I recently discovered a delicious Middle Eastern recipe called dawood basha recipe, and I can’t get enough of this dish! This hearty meal consists of tender meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce and served with diced potatoes. It’s a perfect comfort food for those chilly winter nights.
To make this dish, you’ll need ground beef, parsley, onion, garlic, allspice seasoning, salt, pepper, olive oil, potatoes, tomatoes, pomegranate molasses, tomato paste, and vegetable stock. The tomato sauce is made by sautéing chopped onion and garlic, then adding cubed tomatoes, pomegranate molasses, tomato paste, allspice seasoning, salt, pepper, and olive oil.
I love how easy this dish is to make and how flavorful it is. The combination of the juicy meatballs and the tangy tomato sauce is irresistible. Plus, the diced potatoes add a nice texture and help soak up all the delicious sauce. Give this recipe a try and I’m sure it will become a new favorite in your household too!
Dawood Basha Origins
The origins of dawood basha are somewhat shrouded in mystery, with different versions of the dish appearing in different countries and regions. Some say that it originated in Turkey, while others claim that it was first made in Lebanon or Syria.
Regardless of its origins, this dish has become a beloved dish across the Middle East and is often served as a comfort food in homes and restaurants alike. The dish typically consists of small meatballs made from ground beef or lamb, which are simmered in a rich tomato sauce with onions, garlic, and various herbs and spices.
One of the things that I love most about it is its versatility. While the basic recipe remains the same across the region, countless variations and adaptations can be made to suit different tastes and preferences. Some people like to add chickpeas or potatoes to the stew, while others prefer to serve it with rice or flatbread.
Overall, it is a delicious and satisfying dish that is sure to please anyone who loves hearty, flavorful stews. Whether you are a seasoned cook or just starting, I highly recommend giving this classic Middle Eastern dish a try!
Ingredients:
Meat Ingredients
- 1 lb of ground beef
- A handful of fresh parsley
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 quartered onion
- 1 tbsp of allspice seasoning
- Salt and pepper
- 2 tbsp of olive oil
Potatoes
Tomato Sauce
- 3 cubed semi-ripe tomatoes
- 3 chopped garlic cloves
- 1 chopped onion
- 1 tbsp of pomegranate molasses
- 1.5 tbsp of tomato paste
- 1 tsp of allspice seasoning
- Salt and pepper
- 1 tbsp of olive oil
- Enough vegetable stock to cover the meatballs completely
How to Make Dawood Basha?
- Start by processing onions, parsley, and garlic in a food processor until it resembles salsa.
- Then, mix this with ground beef and listed seasonings and create 15 meatballs of the same size.
- Next, sear the meatballs on both sides in a pan with olive oil on medium heat until they are lightly browned.
- After that, set them aside and toss sliced potatoes in the same pan with a little more oil, salt, and pepper. Cook the potatoes until they have a nice crust and then cover them with a lid until they are semi-tender.
- In the same pan, puree tomatoes and add olive oil, onions, and garlic. Once fragrant, add the tomato puree, tomato paste, pomegranate molasses, salt, pepper, and allspice.
- Mix everything well for a few minutes before adding the meatballs and potatoes on top.
- In the pot, pour enough vegetable stock to cover half the meatballs. Simmer covered for 20 minutes, then uncover for 15 to thicken the sauce. Serve it with rice or pita bread.
Serving Suggestions
As I mentioned earlier, this is a hearty dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner with friends and family. Here are some serving suggestions that will elevate your meal:
Rice Pairing
Dawood basha is traditionally served with white rice, but you can also try pairing it with other types of rice for a different flavor. Basmati rice is a great option as it has a nutty flavor and pairs well with the spices in the dish. You can also try jasmine rice for a more fragrant option.
To add some extra flavor to your rice, try cooking it with some saffron or adding some toasted nuts like almonds or pine nuts.
Vegetable Accompaniments
To balance out the richness of the dish, it’s a good idea to serve it with some fresh vegetables. A simple salad of chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, and parsley dressed with lemon juice and olive oil is a classic choice.
You can also try serving it with roasted or grilled vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, or bell peppers. These vegetables will add some smokiness and depth to the meal.
Overall, this is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of sides. Experiment with different rice and vegetable options to find your perfect combination.
Variations and Substitutes
Vegetarian Alternatives
For those who prefer a vegetarian version, the meatballs can be substituted with chickpeas, lentils, or mushrooms. Chickpeas and lentils can be cooked and mashed before being mixed with the onion and spices. Mushrooms can be finely chopped and sautéed with onions and spices before being formed into balls. These vegetarian alternatives provide a delicious and healthy option for those who do not eat meat.
Spice Adjustments
The spice level of this dish can be adjusted to suit individual preferences. For those who enjoy a spicier flavor, add some chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Other spices such as cumin, coriander, and paprika can also be added to enhance the flavor of the dish. Experimenting with different spice combinations can lead to new and exciting variations of the classic dawood basha recipe.
Storing and Reheating
Occasionally, you may have leftovers that you want to save for later. Here are some tips on how to store and reheat your dish properly.
Storing
To store your leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and place them in the refrigerator. It can last up to 3-4 days in the fridge, but make sure to check for any signs of spoilage before eating.
Freezing
If you want to store it for a longer period, you can freeze it. Just put it in a container for the freezer; it’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re planning to eat it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, you can either use a microwave or a stovetop. If using a microwave, cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid and heat it on high for 1-2 minutes. Stir the dish and heat it for an additional 1-2 minutes until it’s heated through.
If using a stovetop, transfer the dish to a saucepan and heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. You can add a splash of water or broth to the pan to prevent the dish from drying out.
By following these simple tips, you can enjoy your delicious Dawood Basha recipe even after it’s been stored in the fridge or freezer.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making dawood basha, a few common mistakes can easily be avoided with attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly:
- Don’t overmix the meat: When mixing the ground beef with the spices and onion, be careful not to overmix the meat. Overmixing can result in a tough and chewy texture. Mix the ingredients just enough to combine them evenly.
- Don’t use too much tomato sauce: While tomato sauce is an important ingredient in this recipe, using too much can overpower the dish and make it too acidic. Use just enough to add flavor and moisture to the meatballs.
- Don’t skip the resting time: After cooking the meatballs, it’s important to let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and tender meatball.
- Don’t overcook the meatballs: Overcooking the meatballs can result in a dry and tough texture. Cook the meatballs just until they are cooked through, but still juicy and tender.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I must say that the dawood basha recipe is one of the most delicious and easy-to-make recipes I have ever come across. The combination of meatballs and tomato sauce is simply irresistible.
I highly recommend this dish to anyone who is looking for a hearty and filling meal that is also packed with flavor. The recipe is quite simple to follow and can be made in under an hour.
One thing that I particularly love about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can serve it with rice, bread, or even pasta. It is also a great dish to make ahead of time and reheat for leftovers.
Overall, I am confident that anyone who tries this recipe will fall in love with it just as much as I have. So why not give it a try and see for yourself?
As mentioned above, it’s best to eat dawood basha with rice.
Get this recipe of rice with vermicelli now (by clicking the image below):