Kabis Lift
Pink pickled turnips — the unmistakable condiment of the Lebanese table. Stained bright fuchsia by a slice of raw beet, crunchy, sour, and briny. Beside every shawarma, inside every falafel sandwich, on every mezze table.
Cook this hands-free
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
- 1 kg, young and firm Turnips
- 1 small (about 80g) Raw beetroot
- 200 ml White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 400 ml Water
- 2 tbsp Coarse salt
- 3 cloves, sliced Garlic cloves
- 1 leaf Bay leaf
Instructions
- Wash and peel the turnips. Cut into sticks (like french fries) or wedges — about 1cm thick.
- Peel the beetroot and cut into thin slices.
- Sterilize a large glass jar (1.5 litre capacity). Rinse with boiling water.
- Prepare the brine: combine water, vinegar, and salt in a small pan. Heat gently just until salt dissolves. Cool completely.
- Pack the turnip pieces into the jar, distributing the beetroot slices, garlic, and bay leaf throughout.
- Pour the cooled brine over — it should fully submerge all vegetables. If not, make more brine in the same ratio.
- Seal the jar and store at room temperature for 3–5 days. The turnips will gradually turn from white to vivid pink.
- Refrigerate once the pickling color and tang are achieved. They last 3 weeks refrigerated.
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 Kabis Lift?
Pink pickled turnips — the unmistakable condiment of the Lebanese table. Stained bright fuchsia by a slice of raw beet, crunchy, sour, and briny. Beside every shawarma, inside every falafel sandwich, on every mezze table.
Where is Kabis Lift from?
Kabis Lift comes from Lebanese Coastal. Sofra documents this recipe as part of its 214-recipe Lebanese and Syrian heritage collection, including 49 dishes from Idlib province.
Is Kabis Lift vegetarian or vegan?
As written, Kabis Lift 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 bay leaf in Kabis Lift?
The bay leaf called for here is part of the traditional recipe and gives Kabis Lift 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 Kabis Lift?
In a Lebanese condiments spread, Kabis Lift is served as an accompaniment — spooned alongside grilled meats, vegetables, breads, or other mezze dishes.
Can I make Kabis Lift 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.