Cookbook:Bazeen bil Lahm (Libyan Meat Bazeen)

Bazeen bil Lahm
Category	Meat recipes
Difficulty

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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

• 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

• Large pot or Dutch oven with a lid
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Procedure

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
3. Add the meat cubes to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
4. Stir in the diced tomatoes, sliced carrots, diced potatoes, and bell peppers.
5. Add the tomato paste, cumin, coriander, turmeric, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the ingredients with the spices.
6. Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a boil.
7. 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.
8. While the stew is cooking, prepare the bazeen dough according to the package instructions or homemade recipe.
9. Once the stew is ready, shape the dough into small balls and place them in the serving bowls.
10. Ladle the cooked meat and vegetable mixture over the bazeen dough.
11. Serve hot and enjoy the delicious flavors of this traditional Libyan dish.

Notes, tips, and variations

• 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.