Libyan food is heavily influenced by the Mediterranean and North African ingredients and methods of cooking. The food is simple and easy to cook. Local ingredients are preferred in cooking and stews are very common.
Historical and Cultural Influences on Libyan Cuisine
Not much is known about the actual cooking styles of the state. Mediterranean and African influences are predominant but it was an Italian colony a few decades back. This has left has a subtle Italian influence on the cooking style.
Classification of Libyan Cuisine
The state has been divided into three distinct geographical locations: Tripolitania on the western coast, Cyrenaica to the east, and Fezzan in the southand each place has its own food style.
Ingredients Commonly Used in Libyan Cooking
Libyan food in normal life reflects the normal cooking style of peasant and common people. Couscous is cooked at every meal and it’s accompanied by a sauce of meat, tomatoes and spices. There is good supply of local meat, vegetables and fruits. Milk and dairy products are also available all through the year.
Traditional Libyan Recipes
There are a wide range of dishes that are cooked locally but they might not be that well known.
Libyan Cuisine Trivia
Libya is a Muslim country and no alcohol is allowed at all. Pork and pork dishes are not included in Libyan food