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Baalbek (Lebanon)
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Starter
Vegetarian
Food Flavour DNA
Nutritional Values
400kcal
6gProtein
18gCarbs
36gFat
8gFibre
150 gServing
* Per serving · 150 g. May vary.
Allergens
🥜 Nuts
🌱 Sesame
Makdous
How to order / say it
Say it
مكدوس — [mak-doos]
Order
Can I have Makdous, please?
Locally
هل يمكنني طلب مكدوس، من فضلك؟
Say locally
Fermented baby eggplants stuffed with nuts and red pepper.
Why try it?
Makdous is a beloved dish that reflects Baalbek's agricultural abundance of eggplants and nuts, embodying the artisanal preservation techniques passing through generations.
How it tastes
Rich and tangy, with a combination of earthy nuts and spicy red peppers, accented by the distinct aroma of fermented eggplants and oil.
Origin & History — first documented: 1850
Makdous has been a staple in Baalbek homes since the early 19th century, traditionally prepared during autumn when eggplants are harvested. Its preparation is often a family affair, marking the preservation practices vital for winter months.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 🥕 500 g baby eggplants
- 🥜 100 g walnuts
- 🥕 50 g red peppers
- 🧄 5 cloves garlic
- 🫒 200 ml olive oil
- 🧂 20 g salt
Method
- 1 Blanch eggplants briefly.
- 2 Stuff with mixture of walnuts, garlic, and red peppers.
- 3 Submerge in olive oil and salt; ferment for a week.
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