Shanklish – Traditional Levantine Appetizer

Shanklish – Traditional Levantine Appetizer

Shanklish is one of the most popular appetizers in the Levant, often served as a staple on breakfast and dinner tables, typically enjoyed with a cup of tea.

This dish is an old traditional food, believed to have originated in the Akkar region of northern Lebanon, from where it spread across Syria, Lebanon, and neighboring countries. It is usually prepared in large quantities, preserved, and eaten throughout the year as part of the pantry staples of many families.

Nutritionally, shanklish is rich in proteins and minerals that provide the body with energy and nourishment. It is also credited with several health benefits: boosting the immune system, helping the body resist inflammation and serious diseases, reducing the risk of blood clots and arteriosclerosis, and supporting digestive health by softening the intestines and preventing constipation.

Ingredients (Serves 4):

 

• 4 cups yogurt

• 1 cup labneh (strained yogurt)

• 1 tablespoon red chili powder (or ground red pepper)

• 1 tablespoon wild thyme

• 2 teaspoons salt

• 1 cup nigella seeds (black seeds)

For coating:

• 4 tablespoons wild thyme

• 4 tablespoons ground red chili powder

Preparation Method:

1. Place the yogurt in a large bowl, add the labneh, and mix well until fully blended.

2. Pour the mixture into a cloth bag, tie it tightly, and place it in a strainer for two days to drain.

3. After draining, transfer the mixture into a large bowl. Add salt, wild thyme, nigella seeds, and red chili, then knead until you get a firm dough-like texture.

4. Divide the mixture into equal-sized balls and place them on a tray under the sun for about six hours.

5. Once dried, roll each ball in wild thyme or red chili powder until completely coated.

6. Store the coated shanklish balls in airtight bags in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Shanklish is more than just an appetizer; it is a taste of Levantine heritage—fragrant, tangy, and packed with flavor, passed down through generations and still cherished on family tables today.