Hearty Lebanese Beef Stew with Peas and Carrots

If you want to explore delightful vegetable beef stews, the Lebanese beef stew with peas and carrots is a perfect choice. Known as “bazella w riz” in Arabic, this dish offers a heartwarming and nutritious experience that is sure to bring comfort to your table. Rooted in the Middle Eastern culinary tradition, this stew is a versatile canvas, allowing you to personalize it with your favorite vegetables. So, join me as I share the captivating story behind how I came across this remarkable traditional recipe in this engaging blog post.

The bustling city of Washington, D.C. was alive with energy as my girlfriend and I entered a charming Middle Eastern restaurant. The air was filled with a medley of enticing aromas, promising an evening of culinary exploration. However, little did we know that our visit to this unassuming establishment would be marked by an extraordinary event that would forever intertwine us with a cherished recipe.

While we settled into our seats, the waiter approached us with a smile, presenting the menu with many tantalizing dishes. Our eyes immediately fell upon the Lebanese beef stew. Imagining the hearty flavors and comforting warmth, we eagerly placed our order and awaited its arrival. The stew arrived, presented with care by the restaurant owner himself. The dish exuded a symphony of colors and aromas, capturing our attention and sparking our curiosity. Furthermore, the tender chunks of beef, nestled among the vibrant peas and carrots, were enveloped in a rich tomato sauce. Their flavors intertwined in a culinary embrace.

Meanwhile, amidst the blissful enjoyment of our meal, an unexpected event unfolded. The restaurant’s atmosphere abruptly shifted as a nearby customer began to choke. Panic filled the air, and time seemed to stand still as the room collectively held its breath. In that moment of chaos, a figure emerged from the kitchen with unwavering resolve – a Lebanese chef. His eyes determined, stepped forward to offer his expertise. He performed the Heimlich maneuver with quick thinking and skilled hands, relieving the struggling diner. The air cleared, and gratitude washed over the room. However, the situation’s intensity lingered, leaving us all humbled by the chef’s bravery and composure.

Inspired by the chef’s actions and intrigued by the flavors that had captivated our palates, I mustered the courage to approach him. I expressed my deep admiration and curiosity, making an audacious request: to acquire the exquisite Lebanese beef stew recipe. His response was a mix of surprise and amusement, but he graciously agreed, his smile illuminating his face.

Now, let me share the ingredients that make this dish a culinary delight: chuck beef, olive oil, 7 Spice, onion, garlic, fresh cilantro, tomato sauce, tomatoes, water, frozen peas, and frozen carrots. Each ingredient, carefully selected and combined, contributes to the symphony of flavors that will transport you to the heart of Lebanese cuisine.

To enhance your culinary experience with Lebanese beef stew, here are some delectable accompaniments that will complement and elevate the flavors of the dish. For example:

Fluffy Basmati Rice: Serve the stew alongside a bed of fragrant basmati rice. The light and fluffy texture of the rice will soak up the savory juices, adding a delightful contrast to the tender beef and vegetables.

Warm Pita Bread: Enjoy the stew with warm pita bread, perfect for scooping up succulent beef and vegetables. Tear off a piece of pita, and savor the combination of flavors as you create your own mouthwatering bites.

Tabbouleh Salad: Add a refreshing touch to your meal by serving a traditional tabbouleh salad on the side. This vibrant salad, made with finely chopped parsley, tomatoes, bulgur, lemon juice, and olive oil, offers a zesty and herbaceous balance to the richness of the stew.

Creamy Hummus: Include a bowl of creamy hummus as a delightful accompaniment. Its smooth and velvety texture and the stew’s robust flavors create a wonderful contrast. Dip pita bread or vegetables into the hummus for an extra layer of indulgence.

Yogurt Sauce: Prepare a cooling yogurt sauce to complement the stew. Mix plain yogurt with minced garlic, lemon juice, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs such as mint or dill. The creamy tang of the yogurt will balance the spices and provide a refreshing element.

Sliced Fresh Vegetables: For a crunchy and vibrant side, serve a platter of sliced fresh vegetables such as cucumbers, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes. These crisp bites offer a refreshing contrast and provide a light and healthy element to the meal.

So, here is how I created the Lebanese beef stew at home.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of chuck beef, trimmed and cut into one-inch cubes.
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil, divided.
• 1 teaspoon of 7 spice.
• 1 small onion, chopped (optional).
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced.
• 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro, chopped.
• 2 cans of tomato sauce (15 ounces each).
• 3 tomatoes, diced.
• 4 cups of water.
• 3 cups of frozen peas.
• 1 cup of frozen carrots or 1-2 chopped carrot sticks.

How to make Lebanese beef stew with peas and carrots?

1. In a sauté pan with a heavy bottom, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Introduce the beef cubes and season with 7 spice, salt, and pepper. Sear the beef until it acquires a beautiful golden-brown color, approximately 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the beef from the pan and set it aside, making sure to retain any oil and juices in the pan.
2. In addition, add the chopped onions, minced garlic, and fresh cilantro to the same pan. Cook them for 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant and slightly softened.
3. Pour the tomato sauce into the pan and use it to deglaze it, scraping off any flavorful bits from the bottom. Add the diced fresh tomatoes and 4 cups of boiling water to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Return the cooked beef to the pan and the frozen peas and carrots. Reduce the heat to low and let the stew simmer for 30-45 minutes until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together.
5. Once the stew is ready, serve it over a traditional Arabic rice pilaf bed. Finally, sprinkle fresh cilantro on top as a garnish, adding an extra layer of freshness to the dish.

Gather your loved ones around the table and indulge in the captivating flavors of the Lebanese beef stew with peas and carrots. Additionally, with each savory bite, allow yourself to be transported to a world of diverse culinary traditions. So, tie on your apron, gather the ingredients, and embark on a flavorful journey with this delightful Lebanese beef stew. So, it’s time to savor this dish’s nourishment, warmth, and cultural richness. Enjoy every mouthwatering moment!