Lebanese Recipes featuring Olives and Olive Oil!

Here are some authentic Lebanese recipes featuring olives and olive oil! 

1. Lebanese Chicken with Olives (Djej w Zeitoun)

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs or drumsticks
• 1 cup green olives (pitted)
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 cup chicken broth
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Add chicken and sear on both sides until golden brown.
2. Remove the chicken and set aside. In the same pan, sauté onions and garlic until soft.
3. Add cumin, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Stir for 30 seconds.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, then add the olives.
5. Return the chicken to the pan, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes until the chicken is cooked.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley and serve with vermicelli rice or warm bread.

2. Manakish Zaatar with Olives (Lebanese Flatbread)

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon yeast
• ¾ cup warm water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Zaatar Topping:

• ¼ cup zaatar spice blend
• ¼ cup olive oil
• ½ cup black olives, sliced (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, kneading until a soft dough forms.
3. Cover the dough and let it rise for 1 hour.
4. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
5. Divide the dough into small balls and roll them into circles (about ¼-inch thick).
6. Mix the zaatar with olive oil and spread it over each dough circle.
7. Add sliced black olives on top and bake for 10-12 minutes.
8. Serve warm with labneh, fresh vegetables, or mint tea.

3. Lebanese Potato & Olive Stew (Batata w Zeitoun)

Ingredients:

• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup green olives, pitted
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon coriander
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup vegetable broth or water
• ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until golden.
2. Add garlic, cumin, coriander, black pepper, and chili flakes. Stir for 1 minute.
3. Add the potatoes and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, broth, and salt. Bring to a simmer.
5. Add the olives and cook for 20-25 minutes, until potatoes are tender.
6. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and serve with warm pita bread.

4. Lebanese Marinated Olive Salad (Zeitoun Mshakkal)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup green olives, whole or sliced
• 1 cup black olives
• 1 small lemon, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes
• 1 teaspoon oregano or thyme
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon vinegar
• ½ teaspoon sumac (optional)

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
2. Let marinate for at least 1 hour before serving.
3. Serve as a side dish with cheese, hummus, or grilled meats.

5. Lebanese Olive & Meat Pie (Fatayer Bi Zeitoun)

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon yeast
• ¾ cup warm water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Filling:

• 1 cup black olives, chopped
• ½ pound ground beef or lamb
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • Mix warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 10 minutes.
   • In a bowl, mix flour and salt, then add yeast mixture and olive oil. Knead into a soft dough.
   • Cover and let rise for 1 hour.
2. Prepare the Filling:
   • Heat olive oil in a pan. Add onions and garlic, then cook until soft.
   • Add ground meat, cinnamon, black pepper, and salt. Cook until browned.
   • Stir in chopped olives and cook for another 5 minutes.
3. Assemble the Fatayer:
   • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Roll out dough into small circles. Place 1 tablespoon of the filling in the center.
   • Fold and pinch into a triangle or half-moon shape.
   • Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
4. Serve warm with yogurt or a cucumber-mint salad.

6. Lebanese Olive Oil Cake (Sfouf)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups semolina flour
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup olive oil
• 1 cup milk or orange juice
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon anise seeds (optional)
• ¼ cup pine nuts or almonds (for topping)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a bowl, mix semolina, flour, sugar, baking powder, turmeric, and anise seeds.
3. Add olive oil and milk, stirring until smooth.
4. Pour into a greased baking pan and top with pine nuts.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
6. Let cool and serve with tea or Arabic coffee.

Final Thoughts

These authentic Lebanese dishes showcase olives and olive oil in a variety of ways, from stews and breads to mezze and desserts!