The most popular of all Middle Eastern cuisine enjoyed by many Australians is by far Lebanese food. Nobody enjoys these oriental dishes more than Ron Bakir, the former mobile phone retail chain King and current real estate developer. Born in Lebanon in the late 1970s and moving to Queensland shortly after, Ron will have a soft spot in his heart for his cultural heritage. Brought up on Lebanese cuisine, Ron Bakir is actually quite adept at creating dishes that are enjoyed by many of his guests, especially himself. Now, Ron shares his favourite Lebanese meals and treats with anyone who is interested in the culture of his country of origin:
In traditional Lebanese cuisine, poultry dominates the menu, while any red meat that is used, usually comes from lamb from the coast, or goat from the mountain regions. Whatever meat is prepared, generous amounts of lemon juice, olive oil and garlic are used to enhance the flavour. These three ingredients, as well as herbs, are the traditional flavours used in Lebanese cooking.
At the beginning of most Lebanese family meals, the equivalent of appetisers, Meze or mezze is served. These hot and cold dishes include salads such as Tabouleh, Fattoush, hummus and Baba ghanoush. Kebbeh, Sambusacs and stuffed grape leaves are also relished.
The dinner itself combines stews or Yakhnehs, which are varied due to the ingredients available. This meal will always be accompanied by rice vermicelli or Lebanese flat Syrian bread. Ron Bakir, like many other Lebanese, enjoys using the bread as a utensil, scooping up the stew with it.
The best part of a Lebanese meal, as Ron Bakir will tell you, is the sticky sweet pastry, Baklava. Served with ice cream that had a distinct Oriental flavour, dessert is always a favourite for Ron Bakir.
