Lis-san el Qua-thi

Lis-san el Qua-thi Recipe from Iraq | Ingredients & Instructions

Region / culture: Iraq | Preparation time: 1 hour | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

Introduction

Lis-san el Qua-thi is a delicious Middle Eastern dish that features eggplant rolls stuffed with seasoned ground meat and topped with a flavorful tomato sauce. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or a family dinner.

History

Lis-san el Qua-thi has its origins in Middle Eastern cuisine, where eggplant is a popular ingredient in many dishes. The combination of eggplant, ground meat, and tomato sauce creates a flavorful and satisfying meal that has been enjoyed for generations.

Ingredients

2 large eggplants
0.5 - 1 cup corn oil (if frying eggplant)

Stuffing

2 lb (907 g) lean ground meat
1 medium onion (1 cup) finely minced
1 tsp salt
0.25 tsp black pepper

Sauce

2 tbsp corn oil
1 large onion diced
1 large tomato sliced (optional)
1 large tomato peeled and chopped
14 oz (397 g) tomato sauce
1 cup beef or chicken stock
0.5 cup lemon juice
1 tsp salt
0.5 tsp pepper
1 tsp turmeric

How to prepare

Peel the eggplant and trim off the top and bottom. Stand the eggplant up on a cutting board and slice it vertically, 0.13" thin.
Sprinkle the eggplant slices generously with salt, then place them in a strainer for about 1 hour. Rinse off the salt and strain the eggplant to dry.
Heat about 4 tbsp of corn oil in a frying pan and fry the eggplant slices in batches, turning once to brown both sides. Be careful not to burn. Add more oil as needed. Drain the cooked eggplant slices on paper towels.
For a low-fat alternative, place the eggplant slices on baking sheets lined with foil and brushed with corn oil. Bake in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for approximately 20 – 30 minutes until brown, turning the eggplant halfway.
Mix together the ground meat, onion, salt, and pepper. Divide the meat into sausage-shaped portions 1" thick and 2" long.
Place a portion of the meat stuffing at one end of an eggplant slice and begin wrapping the eggplant around it. Place the rolls in a baking dish and layer the tomato slices on top (optional).
In a saucepan, heat 2 tbsp of oil and sauté the diced onions. When soft, add the chopped tomatoes, salt, pepper, and turmeric. Add tomato sauce, beef or chicken stock, and lemon juice to taste. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
Pour the sauce over the rolls in the baking dish, cover with aluminum foil, and bake for 1 hour (or until done) at 450°F (232°C).

Variations

For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the ground meat with cooked lentils or chickpeas.
Add some chopped nuts, such as pine nuts or almonds, to the meat stuffing for extra crunch and flavor.
Experiment with different herbs and spices in the tomato sauce, such as cinnamon, cumin, or paprika, to customize the flavor to your liking.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to salt the eggplant slices before cooking to draw out any bitterness.

- If you prefer a low-fat option, you can bake the eggplant slices instead of frying them.

- Make sure to evenly distribute the meat stuffing in each eggplant roll for a balanced flavor in every bite.

- Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Lis-san el Qua-thi with a side of rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal. You can also enjoy it with some warm pita bread and a dollop of yogurt on the side.

Cooking Techniques

Frying the eggplant slices adds a crispy texture to the dish, while baking them provides a healthier alternative.

- Rolling the eggplant slices around the meat stuffing ensures that each bite is filled with a delicious combination of flavors.

- Simmering the tomato sauce before pouring it over the rolls allows the flavors to develop and intensify.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use ground lamb or turkey instead of beef for a different flavor profile.

- Substitute the lemon juice with vinegar for a tangy twist to the tomato sauce.

- Use zucchini or bell peppers instead of eggplant for a variation on the dish.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the eggplant rolls and the tomato sauce ahead of time and assemble them just before baking. This dish also reheats well, making it a great option for meal prep.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the eggplant rolls on a platter and drizzle the tomato sauce over the top for an elegant presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or mint, for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Lis-san el Qua-thi pairs well with a light and refreshing white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. You can also enjoy it with a glass of sparkling water or a fruity iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 250 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 15g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 12g per serving

Saturated Fat: 3g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 20g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 10% of daily value per serving

Vitamin C: 15% of daily value per serving

Iron: 8% of daily value per serving

Alergens

Contains: Eggplant, Meat

Summary

Lis-san el Qua-thi is a nutritious dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as iron.

Summary

Lis-san el Qua-thi is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines tender eggplant, seasoned ground meat, and a rich tomato sauce. With a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, this dish is a nutritious and delicious option for any meal. Enjoy it with your favorite side dishes and a glass of wine for a complete dining experience.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in the countryside. My grandmother, who was an amazing cook, had invited me to help her prepare a special meal for a family gathering. As we worked together in the kitchen, she suddenly pulled out a worn and tattered old recipe book from her apron pocket.

"Ah, here it is," she said with a smile. "Lis-san el Qua-thi. This is one of my favorite recipes, passed down to me from my own grandmother."

I watched in awe as she carefully read through the ingredients and instructions, explaining each step to me in detail. The recipe called for a mix of exotic spices and herbs, along with a variety of fresh vegetables and meats. It sounded like a complex and challenging dish to make, but my grandmother assured me that with patience and practice, I would soon master it.

Over the next few hours, we chopped, stirred, and simmered our way through the recipe, the savory aroma filling the kitchen and making my mouth water. I could tell that this dish was going to be something truly special.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the Lis-san el Qua-thi was ready. We carefully plated it up and brought it to the table, where our family eagerly awaited the first bite. As we sat down to eat, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. I had helped create something delicious and meaningful, something that would be remembered and cherished for years to come.

As I grew older, I continued to make the Lis-san el Qua-thi for special occasions and family gatherings. Each time, I would think back to that day in my grandmother's kitchen, and the love and care she had put into teaching me this recipe. It became more than just a dish to me - it was a connection to my family's past, a reminder of the traditions and memories that had shaped me into the person I was today.

Through the years, I learned to adapt and tweak the recipe to suit my own tastes and preferences. I experimented with different ingredients and techniques, always striving to perfect the flavors and textures of the dish. And with each successful batch, I could feel my grandmother's presence in the kitchen, guiding and encouraging me every step of the way.

Now, as I sit here in my own kitchen, preparing the Lis-san el Qua-thi for yet another family gathering, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude and nostalgia. This recipe has become a part of who I am, a symbol of the love and generosity that has been passed down through generations of strong and resilient women.

And as I take that first bite of the savory, fragrant stew, I know that my grandmother would be proud of me. Proud of the cook I have become, proud of the traditions I have upheld, and proud of the love and care I have poured into each and every dish I create.

For me, the Lis-san el Qua-thi will always be more than just a recipe - it is a legacy, a connection to my past, and a promise to carry on the traditions and memories of those who came before me. And for that, I am eternally grateful.