Maschi

Maschi Recipe from Sudan - A Delicious Beef and Rice Dish

Region / culture: Sudan | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Maschi is a traditional Middle Eastern dish that consists of stuffed tomatoes filled with a flavorful mixture of ground beef, rice, and spices. This dish is a delicious and hearty meal that is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion.

History

Maschi has been a popular dish in Middle Eastern cuisine for centuries. It is believed to have originated in the Levant region, which includes countries such as Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine. The dish is typically served during festive occasions and celebrations, as it is considered a special and flavorful dish.

Ingredients

2 lb ground beef
1 tsp salt
0.5 tsp pepper
1 tsp garlic powder (or 2 cloves mashed)
4 tbsp CHOPPED FRESH dill (or 1 tsp dried dill)
2 tbsp salad oil
1 cup COOKED rice
8 large tomatoes
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp oil
2 6 oz (170 g) cans tomato paste
2 6 oz (170 g) cans water
0.5 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp garlic powder

How to prepare

Take 2 lb of chopped beef, 1 tsp of salt, 0.5 tsp of pepper, 1 tsp of garlic powder (or 2 cloves mashed), 4 tbsp of chopped fresh dill (or 1 tsp of dried dill) in 2 tbsp of salad oil and fry until the meat browns.
Add 1 cup of cooked rice and blend.
Cut a slit in 8 large tomatoes (very firm), halfway across the center.
Squeeze at the sides to open the slit.
Scoop out all the flesh from inside of tomatoes with a spoon.
Refill the tomato with the beef mixture and close the tomato.
Melt 2 tbsp of butter and 2 tbsp of oil in a large skillet.
Saute the tomatoes carefully in the fat, rolling them gently until they become dark red on all sides.

Prepare sauce as follows and pour over the tomatoes

Combine: 2 6 oz (170 g) cans of tomato paste thinned with 2 6 oz (170 g) cans of water, 0.5 tsp of salt, 1 tsp of cinnamon, 1 tsp of garlic powder.
Simmer the tomatoes gently over low flame for 10 to 15 minutes until the sauce is cooked.
Remove carefully to a 15-inch round platter.
Surround with raw tomatoes cut in thick slices.
Top each slice with green olives.
If there is more Maschi filling left over after filling the tomatoes, place it in a suitable pan and bake it alongside the tomatoes.

Variations

You can add pine nuts or raisins to the beef mixture for a different flavor profile.
Vegetarians can substitute the ground beef with lentils or chickpeas for a meat-free version of Maschi.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use firm and ripe tomatoes for the best results when making Maschi.

- Be careful when stuffing the tomatoes to ensure they do not break or tear.

- Cooking the tomatoes in a skillet with butter and oil adds a rich and savory flavor to the dish.

- Simmering the tomatoes in the sauce allows the flavors to meld together and creates a delicious and aromatic dish.

Serving Suggestions

Maschi can be served with a side of salad, rice, or bread. It pairs well with yogurt or tahini sauce for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Frying the beef mixture before stuffing the tomatoes adds a rich and savory flavor to the dish.

- Sauteing the tomatoes in butter and oil before simmering them in the sauce enhances the overall taste of Maschi.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use ground lamb or chicken instead of beef for a different variation of Maschi.

- Fresh parsley or mint can be used instead of dill for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Maschi can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before cooking. Simply follow the recipe up to the point of simmering the tomatoes in the sauce, then cover and refrigerate until ready to cook.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Maschi on a large platter surrounded by sliced raw tomatoes and topped with green olives for a beautiful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Maschi pairs well with a side of tabbouleh salad, hummus, or baba ganoush for a complete Middle Eastern meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Maschi can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the tomatoes in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Maschi contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Maschi contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Maschi contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Maschi contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Maschi is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

Maschi contains dairy (butter) and gluten (from the rice). It may also contain traces of nuts and soy depending on the ingredients used.

Summary

Maschi is a nutritious and flavorful dish that is rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Maschi is a delicious and flavorful Middle Eastern dish that is perfect for a special occasion or family dinner. With a rich and savory beef filling stuffed inside ripe tomatoes and simmered in a fragrant sauce, Maschi is a satisfying and nutritious meal that is sure to impress your guests.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Maschi. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy little kitchen. Maria was a fantastic cook, and her kitchen was always filled with delicious aromas and the sound of sizzling pans.

As we chatted and sipped on cups of steaming coffee, Maria suddenly pulled out a faded recipe card from her recipe box. She handed it to me with a twinkle in her eye and said, "You have to try making Maschi, it's a family recipe that has been passed down for generations."

I eagerly read through the ingredients and instructions, feeling a sense of excitement bubbling within me. Maschi was a traditional Middle Eastern dish made with ground beef, rice, and a variety of spices. The flavors sounded rich and complex, and I couldn't wait to give it a try.

Maria guided me through the process, teaching me the importance of seasoning the meat just right and cooking the rice until it was perfectly tender. She shared stories of her own grandmother teaching her how to make Maschi when she was a young girl, and I felt honored to be learning this recipe from her.

After hours of simmering and stirring, the Maschi was finally ready. The aroma that filled Maria's kitchen was intoxicating, and I eagerly took my first bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth, each bite a perfect harmony of savory meat, fragrant spices, and fluffy rice.

From that moment on, Maschi became a staple in my own kitchen. I made it for family gatherings, dinner parties, and quiet nights at home with just me and my husband. Each time I cooked it, I thought of Maria and the special bond we shared over our love for food and tradition.

Over the years, I continued to tweak and perfect the recipe for Maschi, adding my own little touches here and there. I experimented with different spices, tried using lamb instead of beef, and even attempted a vegetarian version for my daughter who had recently become vegan.

Through it all, the essence of the dish remained the same - a comforting and flavorful meal that brought people together around the table. I shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition that Maria had shared with me all those years ago.

Now, as I stand in my own kitchen, preparing a pot of Maschi for my grandchildren, I can't help but feel a sense of pride and gratitude. This recipe has become more than just a dish to me - it's a connection to my past, a link to my dear friend Maria, and a legacy to pass down to future generations.

As I take my first bite of the steaming Maschi, I close my eyes and savor the flavors, feeling grateful for the gift of cooking and the joy it brings to my life. And as I look around at the smiling faces of my loved ones gathered around the table, I know that this recipe will continue to be a cherished part of our family for years to come.