Kufta bi-l-fahma
Kufta bi-l-fahma Recipe from Egypt - Beef, Onions, Lemon Juice, Salt
Introduction
Kufta bi-l-fahma is a traditional Middle Eastern dish made with minced beef, onions, and a blend of spices. This flavorful dish is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion.
History
Kufta bi-l-fahma has been a popular dish in Middle Eastern cuisine for centuries. It is believed to have originated in the Levant region and has since spread to other parts of the Middle East and beyond. The dish is typically served with rice, bread, or salad.
Ingredients
How to prepare
- Mince the beef, onions, and 1 tbsp parsley twice. Then, add lemon juice and seasoning, and knead well.
- Shape the mixture into fingers about 5 to 7 cm long and 2 cm thick.
- Grease a cooking pot and arrange the kufta fingers neatly side by side.
- Lightly brush the kufta fingers with cooking oil. Repeat this process with the remaining layers of kufta, brushing with fat until all the kufta is used.
- Cook the kufta over a very slow flame until the meat loses all its juice. Then, increase the heat to maximum to further reduce the juice.
- Gently shake the pot several times to ensure that the meat fingers are well fried and do not stick to the bottom of the pot.
- Prepare a piece of burning-red charcoal.
- Create a well in the middle of the pot and place the charcoal inside. Cover the pot and allow it to simmer for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Remove the charcoal and serve the kufta on a bed of parsley.
Variations
- You can add spices such as cumin, coriander, or cinnamon for a different flavor profile.
- You can also use lamb or chicken instead of beef for a variation.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to mince the beef and onions twice for a smoother texture.
- Knead the mixture well to ensure that the flavors are evenly distributed.
- Cooking the kufta over a slow flame allows the meat to cook slowly and retain its juices.
- Adding a piece of burning charcoal to the pot gives the dish a smoky flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Kufta bi-l-fahma can be served with rice, bread, or a salad on the side. It pairs well with yogurt or tahini sauce.
Cooking Techniques
Cooking the kufta over a slow flame ensures that the meat cooks evenly and retains its juices.
- Adding a piece of burning charcoal to the pot gives the dish a smoky flavor.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use ground lamb or chicken instead of beef.
- You can also add chopped mint or cilantro for a different flavor.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the kufta mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to cook. This allows the flavors to meld together.
Presentation Ideas
Serve the kufta on a bed of parsley with a sprinkle of sumac or paprika for a pop of color.
Pairing Recommendations
Kufta bi-l-fahma pairs well with rice pilaf, tabbouleh salad, or hummus.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of kufta bi-l-fahma contains approximately 300 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of kufta bi-l-fahma contains approximately 5 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of kufta bi-l-fahma contains approximately 15 grams of fats.
Proteins
Each serving of kufta bi-l-fahma contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.
Vitamins and minerals
Kufta bi-l-fahma is a good source of iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.
Alergens
This recipe contains beef and onions, which may be allergens for some individuals.
Summary
Kufta bi-l-fahma is a protein-rich dish that is relatively low in carbohydrates. It is a good source of essential nutrients such as iron and vitamin B12.
Summary
Kufta bi-l-fahma is a delicious and flavorful Middle Eastern dish made with minced beef, onions, and a blend of spices. This protein-rich dish is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion.
How did I get this recipe?
I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Kufta bi-l-fahma. It was a warm summer day, and I had decided to take a stroll through the bustling market in my hometown. The smells of fresh fruits and vegetables filled the air as I made my way through the winding aisles, browsing through the various stalls.
As I turned a corner, I came across a small stand run by a kind elderly woman. She was busy shaping meat into small patties, her hands moving with precision and skill. Intrigued, I stopped to watch her work, mesmerized by the way she effortlessly transformed simple ingredients into something so delicious-looking.
Curious, I struck up a conversation with the woman, asking her about the dish she was preparing. With a warm smile, she told me that she was making Kufta bi-l-fahma, a traditional Lebanese dish made from ground meat, onions, and a blend of fragrant spices. She explained how the dish was a favorite in her family, passed down through generations, and shared with me the recipe so that I could try making it at home.
I listened intently as she listed off the ingredients and walked me through the steps of preparing the dish. It seemed like a labor of love, requiring time and patience to properly shape and season the meat before cooking it to perfection. But as I watched her work, I could see the joy and satisfaction on her face, knowing that she was creating something special to share with her loved ones.
After thanking the woman for sharing her recipe with me, I left the market with a newfound excitement to try making Kufta bi-l-fahma for myself. I gathered all the necessary ingredients and set to work in my own kitchen, following the steps that the kind woman had taught me.
As I shaped the meat into small patties, I couldn't help but think of the generations of women who had come before me, passing down their knowledge and recipes to future generations. I felt a connection to my own heritage and culture as I seasoned the meat with a blend of aromatic spices, the scent filling my kitchen and reminding me of the bustling market where I had first learned the recipe.
After hours of careful preparation, the dish was finally ready to be served. I laid out a spread of fresh pita bread, hummus, and a simple salad to accompany the Kufta bi-l-fahma, eager to share this taste of Lebanese cuisine with my family.
As we sat down to eat, the flavors of the dish danced on my taste buds, transporting me back to that warm summer day in the market. My family marveled at the delicious flavors and tender texture of the meat, each bite a reminder of the traditions and stories that had been passed down through the generations.
Since that day, Kufta bi-l-fahma has become a staple in my cooking repertoire, a dish that I make with love and care, knowing that each bite carries with it a piece of my family's history. I am grateful to the kind woman in the market who shared her recipe with me, sparking a passion for traditional Lebanese cuisine that has enriched my life in countless ways.
As I sit here now, reflecting on that fateful day in the market, I am filled with gratitude for the simple yet profound act of sharing a recipe. It is through these small moments of connection and generosity that we preserve the flavors and stories of our past, ensuring that they continue to bring joy and nourishment to future generations. And for that, I am forever grateful.