As a lover of Middle Eastern cuisine, I am always on the lookout for new and exciting dishes to try. Recently, I came across a recipe for hindbeh bi zeit, a traditional Lebanese dish made with dandelion greens, onions, garlic, and a few other simple ingredients. I was intrigued by the combination of flavors and decided to try it.
To make it, you will need a big bunch of dandelion leaves, two large onions sliced into strips, two cloves of garlic chopped, a handful of fresh cilantro coriander roughly chopped, regular cooking olive oil, lemon juice, and salt. The recipe is easy to follow and requires only a few basic cooking skills. I found that the dish came together quickly and was ready to eat in no time.
The result was a delicious and healthy dish that I will be making again. The dandelion greens have a slightly bitter taste that is balanced out by the sweetness of the onions and the tanginess of the lemon juice. The cilantro adds a fresh and herbaceous flavor that ties everything together. Overall, this is a must-try dish for anyone looking to explore the flavors of Lebanese cuisine.
What Is Hindbeh Bi Zeit?
Hindbeh bi zeit is a traditional Lebanese dish that is commonly served as a side dish or appetizer. The dish is made from dandelion leaves, which are sautéed in olive oil with onions and garlic until they are tender and slightly caramelized. The dish is often served cold or at room temperature and is typically garnished with fresh tomatoes, lemon juice, and a drizzle of olive oil.
The name hindbeh bi zeit translates to “dandelion in oil” in English, and it is a popular dish in Lebanon and throughout the Middle East. Dandelion leaves are commonly used in Mediterranean cuisine and are known for their bitter flavor and nutritional benefits. The leaves are high in vitamins A and C, as well as iron and calcium.
This is a simple yet flavorful dish that is easy to prepare and perfect for a healthy and delicious meal. The dish can be served as a side dish with grilled meats or fish, or as a light lunch or snack on its own. The combination of the bitter dandelion leaves with the sweet caramelized onions and garlic creates a unique and delicious flavor that is sure to please.
Health Benefits
As someone who enjoys trying new foods, I was excited to discover this dish. Not only is it delicious, but it also has several health benefits.
Firstly, dandelion greens are a great source of vitamins and minerals. They are particularly high in vitamins A and C, which are essential for maintaining healthy skin, eyes, and immune function. They also contain significant amounts of calcium, iron, and potassium, which are important for bone health, blood production, and muscle function.
In addition to being nutrient-dense, dandelion greens are also rich in antioxidants, which protect the body against damage from harmful molecules called free radicals. This can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s.
Finally, dandelion greens are a great source of fiber, which is important for maintaining digestive health and regulating blood sugar levels. This can help reduce the risk of constipation, diarrhea, and other digestive problems, as well as lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Ingredients:
- 1 big bunch of dandelion leaves (approx. 500g)
- 2 large (sliced into strips) onions
- 2 chopped cloves of garlic
- Handful of fresh (roughly chopped) cilantro
- 4 tbsp of cooking olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp of salt
How to Make Hindbeh Bi Zeit?
- Start by sautéing the onions in a non-stick pan on high heat for five minutes, then lower the heat to medium until they are caramelized. Make sure to stir every 5-10 minutes to prevent burning.
- Next, wash the dandelion leaves thoroughly and soak them in salted water for about 15 minutes. After rinsing them again, add them to a pot of boiling water for another 15 minutes. Once the leaves are cooked, drain them in a colander and squeeze out all of the water with your hands in batches before setting them aside.
- Once the onions turn golden brown, take half and keep them aside to use as a topping. Then, add garlic and chopped cilantro to the remaining onions and sauté them for a few minutes. After that, roughly chop the drained and squeezed hindbeh and add it to the onion and garlic mixture, along with approximately 1 teaspoon of salt.
- Turn the heat to medium-high and cook the hindbeh for 5 to 10 minutes until it’s done. Just before turning off the heat, add lemon juice and stir well. Taste the dish and adjust the salt as necessary.
- Finally, add the rest of the caramelized onions just before serving with fresh flatbreads.
Serving Suggestions
I love serving hindbeh bi zeit as a side dish with grilled meats or fish. The bitterness of the dandelion greens pairs perfectly with the charred flavor of grilled meat. It’s also a great addition to a mezze spread, served alongside hummus, baba ganoush, and tabbouleh.
To add some texture and crunch, you can sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or almonds on top of the dish. I also like to add some crumbled feta cheese for a salty kick.
If you’re looking for a vegetarian or vegan option, you can serve it with some warm pita bread or rice. It’s a filling and nutritious meal on its own, or you can pair it with a simple salad for a complete meal.
Variations and Adaptations
As a traditional Lebanese dish, it has been adapted and modified over the years to suit different tastes and preferences. Here are some of the most popular variations of the dish:
- Hindbeh with meat: Some people prefer to add meat to the dish, usually in the form of diced beef or lamb. This gives the dish a richer flavor and makes it more filling.
- Hindbeh with eggs: Another popular variation is to add eggs to the dish. The eggs are usually fried or poached and then added to the Hindbeh just before serving. This gives the dish a creamy texture and a delicious flavor.
- Hindbeh with cheese: For cheese lovers, adding some crumbled feta or goat cheese to the dish is a great way to enhance its flavor. The cheese adds a salty and tangy taste that complements the bitterness of the Hindbeh.
- Hindbeh salad: Some people prefer to serve the Hindbeh as a salad, by adding some chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions to the dish. This makes it a refreshing and healthy meal that is perfect for summer.
- Hindbeh sandwich: Another way to enjoy Hindbeh is to serve it as a sandwich. Simply place the cooked Hindbeh between two slices of bread, add some tomatoes and lettuce, and you have a delicious and nutritious sandwich.
Storing and Preservation Tips
- Refrigerate promptly: After cooking hindbeh, it’s important to store it in the refrigerator as soon as possible. Letting it sit at room temperature for too long can allow bacteria to grow, which can cause foodborne illness.
- Store in an airtight container: To keep it fresh for longer, store it in an airtight container. This will help prevent moisture and odors from affecting the dish.
- Freeze for later: If you have leftovers that you won’t be able to eat within a few days, consider freezing them. Hindbe freezes well and can be stored for up to three months.
- Thaw properly: When you’re ready to eat your frozen hindbeh, be sure to thaw it properly. The best way to do this is to transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight.
Common Pairings and Combinations
- Pita Bread: This is a classic pairing that is hard to beat. The warm, fluffy pita bread is the perfect vessel for scooping up hindbeh.
- Hummus: If you’re looking for a little extra protein, hummus is a great addition to this dish. The creamy texture of the hummus complements the slightly bitter flavor of hindbeh.
- Feta Cheese: The tangy flavor of feta cheese greatly contrasts the bitterness of hindbeh. Try crumbling some feta cheese on top of the dish for an extra burst of flavor.
- Olives: If you’re a fan of olives, they make a great accompaniment to hindbeh. The salty flavor of the olives pairs well with the bitterness of the dish.
- Tomatoes: Fresh, juicy tomatoes are a great way to balance out the bitterness of hindbeh. Try slicing some tomatoes and serving them alongside the dish.
Conclusion
In writing this article, I have learned a lot about hindbeh bi zeit. This dish is a popular Lebanese salad made with dandelion greens, onions, and olive oil. It is a healthy and nutritious dish that is easy to make and can be served as a side dish or a main course.
One of the things that I appreciate about Hindbeh bi Zeit is its simplicity. With just a few ingredients, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal. The dandelion greens are packed with vitamins and minerals, making this dish a great choice for those who are looking to eat healthily.
Another thing that I love about it is its versatility. You can add other ingredients to this dish to make it your own. For example, you can add tomatoes, cucumbers, or feta cheese to give it a different flavor and texture.
Overall, I would highly recommend trying hindbeh bi zeit. It is a delicious and healthy dish that is easy to make and can be enjoyed by everyone. Whether you are looking for a side dish or a main course, this salad is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Did you know? Hindbeh bi zeit can be a great side dish to an Egyptian mombar.
Get the recipe now (by clicking the image below):
