Ghallaba (Lebanese Veggie Saute)

Ghallaba is a lesser known (not as common) Lebanese recipe (also found made by other Middle Eastern countries). It can be made with veggies only, chicken or lamb.

This is a healthier version that is suitable for a WFPB no oil diet.

😋Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple meal loaded with various vegetables
• Big flavors from added spices
• Can be paired with rice, hummus, bread or potatoes or served as part of a mezze.
• This recipe ticks a few “free-from” boxes - vegan, gluten free, soy free, nut free, grain free, corn free and oil free.

✔️Ingredients You’ll Need

As this Ghallaba is a vegan Lebanese recipe, jack fruit has been used instead of animal protein for texture. See variations below for alternatives.

Whilst not a traditional ingredient in Ghallaba, canned jackfruit is used to fill out this vegan Lebanese veggie saute (it’s virtually flavorless).

Soak (for at least 15 minutes), wash, rinse and pat dry the jackfruit prior to using, as it generally has an acidic taste (due to additives).

Roughly chop up the jackfruit into small chunks.

Fresh carrot and onion should be peeled and sliced.

Capsicum (bell peppers) choose 1 x red, 1 x yellow and 1 x green. Otherwise, you can select whatever is easily accessible. Slice these up too.

Canned diced tomatoes work well to create moisture within this ghallaba, which I have adapted to suit a WFPB no oil diet.

Fresh bird's eye chili - roughly chopped into small pieces. This helps to add some lovely heat.

Garlic cloves should be crushed.

Veggie stock will boost the flavors of the vegetables and the spices. 

If adhering to a WFPB no oil diet, try and use a stock that contains no oil. You can of course use a homemade vegetable broth - you may want to add salt.

Lebanese 7 spice aka "baharat", the Arabic word for "spices" is a combination of seven spices and is widely used throughout Lebanese cooking.

Sumac is a spice from the sumac berry which adds a light sour flavor, and can easily be found at your local ethnic grocer or buy sumac online.

🍛How To Make Ghallaba

Step 1 - To a hot non-stick fry pan / skillet (on medium-high heat), add jackfruit, onion, half of the sumac and turmeric with two tablespoons of vegetable stock.  Stir until the onions are semi translucent.

Step 2 - Add carrots and another two tablespoons of vegetable stock, stir until carrots are semi soft. Add capsicum (bell peppers) and stir until semi soft.

Step 3 - Add all other ingredients and stir continuously until all vegetables are cooked. Serve warm on a bed of rice or hummus, garnished with fresh parsley.

⭐ Pro Tips 

Slice all vegetables in a uniform size, to help them cook evenly.

As there is no oil, it is highly recommended to use a non-stick frypan/skillet. Continuous stirring is key to ensuring food doesn't burn.

If the liquid evaporates completely, add more vegetable stock or water (a spoonful at a time) This may happen depending on the size and type of the vegetables you use.

🍛Variations

Chickpeas or your favorite beans can be added.

Olive oil can be used to fry off the jackfruit and onions at the start. Use two tablespoons.

There is no hard rule with what vegetables to use in Ghallaba, feel free to add your favorites veggies.

Jackfruit can be left out or replaced with veggies like cauliflower florets.

Don’t feel like slicing your vegetables? No problem, chop them up as you please!

Fresh chili can be replaced with chili flakes or paprika. Alternatively, leave out the chili if you prefer.

Serve with freshly squeezed lemon.

❓FAQ

🍚Serving Suggestions

Enjoy ghallaba with the famous Lebanese pilaf or on top of a plate of hummus.

It really does make an amazing topper for hummus, but can be served with other foods such as bulgur pilaf..

🍲Related Recipes

You might also enjoy vegan maghmour, which is also in a red sauce and is known as Lebanese moussaka.

Or check out this air fryer peppers and onions recipe.

Recipe