Bazeen bil Lahm (Libyan Meat Bazeen)
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 oc
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- 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.