Egyptian mombar is a traditional dish that has been enjoyed in Egypt for centuries. This delicious meal is made from lamb or beef intestines that are stuffed with rice, herbs, and spices. It is then boiled or steamed until the filling is cooked to perfection. Egyptian mombar is a popular street food that can be found in many cities and towns throughout Egypt.
The origins of Egyptian mombar are somewhat unclear, but many people believe that the Ottoman Turks introduced it to the Egyptians during their occupation of the country in the 16th century. Over time, the dish has evolved to include a variety of different ingredients and spices, depending on the region and the cook. Some versions of mombar include ground meat, while others use only rice and vegetables.
Despite its humble origins, Egyptian mombar has become a beloved dish throughout Egypt and beyond. It is often served at special occasions, such as weddings and other celebrations, and is a staple of many Egyptian households. Whether enjoyed as a quick snack on the go or as a hearty meal with family and friends, Egyptian mombar is a delicious and satisfying dish that is sure to please.
While enjoying lunch at an Egyptian restaurant in Columbus, a young Egyptian waiter brought us a dish to the table. After inquiring about the dish, I learned that it was a traditional Egyptian dish called mombar. During the meal, a server accidentally dropped a tray of food, causing a brief commotion in the restaurant.
After the commotion settled, I requested the recipe for mombar from the restaurant chef and surprisingly he agreed. The recipe included oil, onions, garlic, tomato paste, ground cumin, ground coriander, cinnamon, chili sauce, parsley, cilantro, fresh dill, and Egyptian rice. Additionally, the recipe called for tomato juice, bay leaves, cloves, cardamom, margarine or butter, and oil for frying.
Accompanied Dishes
Mombar is a dish that is often served with a variety of other dishes to make a complete meal. Here are some dishes that pair well with mombar:
- Rice: A simple rice dish is the perfect accompaniment to mombar. The rice can be seasoned with spices such as cumin and cinnamon to complement the flavors of the mombar.
- Salad: A fresh salad is a great way to balance the richness of the mombar. A simple tomato and cucumber salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil is a great choice.
- Hummus: Hummus is a popular Middle Eastern dip made from chickpeas, tahini, and garlic. It is a great accompaniment to mombar as it adds a creamy, tangy flavor to the meal.
- Baba Ghanoush: Baba ghanoush is also a popular Middle Eastern dip made from roasted eggplant, along with tahini, and garlic. It tastes smoky and goes great with the spicy mombar.
- Pita Bread: Pita bread is a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine and is perfect for scooping up the mombar and other dips.
When serving mombar, it is important to have a variety of dishes to create a balanced and satisfying meal. These dishes are just a few examples of what can be served alongside mombar to create a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of oil
- 3 onions, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons of tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon of ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of chili sauce (optional)
- 1/2 cup of chopped parsley
- 1/2 cup of chopped cilantro
- 1/2 cup of chopped fresh dill
- 2 cups of rinsed short-grain Egyptian rice
To boil the sausages, you need:
- 2 cups of tomato juice
- 2 whole cardamom
- 3 bay leaves
- 4 tablespoons of margarine or butter
- 2 whole cloves
You will also need oil for frying.
How to Make Egyptian Mombar?
- To make an Egyptian mombar, one must first cut the intestines into even pieces, approximately 6’’ (15 cm) in length.
- Then, Turn the intestines inside out under tap water. Then, put them in a big bowl with water and mix in 2 tablespoons of salt.
- Soak for 10 minutes and rinse thoroughly.
- Next, use a knife to clean off any tough stuff or skin from the intestines. Put them back in the water with some vinegar for 10 minutes.
- Scrape and rinse thoroughly as previously. In a big bowl, mix all the ingredients for the filling.
- Add some seasoning and mix it well. Put the mix inside the intestines and tie the ends with a cooking string. Don’t fill them too much.
- Put tomato juice in a pot on medium heat. Add enough water so it’ll cover the intestines when you put them in later.
- Season with salt, pepper, bay leaves, cardamom, and cloves. Heat it until it boils, then slowly put it in the stuffed intestines so nothing splashes out.
- Let it boil again. Then turn the heat down and let it cook for about 30 minutes or until it’s ready.
- Remove the sausages from the water. Put it to the side and dry it off.
- In a pan, warm up the oil and butter on medium-high. Fry the sausages until they’re golden all around. Take them out of the oil and put them on a plate with some paper towels.
- Finally, take out the strings and chop up the stuffed bits. Eat them warm with chicken or meat.
Popular Variations
Egyptian mombar is a delicious dish that is enjoyed by many for its unique flavor and texture. There are several variations of mombar, each with its distinct taste. Here are two popular variations of mombar:
Vegetarian Mombar
Vegetarian mombar is a meatless version of the traditional mombar dish. Instead of using meat, this variation is made with a filling of rice, lentils, and vegetables. The filling is then wrapped in a thin layer of dough and boiled until cooked. Vegetarian mombar is a great option for those who are vegetarian or looking to reduce their meat intake.
Spicy Mombar
Spicy mombar is a variation of mombar that is made with a spicy filling. The filling is made with a mixture of ground meat, onions, garlic, and a blend of spices that give it a fiery kick. Spicy mombar is a great option for those who enjoy spicy food and want to add some heat to their meal.
Overall, mombar is a delicious and unique dish that is worth trying. Whether you prefer the vegetarian or spicy variation, mombar is sure to please your taste buds.
Conclusion
Egyptian mombar is a delicious and unique dish that is a must-try for anyone visiting Egypt. With its savory filling and crispy exterior, it is sure to satisfy even the most discerning palate. While it may seem intimidating to make at home, with a little practice and patience, anyone can master the art of mombar.
When preparing a mombar, it is important to use high-quality ingredients and take the time to properly clean and prepare the casing. This will ensure that the final product is flavorful and free from any unwanted flavors or textures. Additionally, experimenting with different fillings and spices can help to create a personalized version of this classic dish.
Overall, the Egyptian mombar is a true culinary delight that is beloved by locals and tourists alike. It’s great as a quick bite or part of a big meal, and sure to leave a lasting impression.
Did you know? It’s best to have mombar with homemade garlic sauce.
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