Must-Try Lebanese Comfort Foods for Autumn in Malta
Lebanese cuisine offers a perfect blend of comfort and nourishment for autumn with dishes like freekeh b’lahmé, mloukhieh, and rez m’falfal. Chef Jad Youssef of the acclaimed restaurant Lebnani shares these traditional recipes that highlight the vibrant, wholesome flavors of Lebanon. Freekeh b’lahmé pairs smoky green wheat with lamb and toasted nuts for a nutrient-packed meal. Mloukhieh, a jute leaf stew with chicken and lemon, supports gut and immune health. Rez m’falfal, a simple yet essential vermicelli rice dish, complements any Lebanese meal. These dishes reflect the Mediterranean focus on fresh, balanced ingredients, making them an ideal addition to Maltese kitchens. Chef Youssef’s upcoming cookbook, *Lebnani*, launching in February 2026, promises even more inspiration for exploring the soulful flavors of Lebanese cuisine.
Three Lebanese Comfort Food Classics to Nourish Your Body and Soul This Autumn
There’s something undeniably heartwarming about Lebanese home cooking. It’s not just the food—it’s the aroma that wraps you in a sense of nostalgia and warmth long before you even take a bite. Imagine your kitchen filling with the earthy scent of freekeh roasting in clarified butter, the sharp bite of garlic and coriander sizzling in olive oil, or the gentle bubbling of a rich stew on the stove. It’s comfort food at its finest—nourishing, flavourful, and deeply rooted in tradition.
This autumn, as the weather cools and we turn towards meals that warm both the body and soul, we invite you to explore the beauty of Lebanese cuisine. Not only does it offer vibrant flavours, but it’s also packed with nutrient-dense ingredients and wholesome cooking methods that align beautifully with a healthy Mediterranean lifestyle. Chef Jad Youssef, the culinary force behind the acclaimed restaurant Lebnani, brings us three classic recipes that embody the spirit of Lebanese comfort food. With his restaurant earning an AA Rosette and rave reviews, including one from Jay Rayner, who called it “small but perfectly judged,” Youssef is now sharing his passion for Lebanese cuisine in his upcoming book, Lebnani: The Cookbook, a love letter to Beirut’s food culture.
These three dishes—freekeh b’lahmé, mloukhieh, and rez m’falfal—are more than just recipes. They’re stories, memories, and a connection to the vibrant, generous kitchens of Lebanon. Let’s explore how these dishes not only satisfy your taste buds but also promote a wholesome, balanced diet.
Freekeh b’Lahmé: A Nutrient-Packed Grain to Warm You Up
Freekeh, a smoked green wheat, is one of Lebanon’s most ancient and cherished dishes. High in fibre and protein, this supergrain aligns perfectly with Malta’s growing interest in healthy, whole-food ingredients. Chef Jad recalls his mother handpicking the greenest, smokiest freekeh from the bustling souks of Beirut. Traditionally cooked with bone-in lamb shoulder and topped with toasted nuts, it’s a dish that fills the air with its irresistible aroma.
Why It’s Great for You:
Freekeh is rich in dietary fibre, which aids digestion and promotes satiety, making it an excellent choice for those aiming to maintain a healthy weight. Paired with lamb, a source of high-quality protein and essential minerals, this dish is a nutritional powerhouse.
Recipe Highlights:
The freekeh is toasted in butter or samneh (clarified butter), releasing its smoky fragrance. Simmered in a flavourful lamb broth seasoned with cardamom, cinnamon, and bay leaves, the result is a grain that is fluffy, aromatic, and deeply satisfying. Topped with golden almonds, pine nuts, and pistachios, this dish is as beautiful as it is nourishing.
Mloukhieh: A Comforting Stew for Gut and Immune Health
Mloukhieh, a silky stew made from jute leaves, is a staple of the Lebanese table. While the dish may seem humble, its nutritional benefits are impressive. Jute leaves are rich in antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and dietary fibre, making this dish a true champion of gut health and immune support.
Chef Jad’s version uses dried mloukhieh leaves, a traditional method that intensifies their earthy flavour. Combined with shredded chicken, roasted garlic, and fresh coriander, this stew is served with golden Lebanese rice and a generous squeeze of lemon, creating a perfectly balanced meal.
Why It’s Great for You:
Jute leaves support healthy digestion and are packed with nutrients that combat inflammation and oxidative stress. The addition of chicken provides lean protein, while the lemon juice adds a burst of vitamin C to boost your immunity.
Recipe Highlights:
Roasting the garlic and onion before blending them into a paste deepens the dish’s flavour profile. The finishing touch is a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, which brightens and balances the earthy tones of the mloukhieh. Serve it with vermicelli-studded rice and warm khobez bread for the ultimate Lebanese experience.
Rez m’Falfal: The Unsung Hero of the Lebanese Table
No Lebanese meal is complete without rez m’falfal, or vermicelli rice. This simple yet essential side dish is the foundation of countless Lebanese meals. Toasted vermicelli adds a nutty richness to the rice, which is cooked to fluffy perfection.
Why It’s Great for You:
While it’s a staple side dish, rez m’falfal’s simplicity hides its nutritional value. Made with basmati or long-grain rice, it’s an easily digestible source of energy. Toasting the vermicelli in olive oil or samneh ensures a flavourful base without the need for heavy fats.
Recipe Highlights:
The secret to perfect rez m’falfal lies in toasting the vermicelli to a deep golden brown and cooking the rice just enough so the grains remain separate and fluffy. It’s a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with hearty stews like mloukhieh or simply as a wholesome base for lighter meals.
Bringing Lebanese Flavours to Your Maltese Kitchen
Malta’s love for Mediterranean flavours and wholesome cooking makes Lebanese cuisine a natural fit for the island’s food enthusiasts. With a focus on fresh ingredients, balanced spices, and nutrient-dense grains, these dishes offer both flavour and nourishment. Whether you’re looking to recreate the smoky allure of freekeh b’lahmé, the earthy comfort of mloukhieh, or the simple elegance of rez m’falfal, these recipes offer a gateway to the soulful kitchens of Beirut.
Chef Jad Youssef’s upcoming cookbook, Lebnani, is set to launch in February 2026, promising even more inspiration for those who want to explore the depth and beauty of Lebanese cuisine. Until then, why not bring a touch of Lebanese warmth into your Maltese home this autumn? After all, what could be more comforting than a table filled with food that tells a story, nourishes your body, and warms your soul?