Ottoman Empire came to power in the 14th century the history of baklava would be changed forever. Almost all of the many cultures who had developed and perfected their own versions of baklava were swallowed up within Ottoman borders, which effectively meant that the making of baklava was consolidated. While many see this as a time when baklava’s creativity was crushed, others view this period as when baklava was perfected, as all of the region’s finest chefs were now working together. When the Ottoman Empire finally fell early in the 20th Century, baklava spread across Europe and beyond.

More Than Just a Delicious Treat

If baklava’s amazing taste isn’t enough for you, it also comes with a variety of health benefits making it yet another example of healthy Lebanese food. Walnuts, pine nuts and almonds are high in unsaturated fat (which can help to control cholesterol) and are a great source of vitamin E, copper, magnesium and folic acid. Baklava’s phyllo pastry is low in calories and free from both trans-fat and saturated fats, while that drizzle of honey can help to control blood sugar levels and even help fight cancer.

best vegan baklavas in sydney

So How Is Baklava Made?

In a nutshell, baklava is made from layers of filo pastry filled with chopped nuts – usually walnuts, pine nuts, pistachios and almonds – and held together by syrup or honey.

Baklava is usually made in a large pan. The layers of filo pastry are laid out and lathered with oil and butter to give it that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Some recipes call for many layers of nuts, but often they are only two thick layers. Before they pastry and nuts are baked, the baklava is cut into pieces, usually following the same parallelogram pattern that makes the dish so instantly recognisable.

Once the pastry is baked, the syrup or honey is poured over the top. The dish is then left to sit, allowing the liquid to soak in. This gives baklava its dense, syrupy texture. The baklava is then garnished with ground nuts (usually pistachios – the greenness of the nuts are another recognisable characteristic).

Baklava is usually served at room temperature, so that you can get stuck in without burning your tongue!

Few could argue with baklava’s claim to be the most delicious and influential dessert of all, so when is the best time for baklava you ask? Any time at all! If you have a special occasion coming up or would just like to make today a whole lot better, drop by Manoosh or order from us online. We make the best Lebanese desserts in Sydney and our baklava is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. (Note: We now do vegan Baklavas!)

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Blog Lebanese Food Traditional Ingredients

The Story of Haloumi

haloumi Chilli

Known to the Turks as hellim, to the Arabs as hallum and to the Italians as calumi, few cheeses can get taste buds tingling and pulses racing quite like haloumi. If you have yet to discover this heavenly cheese, brace yourself for something special, because you will never forget your first taste of haloumi. Let’s take a look at the story of Haloumi and see what all the fuss is about.

the story of haloumi
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People have been singing haloumi’s praises for hundreds of years, nowadays, haloumi is a core element of cultural cuisines all over the world, from Lebanon to Egypt to Sudan.

What is Haloumi?

Haloumi is a hard, white cheese traditionally made from a mixture of sheep and goat milk, though nowadays cow’s milk is sometimes added too. It looks a lot like mozzarella but it is a whole lot saltier, and because haloumi has a higher than average melting point it is one of the few cheeses that you can grill or fry, making it perfect for everything from Lebanese pizza to traditional Aussie barbeques.

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The pride of Cyprus

Haloumi hails from the Mediterranean and was first made on the island of Cyprus during the Medieval Byzantine period (AD 395 – 1191). Cypriot famers relied on haloumi as a source of protein and in many villages the entire community would join forces and make huge batches together. Recipes varied from village to village, with each taking great pride in their special technique and secret ingredients. Haloumi became so important to village life that even the surnames of many Cypriot families reflect their role in haloumi production, with names such as Hallumas, Halluma and Hallumakis common by the 19th century.

haloumi pizza sydney
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Hearty and mobile

Haloumi was created at a time before refrigeration when it was vital that foods were made to last. Thankfully, because haloumi was stored in salty brine it could keep for long periods without spoiling and early producers found that wrapping haloumi in mint leaves further helped to maintain its freshness and flavour. Haloumi’s impressive staying power made it popular not just with rural families but also with those who travelled long distances, such as the Bedouin tribes who regularly passed through the area.

A taste to write home about

People have been singing haloumi’s praises for hundreds of years, with one of the earliest written mentions coming in AD 867 courtesy of the poet Giorgios Vizinos in his popular poem ‘The Poor Cypriot’. Leonardo Donato (the military leader of Venice from 1606 – 1612) became so enamoured with haloumi during a visit to Cyprus that he recorded intricate details regarding how to make it, while Greek writer Arximandridis Kiprianos raved about haloumi’s distinctive flavour in his book “The Chronological History of Cyprus Island”.

lebanese pizza haloumi
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Making magic

There is a definite art to making haloumi that takes years to master; however, the basics are as follows;

  • Add unpasteurised sheep and goat milk to a large pot and heat to approximately 32 degrees Celsius.
  • Add rennet (a stomach enzyme found in young animals); this will cause the milk to separate into curds and whey.
  • Remove the curds as they separate, press them into small rectangular moulds and leave them to cool.
  • Take the cooled, pressed blocks from their moulds and simmer them in the whey until they float (approximately 45 minutes).
  • Remove the blocks from the whey and allow them to cool. You now have haloumi!
  • Soak the haloumi in salty brine for at least 24 hours before consuming.
  • Enjoy your fresh haloumi however you like, though grilled or fried are the most popular options.

Nowadays, haloumi is a core element of cultural cuisines all over the world, from Lebanon to Egypt to Sudan. To get a taste of this ancient delicacy, drop by Manoosh or order from us online, because no one makes haloumi quite like we do.

Categories
Blog Lebanese Food Traditional Ingredients

The Mighty Mezze

Mezze

There is no greater symbol of Lebanese culture than the mighty mezze, as not only does it involve eating lots of healthy and delicious food (usually in the form of a smorgasbord-like spread), but it is all about enjoying quality time with family, friends and loved ones. While the word itself is derived from the Persian term “maze” – meaning ‘to snack’ – don’t let the name fool you, because an authentic mezze is certainly no appetizer. While there are no strict rules regarding what a mezze should comprise, to be considered an authentic Lebanese version the following elements are a must.

best mezze inner west
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No one knows how to enjoy a quality meal quite like the Lebanese as every dish is viewed as a reason to celebrate.

Bread

You simply can’t have a traditional mezze without fresh baked bread as it provides the perfect vessel with which to enjoy all of those delicious dips and tasty morsels. While pita is the most popular bread commonly included on a mezze table you may also find a plate or two of paper-thin bread known as marqouq.

Manoosh lebanese bread sydney
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Haloumi

If you like cheese you will absolutely love haloumi and any self-respecting mezze will always feature a plate or two of this heavenly hard white cheese. Although not strictly Lebanese in origin, Haloumi has now become a Lebanese staple. Made from a combination of sheep and goat’s milk, haloumi is perfect for grilling and its wonderfully salty flavour will keep you coming back for more.

Tabbouleh

This classic Lebanese dish has been part of our cultural cuisine for thousands of years and is an essential element of any mezze. Featuring bulgur wheat, tomatoes, parsley, mint, cucumber, olive oil and lemon juice, tabbouleh is healthy, delicious and provides a touch of freshness perfect for those hot summer days.

the secret of terrific tabbouleh

Falafel

No mezze table can be considered authentic without falafel. Apart from providing a great source of protein, vitamins, minerals and a taste that is impossible to match, falafel balls provide the perfect way to enjoy all those delicious dips, making them so easy to devour and enjoy.

best mezze inner west

Hommus

A traditional mezze needs to have plenty of tasty dips and none are more important than hommus. This classic mezze mainstay is made from a blend of chick peas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic and a healthy drizzle of olive oil, and it is as full of flavour as it is good for you.

Baba Ghanouj

This mouth-watering eggplant delicacy is always one of the most popular elements of any authentic Lebanese mezze. Baba ghanouj has a unique flavour and personality that goes perfectly with fresh bread, falafel or even a slice of grilled haloumi.

Olives

Lebanese people are rather fond of their olives and so you can expect to see both the green and black varieties on any mezze table. When enjoying mezze in Lebanon it is common to be treated to a selection of fresh olives that have been grown by your host, or at least by a friend, neighbour or cousin.

lebanese mezze

No one knows how to enjoy a quality meal quite like the Lebanese as every dish is viewed as a reason to celebrate. If you’d like to enjoy an authentic mezze with your friends or family drop by Manoosh or order from us online. We have the best mezze in the inner-west and are experts in the art of modern and traditional Lebanese food