Meshta7 B Jrish: A Jnoubi Flatbread Rich In Heritage

Every region has it’s own culinary traditions, and when it comes to Jnoub, they specialize in a piece of southern Lebanese heritage known as meshta7 b jrish.

The Jnoubi flatbread, also known as “b3abiq b jrish”, serves as a heritage marker of Jabal Amel that has been around for more than 400 years. Though Lebanese people are quite familiar with the traditional meshta7 bread, the Jnoubi version sets itself apart as it’s made with local jrish “coarsely ground” wheat that is mixed with sesame and nigella seeds.

The meshta7 varies from village to village in Jabal Amel. In my village, “Aaba,” and neighboring villages like Ansar, Dweir, and Jibchit, it’s used to make zaatar manouche. They’re often enjoyed with local zaatar, cheese, yogurt, tomatoes, and onions. Many also make it at home on the traditional oven and pair it with a cup of tea!

The flatbread held great significance during travels as a source of sustenance, as it could last many weeks without refrigeration.

Historian Charles Hayek discussed in one of the videos on his page the history of this southern tradition. From the furn of El Hajje Sahjouna!

Have you tried this delicious southern tradition? Let us know what you think!

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