Libyan Cuisine

Libyan cuisine is the cooking traditions, practices, foods and dishes associated with the country of Libya. The cuisine derives much from the culinary traditions of the Mediterranean and North Africa, with an Italian influence, a legacy from the days when Libya was an Italian colony. One of the most popular Libyan dishes is a thick highly-spiced soup, known simply as Sharba Libiya, or Libyan soup. Sharba Libiya contains many of the ingredients of many other Libyan dishes, including onions, tomatoes, lamb (or chicken), chilies, cayenne pepper, saffron, chickpeas, mint, cilantro and parsley. Pork consumption is forbidden in accordance with Sharia, religious laws of Islam. Tripoli is Libya's capital, and the cuisine here is particularly influenced by Italian cuisine. Pasta is common, and many seafood dishes are available. Southern Libya cuisine is more traditionally Arab. Common fruits and vegetables include figs, dates, oranges, apricots and olives.