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History
Throughout history, Lebanon has fallen under control of several nations including Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, and Ottomans. Despite these influences, the country as a whole has been persistent in its rebellions and its mountainous terrain has provided a bit of protection from further imperialism. The country has been a center of commerce due to its close proximity to the Mediterranean sea.
Population
Lebanon's population of 4.1 million grows by 0.24 percent annually. About 87% of Armenians live in urban areas. About 95% are Arabs and 4% are Armenians who migrated to escape Ottoman persecution. The official language spoken is Arabian while others include Armenian, English, French, and Turkish.
Religion
60% of the population is Muslim while the roughly 39% is Christian. The Muslims show their devotion through Islam's 5 pillars of faith. Growing secularism within the country is helping to reunite its people.
General Attitudes
Political ideologies are overshadowed by family ties and relationships in this society. Most identify themselves as Arabs, not Lebanese. Power, education and prestige are admired. Material success is increasingly important.
Lifestyle
Family ties are close knit and discipline is an important factor. Water is scarce in the country. Families take pride in their village heritage. Dating is acceptable while some families have arranged marriages. Birth is celebrated with the cooking of meghli- served to visitors who come with congratulations. Lebanese specialize in various meat stews and some vegetarian dishes. Meza is eaten on special occasions at a feast lasting 4-5 hours. Arak, a strong liquor is often served with meals. Soccer is the most valued sport. The national dance is the dabkah and a popular form of poetry is zajal. National holidays are set by the western
Economy
Industry and agriculture are important components. The currency is the Lebanese pound. The divide between the rich and poor has grown during the reconstruction period. Conservative economic policies and strict lending laws have led to recovery from the global financial crisis of 2008.
Health
Good medical care is available to all citizens. Although public facilities exist, most choose more expensive private treatment in hospitals and clinics. Houses usually have two water systemsone in the kitchen that is safe for drinking, and one for the rest of the house that is not potable.
Fattoush
Ingredients 2 Or 3 tomatoes, cubed 2 Small cucumbers, peeled, quartered lengthwise, and chopped 1 Medium green pepper, seeded, deribbed, and diced 5 Scallions, chopped Parsley 2 Tablespoon, finely chopped 1 tbs. Finely chopped fresh mint or 1 tsp. dried mint Cilantro 1 Bunch (100gm) 2 Pita bread (or 2-3 slices of bread), toasted and cut into cubes Olive oil1/2 Cup (16 tbs) Lemon juice1/2 Cup (16 tbs) Black pepper Preparation salt To taste 1. Toss veggies 2. Whisk oil, lemon juice, and salt/pepper 3. Pour dressing over veggies 4. Top with toasted pita
Chickpea Salad
For the dressing: Preparation 3 tblsp extra virgin olive oil 1. Prepare the dressing by whisking together theolive oil, lemon juice, 1 tblsp lemon juice pomegranate molasses,honey, crushed garlic and salt to taste. 1 tblsp pomegranate molasses 2. Add the spring onions to a salad bowl and sprinkle with a good 1.5 tsp honey squeeze of lemon juice. 1 small clove garlic, crushed 3. Add the tomatoes, chickpeas (both plain and roasted), goats cheese, coriander, parsleyand dressing to the salad bowl. Toss to coarse salt to taste mix. Add coarse salt and black pepper to taste. For the salad: 4. To serve, scoop spoonfuls of salad onto crunchy lettuce leaves and 8 large spring onions, finely sliced dig in. squeeze of lemon juice 250g cherry tomatoes, quartered (or halved if very small) 250g cooked chickpeas (either soak and cook approx. 100g dried chickpeas or drain and rinse a 400g tin of chickpeas) 100g roasted chickpeas with sumac and allspice 100g soft, fresh goats cheese or labneh 6 tblsp chopped fresh coriander 3 tblsp chopped flat leaf parsley coarse salt to taste freshly ground black pepper to taste leaves of baby gem, romaine or other crunchy lettuce to serve
Preparation 1. In a medium bowl, soak wheat and oats for 30 minutes in hot water. Remove and drain excess water by squeezing well. 2. Place into medium bowl and combine with the remaining ingredients. 3. Spread on an oiled pan, drizzle a bit of olive oil and bake until firm and golden.
Preparation 1. Saute dates with butter 10 minutes, stirring often. 2. Cool 10 minutes. 3. Press into 10" cake ring. 4. Sprinkle with sesame seeds. 5. Add half of the pistachios and the remainder of the date mixture. 6. Sprinkle with more sesame seeds. 7. Flip the date cake over and add the remainder of pistachios and sesame seeds.
Kefta
Ingredients 1 lb finely ground beef 1 cup lightly packed, washed, and picked parsley 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves 1/2 large onion, chopped small 2 tsp chopped garlic 1/4 cinnamon 1/4 tsp cloves 1/4 tsp allspice 1/4 nutmeg 1/2 tsp salt, more to taste 1/4 tsp ground black prepper Preparation 1. Soak wooden skewers in water in order to prevent browning. 2. Mix all ingredients with hands. 3. Form mixture into an oval shape and place on soaked skewer. 4. Place meat skewers on preheated griddle and let cook at least 5 minutes on each side. 5. Look for pink spots to check for done-ness 6. Serve with tzatziki sauce, lettuce, and tomatoes wrapped in pita.