Cookbook:Bazeen bil Lahm (Libyan Meat Bazeen)
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Bazeen bil Lahm | |
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Category | Meat recipes |
Difficulty |
Cookbook | Recipes | Ingredients | Equipment | Techniques | Cookbook Disambiguation Pages | Recipes
Bazeen bil Lahm is a traditional Libyan dish that is hearty, flavorful, and satisfying. It is a combination of tender chunks of meat, typically beef or lamb, cooked in a rich and aromatic sauce, and served with a special dough-like bread called bazeen. This dish is commonly enjoyed during festive occasions and gatherings, bringing people together to savor its delicious flavors.
Ingredients
[edit | edit source]- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 500 grams (1 lb) beef or lamb, cut into small cubes
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 bell peppers, diced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- ½ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional, for added heat)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 4 cups water
- Bazeen dough
Equipment
[edit | edit source]- Large pot or Dutch oven with a lid
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Procedure
[edit | edit source]- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add the meat cubes to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, sliced carrots, diced potatoes, and bell peppers.
- Add the tomato paste, cumin, coriander, turmeric, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the ingredients with the spices.
- Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let the bazeen simmer for about 1.5–2 hours, or until the meat is tender and the flavors have melded together.
- While the stew is cooking, prepare the bazeen dough according to the package instructions or homemade recipe.
- Once the stew is ready, shape the dough into small balls and place them in the serving bowls.
- Ladle the cooked meat and vegetable mixture over the bazeen dough.
- Serve hot and enjoy the delicious flavors of this traditional Libyan dish.
Notes, tips, and variations
[edit | edit source]- Bazeen is a traditional Libyan bread made from a mixture of flour, water, and salt. It has a dense and doughy texture and is typically served with meat-based dishes like Bazeen bil Lahm.
- Adjust the spice levels to suit your taste preferences. Add more or less cayenne pepper depending on your desired level of heat.
- For a richer and more intense flavor, you can marinate the meat cubes with spices and olive oil for a few hours before cooking.
- Serve Bazeen bil Lahm with a side of fresh salad or pickled vegetables for a refreshing contrast.
- Bazeen can also be prepared with other types of meat such as chicken or goat, based on personal preference.
- Experiment with adding different vegetables to the dish, such as peas, green beans, or zucchini, to customize the flavors and textures.