Batata bil sanieh, also known as Lebanese potato casserole, is a delicious and hearty dish that is beloved in Lebanese cuisine. It is a dish that is often served at family gatherings and special occasions, and it is a staple in many Lebanese households.
Whether you are a fan of Lebanese cuisine or just looking for a new comfort food recipe to try, this is a must-try dish. Its combination of hearty potatoes, savory meat, and spices makes it a comforting and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. So why not give it a try and experience the deliciousness of this classic Lebanese dish for yourself?
During my vacation in Berlin, my girlfriend and I decided to try out a Lebanese restaurant. As we went over the menu, I was intrigued by a dish called Batata Bil Sanieh. I ordered it and after a little while, an old waitress brought it to our table.
As we started enjoying our meal, a commotion outside caught our attention. We soon realized that a protest or demonstration was taking place near the restaurant, causing a disruption. However, we continued to savor our food and waited for the commotion to settle down.
After a while, when the protesters moved away, I requested the recipe for the dish from the restaurant chef. To my surprise, he agreed to give it to me. Here are the ingredients the recipe contained: potatoes, salt, butter, milk, olive oil, ground beef, onions, black pepper, allspice, cinnamon, salt, walnuts, pine nuts, pomegranate molasses, and panko bread crumbs or plain bread crumbs
I was excited to try making this dish at home, and with the recipe in hand, I couldn’t wait to get started.
Pairing Suggestions
When it comes to serving batata bil sanieh, there are a variety of dishes that can complement its rich and savory flavors. Here are a few pairing suggestions that I recommend:
- Roasted vegetables: Roasting vegetables bring out their natural sweetness and enhance their flavor, making them a great choice to serve alongside batata bil sanieh. Try roasting some carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini to add some color and nutrition to your meal.
- Lentil soup: A warm bowl of lentil soup is a comforting and satisfying addition to a plate of batata bil sanieh. The hearty texture and earthy flavor of the lentils complement the potatoes and spices in the dish.
- Greek salad: A fresh and tangy Greek salad is a great way to balance out the richness of batata bil sanieh. The crunchy lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and tangy feta cheese create a fresh contrast against the warm and flavorful potatoes.
- Garlic bread: A warm and crusty loaf of garlic bread is the perfect accompaniment to batata bil sanieh. The garlic and butter flavors in the bread enhance the spices and herbs in the dish, while the bread itself is great for soaking up any extra sauce.
Ingredients:
Mashed potatoes:
- 2 lbs or 8 potatoes washed, peeled and cut into quarters
- 1/2 tsp salt (plus some more for seasoning)
- 1/4 cup of butter
- 1/2 cup of milk
Beef filling:
- 2 tbsp of olive oil
- 1 lb of 85% lean ground beef
- 1 large diced onion
- 1/2 tsp of black pepper
- 1 tsp of allspice
- 1/2 tsp of cinnamon
- 1 tsp of salt
- 1/2 cup of walnuts, chopped roughly
- 3 tbsp of pine nuts, lightly toasted if using
- 2 tbsp of pomegranate molasses
Batata topping:
- 1/2 cup of plain bread crumbs or panko bread crumbs
How to make batata bil sanieh?
Making the batata souffle filling
- First, heat olive oil in a pan on medium heat. Add chopped onions and salt. Cook for about 10 minutes until they soften, stirring often.
- Then, add the ground beef, spices, and salt along with the cooked onion. Keep stirring to break up the meat clumps as it cooks.
- Continue cooking until the meat browns. Then, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it cook for an additional 10 minutes.
- Add the chopped walnuts, and if using, lightly toasted pine nuts. Stir in the pomegranate molasses and mix thoroughly. Let it cook for another 5 minutes.
- Take the beef filling off the heat and set it aside.
Making the mashed potato
- Place quartered potatoes into a big pot and cover them with cold water, then add a pinch of salt.
- Boil the water, then simmer until the potatoes are tender enough to pierce with a fork, usually around 15 minutes.
- Then, pour out the water using a colander and put the potatoes back in the pot. Cover them and allow them to steam on medium heat for 2 minutes, giving the pot a shake.
- Mix in the milk and butter, then mash the potatoes until they’re smooth using a potato masher. Add more milk if required, aiming for a creamy texture, not too runny.
- Taste and adjust the salt if needed.
Assembling and baking
- Turn on the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a rectangular baking tray (11 x 8) with cooking spray.
- Split the mashed potatoes into two equal parts, using each half for a separate layer.
- Dampen your hands slightly and spread the first layer of mashed potatoes across the tray, making it smooth.
- Spread the beef mixture over the mashed potatoes, pressing it down gently with a spoon to form a layer.
- Spread the remaining mashed potatoes as the top layer, smoothing it out until it forms an even surface.
- Top with breadcrumbs and bake until golden brown, around 30-35 minutes.
- Take it out of the oven. Before serving, let it cool for 10 minutes.
- Voila, the delicious batata bil sanieh is ready to be enjoyed!
Common Variations
When it comes to batata bil sanieh, there are a few common variations that you might come across. Here are some of the most popular ones:
- Cheese: Some people like to add cheese to their batata bil sanieh. This can be a great way to add some extra flavor and texture to the dish. Feta cheese is a popular choice, but you can use any type of cheese that you like.
- Spices: You can customize the flavor of your batata bil sanieh by adding different spices. Some popular choices include cumin, paprika, and cinnamon. You can also add fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a fresh burst of flavor.
- Vegetables: If you want to add some extra nutrition to your dish, you can add some vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or tomatoes. Just sauté them in a pan before adding them to the dish.
No matter what variation you choose, batata bil sanieh is a delicious and satisfying dish that is sure to please. Give it a try and see for yourself!
Tips and Tricks
- Cover the dish with foil for the first half of the baking time to prevent the cheese from browning too quickly and the potatoes from drying out. Remove the foil for the last 10-15 minutes to achieve a golden-brown crust on top.
- Let the dish rest for at least 10 minutes after taking it out of the oven. This will allow the juices to settle and make it easier to cut and serve.
Conclusion
I must say, after trying batata bil sanieh, I am thoroughly impressed. The combination of potatoes, ground beef, and spices creates a delicious and hearty meal. Not to mention, the addition of spices such as cinnamon and allspice adds a unique and flavorful touch.
One thing to note is that this dish is quite filling, so it’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or a potluck with friends. Additionally, it’s easy to make in large batches, making it a great option for meal prep.
Overall, I highly recommend giving batata bil sanieh a try. It’s a tasty and comforting dish that’s sure to please.
One more thing: Lebanese garlic sauce pairs perfectly with this dish.
Get the recipe now (by clicking the image below):
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