Ep 4. Episode 4

Food Safari is a mouth-watering TV show that celebrates the diverse cuisines of Australia. In each episode, host Maeve O'Meara explores a different cuisine and highlights the unique ingredients, techniques, and traditions that make it special.

In Season 1, Episode 4, Maeve takes viewers on a culinary journey through the food of Lebanon. From smoky eggplant dips to fragrant spice blends, Lebanese cuisine is known for its bold flavors and vibrant colors.

The episode begins with Maeve visiting a local Lebanese grocery store to stock up on ingredients for her upcoming cooking demos. She stops to admire the mounds of fresh produce, including bright red tomatoes and plump eggplants, before moving on to the spice aisle. Here, she picks up a variety of spices and blends, such as sumac and za'atar, that are essential to Lebanese cooking.

Next, Maeve meets with Lebanese-born chef Mohammed Taleb to learn about the origins of some of the dishes she will be preparing. Mohammed explains that Lebanese cuisine is heavily influenced by the Ottoman Empire and has been shaped by centuries of trade and travel.

Maeve starts her cooking demonstrations by making a classic Lebanese dip called baba ghanoush. She char-grills eggplants over an open flame, then scoops out the flesh and combines it with tahini paste, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. The result is a creamy, smoky dip that is perfect with pita bread.

Next, Maeve makes kibbeh, a popular Lebanese dish made with minced meat and bulgur wheat. She grinds lamb meat with onions, garlic, and spices, then mixes in the bulgur and forms the mixture into small balls. The kibbeh balls are fried until golden brown and served with a tangy yoghurt dip.

Maeve then moves on to the main course, a hearty lamb and okra stew. She browns pieces of lamb shoulder in a Dutch oven before adding onions, garlic, and spices. Then, she adds sliced okra and simmer until tender. The result is a delicious and nutritious stew that showcases the flavors of Lebanon.

Finally, Maeve ends the episode with a sweet treat: baklava. She layers phyllo pastry sheets with a mixture of ground pistachios, sugar, and butter, then bakes the pastry until golden brown. The result is a decadent dessert that is both crunchy and sticky, thanks to the syrup that Maeve pours over the top.

Throughout the episode, Maeve also introduces viewers to some of the Lebanese community in Australia, who share their experiences of immigrating to a new country while still holding onto their culinary traditions. She also visits a Lebanese bakery and a restaurant to sample some of the many other delicious dishes that Lebanon has to offer.

Overall, Food Safari Season 1 Episode 4 is a delicious and informative exploration of Lebanese cuisine. Maeve's passion for food and her engaging hosting style make for a delightful viewing experience, and viewers will come away with a newfound appreciation for this flavorful and diverse cuisine.