Hindbeh bil Zeit
Bitter wild chicory leaves sautéed until silky, heaped with a mountain of crisp caramelized onions, and anointed with enough olive oil to be a meal — the most honest dish in Lebanese mountain cooking.
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All 214 Sofra recipes are free in the app. This one includes step-by-step English voice narration, hands-free Cooking Mode, and the original oud music by Charbel Rouhana.
Get Sofra on Google Play →Ingredients
- 800 grams chicory or dandelion greens
- 4 large, thinly sliced yellow onions
- 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 for serving lemon wedges
Instructions
- Wash chicory greens thoroughly in several changes of cold water. Trim tough stems. If using very bitter wild greens, blanch in boiling salted water for 3 minutes and squeeze dry — this softens the bitterness.
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large heavy pan over low-medium heat. Add sliced onions with a pinch of salt. Cook very slowly, stirring occasionally, for 20–25 minutes until deeply golden-brown and caramelized. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Add 2 more tablespoons olive oil to the same pan over medium heat. Add the chicory greens and sauté, tossing, for 4–6 minutes until wilted but still with a slight bite.
- Add lemon juice and remaining salt to the greens. Toss and taste.
- Transfer greens to a serving dish. Pile the caramelized onions generously on top.
- Drizzle remaining olive oil over everything. Serve at room temperature with lemon wedges and pita bread.
Hear every step read aloud
Step-by-step voice narration guides you hands-free. Faten's Idlib recipes carry her own Syrian-Arabic narration. Charbel Rouhana's original oud plays during Cooking Mode.
Get Sofra on Google Play →Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hindbeh bil Zeit?
Bitter wild chicory leaves sautéed until silky, heaped with a mountain of crisp caramelized onions, and anointed with enough olive oil to be a meal — the most honest dish in Lebanese mountain cooking.
Where is Hindbeh bil Zeit from?
Hindbeh bil Zeit comes from Lebanese Mountains. Sofra documents this recipe as part of its 214-recipe Lebanese and Syrian heritage collection, including 49 dishes from Idlib province.
Is Hindbeh bil Zeit vegetarian or vegan?
As written, Hindbeh bil Zeit uses only plant-based ingredients, so it is suitable for both vegetarian and vegan diets. Always double-check the full ingredient list against your own dietary needs.
What can I use instead of chicory or dandelion greens in Hindbeh bil Zeit?
The chicory or dandelion greens called for here is part of the traditional recipe and gives Hindbeh bil Zeit its authentic character, so keep it if you can. If you must substitute, choose the closest equivalent you have on hand and adjust to taste — the dish will shift slightly from the traditional version but still work. The Sofra app lists the full ingredient set and sourcing notes.
What do I serve with Hindbeh bil Zeit?
In a Lebanese appetizers spread, Hindbeh bil Zeit is served as part of a mezze table — alongside warm pita or markook bread, other small dishes, and fresh vegetables. It also works as a starter before a larger meal.
Can I make Hindbeh bil Zeit ahead, and how do I store leftovers?
Yes — leftovers keep well stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days. Reheat gently (or bring to room temperature for cold dishes) and taste to adjust seasoning before serving. Dishes with fresh herbs or dressing are freshest the day they are made.