Wheat

Wheat here means whole wheat grains, the dried kernels of the wheat plant before they are ground into flour or cracked into burghul. In Lebanese kitchens, whole wheat is a pantry staple with many uses. It is slow-cooked with meat or chicken to make harisseh, a traditional dish often prepared for village gatherings and religious occasions. It is also boiled and sweetened with sugar, nuts and spices to make snaynieh, shared to celebrate a baby's first tooth. The grains can be added to soups and stews, or soaked and cooked as a hearty side. You can find wheat at Dekenet Al Nes in Baaqline, in the Chouf, a package-free grocery store where it is sold by the kilo. Bring your own jar or bag and fill it with the amount you need, cutting down on plastic and single-use packaging.