Kafta bil Sanieh

Kafta bil Sanieh Recipe - Lebanese Ground Meat and Vegetable Casserole

Region / culture: Lebanon | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Kafta bil Sanieh is a delicious Middle Eastern dish made with ground meat, onions, parsley, and a blend of spices. It is typically served with potatoes, eggplant, and tomatoes, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal.

History

Kafta bil Sanieh has its origins in Lebanese cuisine, where it is a popular dish enjoyed by families and friends. The dish is traditionally made with ground lamb or beef, but can also be made with a combination of both meats for added flavor.

Ingredients

32 oz (907 g) of ground meat
0.25 cup of finely minced onion
1 cup of finely chopped fresh parsley
32 oz (907 g) of potatoes, peeled and sliced (medium size)
fried round eggplant slices
2 medium onions, peeled and sliced
0.5 tsp of ground cinnamon
0.5 tsp of salt
0.5 tsp of ground allspice
32 oz (907 g) of tomatoes, peeled and sliced
0.5 cup of shortening or butter
1 cup of vegetable oil
2 tbsp of pomegranate thickened juice
1 cup of water

How to prepare

Process minced onion and ground meat in a food processor.
Knead the meat and onion with parsley, spices, and salt.
Process the meat mixture again in the food processor until smooth.
Grease an oven tray with a diameter of 30 cm.

First way

Knead the meat mixture again.
Divide the meat mixture into balls (as desired) or shape it into fingers.
Fry the meat in shortening until golden.
Arrange the meat in the tray.

Second way

Spread the meat mixture evenly in a greased tray using the palm of your hands.
Bake in a moderate heat (180°C) oven for 7 minutes or until the kafta is golden.
Fry the potatoes in oil until nearly cooked.
Arrange onions, eggplant, and potatoes over the meat in the tray.
Top with tomato slices.
Pour 1 cup of water.
Sprinkle with salt.
Cover and return to the oven until the kafta is cooked for about 20 minutes.
Serve hot accompanied with salads.

Variations

You can add pine nuts or chopped almonds to the meat mixture for a crunchy texture.
Substitute the ground meat with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of the dish.
Add a sprinkle of sumac or za'atar seasoning for a Middle Eastern twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to process the meat mixture in a food processor until smooth for a tender and juicy kafta.

- Fry the meat in shortening until golden for a crispy exterior.

- Arrange the vegetables evenly over the meat for a balanced and visually appealing dish.

Serving Suggestions

Kafta bil Sanieh can be served with a side of rice, pita bread, or a fresh salad for a complete meal. You can also enjoy it with a dollop of yogurt or tahini sauce for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Use a food processor to process the meat mixture until smooth for a tender kafta.

- Fry the meat in shortening for a crispy exterior.

- Bake the kafta in the oven until golden for a healthier cooking method.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use ground lamb, beef, or a combination of both for the meat mixture.

- Substitute the butter with olive oil for a healthier option.

- Use sweet potatoes or zucchini instead of regular potatoes for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the meat mixture in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before cooking. This allows the flavors to meld together for a more delicious kafta.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Kafta bil Sanieh on a large platter garnished with fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil for an elegant presentation. You can also arrange the vegetables in a decorative pattern for a visually appealing dish.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a glass of red wine, such as a Lebanese Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. You can also enjoy it with a refreshing mint tea or a glass of arak for a traditional Lebanese experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the kafta in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Kafta bil Sanieh contains approximately 450-500 calories, depending on the portion size and ingredients used.

Carbohydrates

Kafta bil Sanieh is a low-carb dish, with only a small amount of carbohydrates coming from the onions, tomatoes, and potatoes.

Fats

This dish is rich in fats from the ground meat, butter, and vegetable oil used in the recipe. However, you can opt for lean ground meat and reduce the amount of butter for a healthier version.

Proteins

Kafta bil Sanieh is a protein-packed dish, thanks to the ground meat used as the main ingredient. Protein is essential for muscle growth and repair, making this dish a great option for a balanced meal.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of vitamins and minerals, particularly from the parsley, onions, tomatoes, and potatoes used in the recipe. These ingredients provide essential nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains allergens such as meat and butter. If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, make sure to use alternative ingredients that suit your needs.

Summary

Kafta bil Sanieh is a nutritious and flavorful dish that provides a good balance of protein, fats, and essential nutrients. With a few modifications, you can make this dish healthier by using lean meat and reducing the amount of butter.

Summary

Kafta bil Sanieh is a delicious and nutritious Middle Eastern dish that is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. With a blend of spices, ground meat, and vegetables, this dish is sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more. Enjoy this flavorful and satisfying meal with your loved ones today!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Kafta bil Sanieh. It was many years ago when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the art of cooking from my grandmother. She was a master in the kitchen, effortlessly creating delicious dishes that always seemed to have a special touch.

One summer afternoon, as the sun was setting and casting a warm glow over the kitchen, my grandmother pulled out a worn and tattered recipe book. She gently flipped through the pages, stopping on a recipe that caught her eye. Kafta bil Sanieh. I watched intently as she read through the ingredients and instructions, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"This is a family recipe that has been passed down for generations," she explained to me. "It's a dish that holds a special place in our hearts, and I want to teach you how to make it."

And so, our journey to create Kafta bil Sanieh began. My grandmother guided me through each step, showing me how to carefully mix the ground beef with a blend of aromatic spices – cumin, paprika, and cinnamon. She taught me how to shape the meat mixture into long, slender kabobs, threading them onto skewers with slices of onion and bell pepper.

As the kafta cooked on the grill, the savory aroma filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation. My grandmother then showed me how to layer the cooked kafta in a baking dish, alternating with slices of ripe tomatoes and creamy tahini sauce. The final touch was a sprinkle of fresh parsley and toasted pine nuts, adding a burst of color and flavor to the dish.

As we sat down to enjoy our creation, I took my first bite of Kafta bil Sanieh. The flavors danced on my tongue – the smoky char of the grilled meat, the tangy sweetness of the tomatoes, and the rich creaminess of the tahini sauce. It was a symphony of tastes and textures, each bite more delicious than the last.

From that moment on, Kafta bil Sanieh became a staple in our family gatherings. Whenever there was a special occasion or a gathering of loved ones, my grandmother would always prepare this dish with love and care. She taught me that cooking is not just about following a recipe, but about creating memories and sharing them with the ones you hold dear.

Over the years, I have continued to make Kafta bil Sanieh, each time adding my own twist to the recipe. I have shared it with friends and family, passing on the tradition that was so graciously handed down to me by my grandmother. And with each bite, I am reminded of the sense of wonder and joy that I felt that summer afternoon in the kitchen, learning the art of cooking from the woman who inspired me to follow my passion.