Makdous… A Captivating Invention and a Homemade Tale with Unforgettable Flavor

More than just a side dish served at breakfast or dinner, Makdous is a deeply rooted recipe in our collective memory—a homemade tradition rich in history. This classic Levantine dish is more than just eggplants stuffed with walnuts and red pepper; it’s an entire chapter of family rituals that begins at the end of summer, when grandmothers prepare their yearly pantry with patience and care. The Makdous recipe is tied to emotion and craftsmanship, typically made by hand, one eggplant at a time, in a traditional way that requires time, experience, and close attention to detail. That’s why Makdous is not a dish made frequently throughout the year—it’s a once-a-season delicacy, made in limited quantities, stored and served over the months ahead.

Baladna Makdous… Homemade Gourmet Flavor Done Right

At Baladna, we didn’t want to offer just another industrial Makdous like many other ready-made products. Our goal was to recreate the very flavor we grew up with and cherished—the homemade Makdous that grandmothers made with love and precision. That’s why Baladna Makdous is not available all year round. It’s a limited-edition product made during a specific window, using a special type of small eggplants picked at just the right time of the season. After careful boiling—to ensure each piece is soft but not mushy—they are pressed with just the right amount of salt under heavy weights to remove excess moisture. Then each eggplant is hand-stuffed with fresh, golden local walnuts and sweet or spicy homemade red pepper paste (including extra hot options to suit all tastes). Finally, the pieces are immersed in oil and stored in glass jars for several weeks until the flavor matures and the ingredients harmonize. The result is exactly what we’ve been waiting for: rich, homemade Makdous—perfectly balanced in acidity and saltiness, ready to serve. It’s 100% plant-based, lactose-free, gluten-free, and can be enjoyed as a mezze or side dish for breakfast or dinner.

Rich in Nutrition and Flavor

Despite its simple ingredients, Baladna Makdous is a nutritionally balanced option, combining healthy fats with plant-based protein.

Baladna Makdous… Because Flavors of the Past Are Never Forgotten

If you’re longing for the flavor of your grandmother’s traditional Makdous, or want to bring an authentic Levantine touch to your table, Baladna Makdous is your perfect choice. It’s not mass-produced or available year-round. Instead, it’s crafted with care, just as it used to be in the old Damascene kitchens. Baladna Makdous comes in three glass jar sizes (small – medium – large) to preserve its authentic flavor and deliver a premium homemade experience that brings back the most heartwarming memories.