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So you're vegetarian and it's Bakra Eid. What do you do?

Lebanese eateries like Karam Lebnan in Isloo offer tasty vegetarian tidbits. Here's a hummus recipe that'll work too!
Updated 03 Sep, 2017

If you're vegetarian in Pakistan, not only are you looked upon like some sort of alien being, but your options to eat out are pretty limited. This becomes painfully evident come Bakra-e-Eid.

While I don't eat a lot of meat myself, I don't have the same dietary restrictions as somebody who is off meat completely. So it was only when a friend of mine turned vegetarian a few years ago that I really noticed the dearth of vegetarian options available at 99% of restaurants and cafes. Even most salads will have chicken in them! We are a nation of meat-eaters and vegetables are often relegated to second-class status.

There are some cuisines, though, where non-vegetarian fare really shines. I decided to take my friend to Karam Lebnan, a charming Lebanese restaurant on Islamabad’s Parveen Shakir Road with seriously good food. It’s homely and feels more like a family dining room than a restaurant.

There’s something for everybody here; the main course section of the menu has some delicious kebabs and grilled items to choose from. However, you can make a complete vegetarian meal out of the cold and hot mezze menu.

You can easily make a vegetarian meal out of a Lebanese mezze spread like this — Photographs by the author
You can easily make a vegetarian meal out of a Lebanese mezze spread like this — Photographs by the author

Mezze comprises of starters and snacks, and one of the things I love about it is that it is meant to be shared. Mezze spreads are common across Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and North African cuisines, and are a key feature at Iftar during Ramadan. Order a few mezze dishes, and you won't even realize how much you’ve eaten while you nibble away as the fresh pita bread keeps on coming.

In Lebanese cuisine, eggplant features prominently, as does spinach, and fresh vegetables in various salads. Other standout items include cheeses, yogurt, beans and pulses, and lots of lemon juice and olive oil.

First things first, I always order a plate each of hummus, a dip made with pureed chickpeas, and mutabbal, a creamy roasted eggplant dip, before I even look at the menu. This kind of meal encourages a relaxed and leisurely pace; order a couple of mezze dishes, get started as the warm pita arrives, and slowly take your time deciding what else you want to order.

If you like eggplant as much as I do, you could also order baba ghanoush, another smoky eggplant dip where the vegetable really takes center stage. I also like to order fattoush, a fresh garden salad with crispy pieces of pita bread and just the right amount of tangy dressing.

Fattoush (left) and Mutabbal (right) are some of the Lebanese delicacies that are a must-try at Karam Lebnan — Photograph by the author
Fattoush (left) and Mutabbal (right) are some of the Lebanese delicacies that are a must-try at Karam Lebnan — Photograph by the author

Grilled halloumi is another firm favourite; halloumi is a chewy cheese, somewhat like cottage cheese in density, but quite salty so it may not be everybody’s cup of tea. I really love falafel as well, perfectly spiced chickpea patties, fried and served with a tahini sauce.

Hummus (left) may be a standard order, but don't forget to order the grilled Halloumi (right)! — Photograph by the author
Hummus (left) may be a standard order, but don't forget to order the grilled Halloumi (right)! — Photograph by the author

I sometimes like to order za'atar as well, if I want a little something special instead of plain bread. Za’atar is spice mix made with sumac, thyme and sesame seeds, which is mixed with olive oil and spread on pita bread.

Switch up your choice of bread with Za'atar, spiced with sumac, thyme and sesmae seeds — Photographs by the author
Switch up your choice of bread with Za'atar, spiced with sumac, thyme and sesmae seeds — Photographs by the author

Out of all the kababs to choose from, the Kabaab Khiskhash are my absolute favorite. These lamb kababs are perfectly seasoned and incredibly flavorful, served with a smoky intense tomato sauce and, oddly enough, french fries.

Love lamb? Kabaab Khiskhash is served with a smoky tomato sauce — Photograph by the author
Love lamb? Kabaab Khiskhash is served with a smoky tomato sauce — Photograph by the author

All the desserts listed on the menu aren't always available so check with your waiter to see what they have that particular day.

Kitayef and Turkish coffee is the perfect way to end a meal — Photograph by the author
Kitayef and Turkish coffee is the perfect way to end a meal — Photograph by the author

Kitayef, a cheese-filled pancake, fried and then drenched in fragrant syrup, paired with a strong cup of Turkish coffee is the perfect way to end the meal in my book.

A taste of Lebanon at home: an easy hummus recipe

Hummus is easy to make at home, and is a healthy complement to salads and sandwiches — Photograph by the author
Hummus is easy to make at home, and is a healthy complement to salads and sandwiches — Photograph by the author

If you like hummus, you don't need to head to a restaurant to get your fix. It’s incredibly simple to make at home. It’s great as a dip or as a spread on toast. Hummus also makes for wonderful salad dressing, mixed with some yogurt or more lemon juice.

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chickpeas (garbanzo beans)

2 large garlic cloves

6 tablespoons tahini (sesame seed paste; available at most grocery stores)

4 tablespoons lemon juice

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon salt

4 to 6 tablespoons cold water

Method

  1. Add all ingredients, except water, to a food processor.

  2. Turn the processor on and add water, a tablespoon at a time, until you have the consistency you like. I normally add all 6 tablespoons as I prefer a thinner consistency.

  3. Taste and add more salt if desired.

  4. To serve, drizzle some olive oil over the hummus and sprinkle some black pepper or paprika on top.

  5. Cover and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Comments

majid udhi Sep 26, 2015 11:05am
enthusistic for food lover of vegetarian and lebanese, they say they are healthier as lebanese and far east food habits are healthier as fewer heart disease because less use of animal fat and olive and healthier cooking oil (edible)
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Krishna Sep 26, 2015 11:06am
I think, India is the only country where vegetarianism thrives. In fact all the mainstream restaurants are vegetarian, and non veg restaurants also serve ample of vegetarian dishes. It is nice to see that, many are turning vegetarians these days either for dietary reasons or for spiritual quest.
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Dipak Singh Sep 26, 2015 11:32am
Hmmm delicious
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Muslim Sep 26, 2015 11:54am
Animal sacrifice is uncivilized.
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engramin Sep 26, 2015 12:06pm
great article, I love to have hummus, thanks for method for preparing it at home. I will must try to make it at home.
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engramin Sep 26, 2015 12:06pm
great article, I love to have hummus, thanks for method for preparing it at home. I will must try to make it at home.
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bk Sep 26, 2015 01:30pm
@Muslim People have seldom courage to say so.
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Surya Sep 26, 2015 01:40pm
Are there lot of vegetarians in Pakistan? All of my Muslim friends in India gorge on meat, so much so that I have to eat only desserts in their weddings...
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Sajid Syed Sep 26, 2015 03:43pm
Thanks a lot for veggie recipes. I love hummus, baba ghanoush and my favorite food at any Mediterranean restaurant is spinach pizza (much smaller size and more of a stuffed parontha but not much of a oil and frying). Vegetarian food is healthy and sustainable. While my family enjoy their chicken dinner I relish my vegetable dishes with pita, dips, green leaves salad ( a full plate with no dressing) and spinach pizza. I avoid falafal, it is fried and is similar to eating chickpeas that is a source for flatulence.
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Sajid Syed Sep 26, 2015 03:46pm
@Krishna , No it is not true anymore. In westrern world vegetarianism has picked up. In fact they have gone one step further, Veganism. No dairy even. There are many Vegetarian Restaurants that have sprung up in the USA, Canada and Germany.
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Indipendant Sep 26, 2015 04:48pm
Thanks Dawn for the great article on Lebanese cuisine for vegetarians. I see that a lamb kabab dish sneaked in though !
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N H S Sep 26, 2015 06:12pm
LOve to read recipe articles whenever hungry while in office... (Which happens all the time...always)... !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Don't know how many other people always feel hungry while in office ?? Its a pleasant surprise that even in a Muslim country, there are people who have turned vegetarian...
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okhan Sep 26, 2015 07:24pm
Give me all your remaining Qurbani meet, after giving a portion to the poor !!
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Rocky Sep 26, 2015 08:48pm
Some fun facts about vegetarianism. Aurangzeb was a vegetarian. Akbar would eat meat only three days a week and no meat on his birthday either. Babar advised his son Hamayun to not eat beef as a concern for Hindus in the country.
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Ashim Halder Sep 26, 2015 08:56pm
In a meat eating country you are thinking about vegetarian is a really very nice. This is what is needed most at this hour.
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Ashim Halder Sep 26, 2015 09:03pm
As a non vegetarian you are thinking about vegetarian s that is great. Today we require thinkers like you.
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Shahnaz Sep 27, 2015 01:30am
Yes in India vegetarianism is thriving as they are banning every thing else...it is black democratic nonsense.. @Muslim I know who you are (wolf across the border).. there is enough evidence plants have life and feel and elicit electrical and chemical signals when they are injured .. why eating plants is not uncivilized. If you look into cradle of human civilizations,...meat was always consumed and that is reason we have canine teeth.
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Faisal Ghani Sep 27, 2015 02:16am
Lamb kebab recommendation for vegetarians? Seriously!?
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ROHIT PANDEY Sep 27, 2015 04:22am
Look to India for vegetarian recipes. The food is not dull and banal, but, rather very tasty and very easy on the heart and GI tract.. cuts down a variety of ailments from heart disease ( the most important) and a number of cancers have a lower incidence in vegetarians...particularly ones from the gastrointestinal tract.
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Ashim Halder Sep 27, 2015 05:24am
Excellent article, the time has come when a non vegetarian should think about vegetarian and vice versa. Every body should give space to each others. Regards, Ashim Halder
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Ashim Halder Sep 27, 2015 05:25am
Excellent article.
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Kashif Sep 27, 2015 07:16am
@Krishna I turned vegetarian few years ago, life is good, my blood pressure, cholesterol level, weight, everything went down. I turned vegetarian after watching documentary "earthlings". I believe there is too much and too many items to eat, killing someone for food is completely unnecessary in my humble opinion.
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Ajay Sep 27, 2015 07:30am
@Krishna really? All mainstream restaurant s are vegetarian? How much of India have u seen where culture and good habits change every 200 m? India is only 30% vegetarian. So, all happening restaurants are non vegetarian. Stop misleading people like the modi govt about vegetarianism, Indian culture & science in ancient times.
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Ibrahim Sep 27, 2015 09:16am
I have traveled to various countries as a vegetarian and have always been able to find Indian Restaurants run by Pakistanis. Why can't these restaurants call themselves Pakistani Restaurants?
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GURJAAR Sep 27, 2015 10:13am
Long live Vegetarians.
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anwar Sep 27, 2015 12:27pm
Why don't we try to grow these veggies in our long lawns? Can't we convert a small portion at a side of a lawn to grow something really healthy and cook it ourselves. See the karam lebnan website rates they are offering things at ridiculously high price. This way we will be able to save as well as eat healthy. Offering tea for 260 Rs is ridiculous. http://www.karamlebnan.com/menu/
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bryan Sep 27, 2015 01:02pm
@Sajid Syed Honestly I was in for a shock with this article. A vegetarian in Pakistan! That too out of choice. While I used to gorge on beef I have almost given up on it and now my non veg intake is just limited to 200 gms a week. And honestly I M loving this feeling of having ahed weight, stopped smoking and a little exercise. I think somewhere the intake of higher amount of veggies helped me fight multiple battles. My waist has trimmed and it gives me so much energy. Now I don't hog at parties rather start with fruits n pure veg salads n then desserts. Good article.
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NS Sep 27, 2015 05:35pm
@Sajid Syed I am vegan :)
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ROHIT PANDEY Sep 27, 2015 06:46pm
@Krishna A lot of Mediterranean food is delicious vegetarian. They don't have a cultural admonishments against non vegetarian diet, but eat a lot of delicious salads, soups wraps with tons of veggies in them. Love Lebanese, Turkish, Greek veggie food!:):) Turkish food is laced with orange juice, pine nuts, parsley, olive oil and a whole lot of other great stuff...flavors which don't exist in the Indian veggie diet? A very welcome change from regular Indian food? I did not know that a spice called sumac existed till I tasted it?:):)
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Arthur in the Garden! Sep 27, 2015 07:14pm
Yummy! Great options!
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Mo Sep 27, 2015 08:37pm
@Shahnaz human canines are not developed like other savage beasts. Humans also have intelligence and empathy, which may not be developed in your kind. Eating dead animals is pathetic.
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Mo Sep 27, 2015 08:42pm
@ROHIT PANDEY have Thai food, its very good. of course India's vegetarian culinary menu is inexhaustible.
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Parveen Sep 27, 2015 11:13pm
I am glad to read about not having vegetarian restaurants in Pakistan.I wonder why.Meat is so expensive so if veg. restaurants open they will become popular.I have grown up in a Sindhi household.My mother cooked delicious vegetables,like sayal bhindi,stuffed bhindi.Began cut in half with cuts and shallow fried with masala and amchoor and lemon. I have kept up the tradition in Houston where i live now and eat in veg.restaurants a lot. I love to read your food section.Keep up the good work.
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Ahmed Sep 28, 2015 12:47am
Sugar rich starch foods are not alternate for vegetable or meat.
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Vellaichamy Sep 28, 2015 01:54am
@Ibrahim Is it not Pakistan an offshoot of erstwhile India. Then why not name a restaurant run by a Pakistani. Indian subcontinent belongs all the nationals reside there. Indian Ocean encompasses all South Asian, West Asian and South East Asian countries.
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ROHIT PANDEY Sep 28, 2015 06:54am
@Shahnaz I really wish what you say is TRUE..that "everything else" is banned in India. I mean,there is a wide spread ban on smoking,restrictions on alcohol, criminal laws against "recreational drugs" and, of late, under the persuasion by the US Surgeon-General, a bid to restrict arms in the USA. ( the Surgeon-General, incidentally, is of Indian origin Dr Vivek Murthy ) In my opinion meat eating,can contribute to a number of diseases, and, a fibre rich diet of fruit and vegetables can go a long way,as a public/preventive health measure, drive down cardiovascular diseases. But, Bombay High Court struck down an order to prevent the sale of meat during certain days. Relgious sentiments, MADE fragile by politicians seems to be the root cause? Beef is available across India and Hindus in Kerala do eat beef? A little research goes a long way to great posts in the columns here?:):)
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Bilal Mohsin Sep 28, 2015 08:23am
Wait was this a review on a Lebanese restaurant or was the aim to explore vegetarian options, i thought it was the latter, then why do lamb kebabs feature on the article :P
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asdf Sep 28, 2015 08:34am
I am by birth vegetarian and thankful to my parents that they have taught me killing animals is sin and we have no right to take away some life. There are thousands of vegetarian dishes that are available. Diversity in food.
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KaKa Sep 28, 2015 10:25am
Vegetarians are nashukray, except anyone with a real medical condition.
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n d gaur Sep 28, 2015 02:02pm
@Kashif You are now a Bodhisattva(enlightened soul)!
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Kalyan Sep 28, 2015 08:22pm
@Surya Interestingly my Indian Muslim friends eat non-veg sparingly. In fact most of them eat regular veg meals and non-veg on special occasions or weekends. Azharuddin for example was also vegetarian. Whenever I attended any of their weddings, I was ensured a veg meal. When I visited a Pakistani restaurant in the US, the owner was very kind and gave me Rawalpindi Chana and Peshawari Naan and asked whether I felt the food was just like home. So don't want to stereotype veg or non-veg.
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AMAR DAS Sep 03, 2017 01:56pm
@Surya Not all
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Dilliwala Sep 03, 2017 05:08pm
@Muslim @Krishna ... how true ... and @ Rocky, thats a really good piece of information on Aurangzeb. Just checked the net also and found it true, Auregzeb was vegetarian.
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BHAWNA Sep 03, 2017 11:32pm
@Surya There are hindus in Pakistan some of whom are completely vegetarians like me!
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