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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 occasions and gatherings, bringing people together to savor its delicious flavors.
Ingredients
- olive oil2 tablespoons
- onion, finely chopped, finely chopped1
- cloves of garlic, minced, minced3 clove
- beef or lamb, cut into small cubes, or lamb, cut into small cubes500 grams (1 lb)
- tomatoes, diced, diced2
- carrots, peeled and sliced, peeled and sliced2
- potatoes, peeled and diced, peeled and diced2
- bell peppers, diced, diced2
- tomato paste1 tablespoon
- ground cumin1 teaspoon
- ground coriander1 teaspoon
- ground turmeric1 teaspoon
- ground cayenne pepper (optional, for added heat), ground, optional, for added heat1/2 teaspoon
- Salt, to taste, to taste
- Pepper, to taste, to taste
- water4 cups
- Bazeen dough
Quantities are auto-calculated from the original recipe as a guide. Items without numbers (e.g. “to taste”) are not changed.
Method 11 steps
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.
