Spice Up Your Kitchen with the Best Lahma Bil Basal Recipe
Close your eyes and imagine being transported to the bustling streets of Cairo, surrounded by the mesmerizing sounds and smells of the Egyptian market. You stroll past colorful spice vendors and succulent fruit stands until your nose catches a whiff of something truly irresistible: the rich aroma of beef in onion sauce. This is Lahma Bil Basal, a staple dish in Egyptian households for centuries.
As an Israeli chef, I’ve always felt immense admiration for Middle Eastern cuisine, with its bold flavors and unique blends of spices. In fact, I’ve learned to embrace many traditional recipes from this part of the world, including the amazing popular simple dish of Lahma Bil Basal. It’s a dish that is made with love by grandmothers and mothers all over Egypt and has become one of my favorites.
But don’t be mistaken; although it may be a simple dish, it is by far one of the most flavorful and savory meals you’ll ever try. The combination of tender beef stew meat cooked to perfection in a rich onion sauce creates the ultimate comfort food experience.
Now, it’s time for you to create your own culinary journey through Egypt with my recipe for Lahma Bil Basal. Trust me; once you take a bite of this delectable mix of flavors, it will instantly transport you to the bustling streets of Egypt and leave you wanting more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re tired of mundane meals, get ready to add some spice to your life with this amazing and popular simple dish made in Egyptian households – Beef in Rich Onion Sauce or Lahma Bil Basal. The dish is a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine and will tantalize your taste buds with its exquisite flavors.
I promise you’ll love this dish because it’s incredibly satisfying and easy to prepare. Apart from being delicious and filling, it’s also healthy, making it the perfect dinner recipe for any night of the week. Made with lean stew meat, onions, bouillon cubes, salt, pepper, bay leaves, canola oil, butter, and water – this beef stew is perfect for any occasion.
The simplicity and ease of the recipe will make it one of your favorites since it’s not too complicated to whip up. After washing the meat, add sliced onions and sauté them with butter and oil until they’re lightly browned. Once the onions are caramelized well enough, add chicken broth or beef steak to achieve that rich onion sauce flavor.
Furthermore, if you love trying new cuisines and experimenting with ingredients, then you must give this Lahma Bil Basal recipe a try. The unique blend of spices primarily used in Middle Eastern rest middle eastern restaurants adds an extra kick to the dish’s mouth-watering flavor.
So whether you’re looking to explore new cuisines or want to entertain guests with a special Middle Eastern delicacy – Lahma Bil Basal is an excellent choice! And once you try this recipe at home, I guarantee you won’t be able to resist making it again!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to create this amazing popular simple dish made in Egyptian households:
- 1 pound cubed beef stew meat
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 4 onions, thinly sliced
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 chicken bouillon cubes
- Water, as needed
This recipe for Egyptian Lahma Bil Basal, also known as Beef in Rich Onion Sauce, requires simple ingredients that are widely used in Middle Eastern and Egyptian food recipes. You can find these items easily at your local grocery store.
The Recipe How-To
Now let’s get down to business and see how we can make this amazing Egyptian Lahma Bil Basal.
Ingredients:
Here is what you need for this tasty beef recipe:
– 1 pound cubed beef stew meat
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 tablespoon canola oil
– 4 onions, sliced
– 2 chicken bouillon cubes
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 bay leaf
Method:
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Wash the meat: Before you begin, be sure to wash the meat under running cold water.
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Sauté the beef: In a heavy pot, heat the butter and canola oil and cook the beef over medium heat until lightly browned on all sides.
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Add sliced onions: Once browned, vegetables come into play! Add the sliced onions to the pot and continue to cook until the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.
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Stir bouillon cubes, salt, pepper, and bay leaf: Stir in the chicken bouillon cubes along with salt and pepper to taste along with one bay leaf.
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Cook for 45 mins – 2 hours: Pour enough water to just cover the meat (about one to two cups) then cover with a lid and simmer on low for anywhere from 45 minutes to two hours.
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Monitor water level: During cooking keep an eye on the liquid level. If needed add more water but do not overwater it.
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Remove bay leaves: After cooking for desired time discard bay leaves.
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Serve: This amazing rich Onion Beef Stew requires nothing more than being spooned over mashed potatoes or accompanied by a bulgur pilaf.
Now that was easy and if you followed these steps your Egyptian Lahma Bil Basal should be perfect! Enjoy this amazing popular simple dish made in Egyptian households for generations!
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about Egyptian Lahma Bil Basal is its versatility. You can make a few substitutions and variations to cater to your taste bud preferences or dietary restrictions. Here are some ideas:
Substitutions:
– Canola Oil: You can use vegetable oil or olive oil instead.
– Butter: Ghee, Margarine or any plant-based butter alternative will also work fine.
– Chicken Bouillon Cubes: Swap the chicken cubes with beef bouillon or vegetable broth if you want a vegetarian option.
– Stewing Beef: You can use any other cut of beef that works well for slow cooking such as Chuck roast or Brisket.
Variations:
– Add Vegetables: Recipe becomes healthier and more nutritious by adding vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers or celery during the cooking process. It also enhances the flavor palate
– Spicy Option: If you like spice, add cumin powder, red pepper flakes or paprika during the recipe’s initial stages of preparation.
– Meat Variation: Try it with lamb, chicken, turkey or use seafood like shrimp, fish, or squid for a twist.
– Tomato Base: Some Egyptian households add tomatoes in their Lahma Bil Basal meat dish. For this variation, add tomato paste/tomatoes once you have added the sliced onions bouillon cubes, salt and pepper.
Experimenting with these substitutions and variations will give you endless opportunities to make this amazing and popular simple dish suited best for your preferences.
Serving and Pairing
This rich and flavorful Egyptian Lahma Bil Basal is truly a meal in itself, but it can also be served alongside a variety of sides. The most traditional way to serve this dish is on a bed of fluffy, steamed rice or with crispy oven-baked pita bread.
For a healthier option, you can also pair it with a plate of mixed greens drizzled with a light vinaigrette. Alternatively, you could add some roasted or grilled vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers for a pop of color and added nutrients.
To balance out the savory flavors of this dish, consider pairing it with a refreshing yogurt sauce or creamy hummus. This will not only add an extra layer of flavor but also help cool down any spiciness.
For those looking to elevate their wine pairing game, we recommend pairing this beef-rich onion sauce with a medium-bodied red wine such as a Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon. These wines have strong tannin levels that help cut through the richness of the beef while complementing the savory notes of the onion sauce.
Overall, the serving and pairing options for this amazing popular simple dish are endless. It’s an excellent addition to any dinner recipes or healthy recipes folder and can be paired with endless sides and drinks!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
When it comes to make-ahead, storing, and reheating the Egyptian Lahma Bil Basal (Beef in Rich Onion Sauce), there are a few things to keep in mind.
Firstly, this dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure that the beef is fully cooked before storing it in an airtight container. When it’s time to reheat the dish, simply add a splash of water or broth to the pan and warm it up over low heat. Be sure not to overheat it, as it may dry out the meat.
If you plan on freezing this dish, make sure that it cools down completely before placing it in your freezer. This dish freezes well for up to three months.
When reheating frozen Lahma Bil Basal, it’s best to let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating it. You can then reheat it on low heat on the stove or in a microwave-safe dish with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.
As with any meat-based dish, be careful when reheating leftovers more than once as there’s a risk of food poisoning when food is repeatedly heated and cooled. So, don’t forget to properly store your leftovers and reheat them thoroughly before consuming them.
Overall, this Lahma Bil Basal beef stew recipe is perfect for meal prepping or freezing for future meals. With proper storage and reheating techniques, you can enjoy this hearty and flavorful Middle Eastern favorite any time you want!
Tips for Perfect Results
Cooking a delicious and savory dish like Egyptian Lahma Bil Basal requires patience, effort, and technique. But don’t worry, as a professional chef with years of experience in Middle Eastern cuisine, I have come up with some tried and tested tips to ensure that you create the perfect Basal Beef Rich Onion sauce every time you cook this amazing popular simple dish made in Egyptian households. So, let’s dive right into it!
Firstly, make sure to wash the meat thoroughly with water and pat it dry using paper towels before cooking. This step is essential to get rid of any unwanted bacteria that may ruin the flavor of your dish.
Secondly, use a combination of both canola oil and butter to cook your stew beef instead of just one type of fat. The butter adds richness to the dish while the canola oil prevents it from burning.
Thirdly, when you add sliced onions to the beef stew, do not overcrowd the pot. Instead, add them in batches and wait for them to soften before adding more. Overcrowding can cause the onions to release too much liquid resulting in a watery texture.
Fourthly, be patient when cooking your beef onion sauce recipe. Keep stirring it around until the beef is lightly browned on all sides before adding any additional ingredients.
Fifthly, for additional flavor, try adding a chicken bouillon cube or beef steak along with the bay leaf when cooking your Bil Basal Beef Rich Onion sauce.
Sixthly, if you feel that your sauce is too thick, add 1-2 cups of water or chicken broth to thin it out until reaching your desired consistency.
Seventhly, if you’re short on time but want to make this delicious food recipe anyway, you can opt for using pre-cubed stew meat instead of cutting it yourself.
Lastly, don’t hesitate to experiment with different variations and substitutions (as mentioned in section 6) while making Bengali fish curry. Believe me; small changes go a long way when it comes to making this amazing Egyptian Lahma Bil Basal recipe!
Keep these tips in mind while making this Egyptian food recipe or Middle Eastern inspired dinner recipes at home for optimal results.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Egyptian Lahma Bil Basal recipe is a delicious and hearty meal that will transport your taste buds to the rich flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine. With its impressive combination of savory beef and rich onion sauce, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Whether you serve it with rice or pita bread, the dish is versatile enough to be enjoyed for a formal dinner or a casual lunch. Its ease of preparation and affordability make it an attractive option for home cooks and families looking to embrace new recipes.
So next time you’re in the mood for something different, try this amazing popular simple dish made in Egyptian households for generations. The recipe is already a hit among food lovers all over the world and has been tested by chefs and home cooks alike. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!
I hope this article has inspired you to explore the delicious world of Egyptian food recipes, and that you share this recipe with your friends and loved ones around the dinner table. There’s nothing like enjoying good food with great company, and Lahma Bil Basal is an excellent choice for both occasions. Enjoy!
Egyptian Lahma Bil Basal (Beef in Rich Onion Sauce) Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb stewing beef (you can cut each piece in half if you want)
- 4 onions (sliced super thin)
- 2 chicken bouillon cubes
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon canola oil (or oil of your choice, but NOT olive oil for this)
- water
- salt & pepper
Instructions
- Wash the meat well. Put into a saucepan with butter and oil. Cook until all beef lightly browned.
- Add all sliced onions, bouillon cubes, salt and pepper, bay leaf and stir around cooking on medium-low heat for 15 minutes.
- Add water, approximately 1-1/2 cups, turn to low, cover and cook for 2 hours or more.
- Check during cooking, add more water if too dry. But the onions should give enough liquid with initial water you added.
- When finished you should have super tender beef with a thick oniony sauce. The onions will have cooked down to a thick rich sauce.
- Serve with rice, pita bread or your favorite pasta, yes pasta; makes a great, different sauce really.