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Masbahet Darwich – Lebanese Meat & Vegetables Casserole

2021-04-11
  • Servings: 4

This is another Lebanese recipe that comprises meat (lamb or beef) and a variety of vegetables. The translation of the Lebanese name is « the rosary beads of the Derwich »!😀

The main quality of this dish is that it covers the recommended vegetable intake of minimum 5 a day. The second is the addition of the meat which provides protein and last, but not least, it is really a perfect and flavoursome comfort food!

In the old times this dish and others similar would be cooked in the village bakery which had a brick oven and whose baker would rent the space to the village housewives after he finished baking his bread. Nowadays it is baked in our modern ovens!

The authentic recipe calls for clarified butter but personally I cook everything with olive oil.

The vegetables are cut into medium size cubes or pieces.

Ingredients

  • 750g of cubed lamb or beef, preferably tender cuts
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 1 medium eggplant, zebra peeled and cubed
  • 2 courgettes or zucchini’s, chopped into medium round pieces
  • A big handful of green beans, cut in 2
  • 2 medium size potatoes or turnips (or 1 of each), peeled and diced
  • 2 peppers (any colours), diced
  • 2 or 3 large tomatoes, roughly chopped + 1 tbsp of tomato paste diluted in a little bit of water
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 1/2 tsp of each: allspice, cinnamon, pepper, oregano and turmeric (healthy supplement)
  • About 3 tbsp of olive oil
  • A drizzle of lemon juice
  • A sprinkle of Chili flakes (optional)
  • Salt to taste

Method

Step 1

In the traditional way, all the mentioned ingredients are mixed together then placed on a large baking platter to be baked in the oven. But personally I prefer to sauté and colour the meat and the onions first then add them to the rest of the ingredients.

Step 2

After combining all the ingredients together and placing them on the baking platter, put it in the oven, uncovered, at 180C for around 2 hours. You have to stir the mixture every now & then. If it looks too dry after a while, sprinkle some water. If it colours too much, cover with foil.

Step 3

You can lower the baking time if you fully cook the meat before adding it with the other ingredients. When ready, serve with rice or bulgur pilaf. Bon appétit 😋 !

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