Yakhnet batata is a delicious and hearty Lebanese potato stew that is perfect for cold weather. Made with tender chunks of beef, potatoes, and a variety of flavorful spices, this dish is sure to warm you up on even the chilliest of days.
As someone who respects Lebanese cuisine, yakhnet batata has always been one of my favorites. The combination of tender meat, soft potatoes, and fragrant spices creates a comforting and satisfying meal that is perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Whether you’re looking for a new recipe to try or simply want to explore the flavors of Lebanese cuisine, yakhnet batata is a must-try dish. In this article, I’ll be sharing my family’s recipe for this delicious stew, as well as some tips and tricks for making it perfect every time. So grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
One day, my friend and I decided to have lunch at a Lebanese restaurant in Las Vegas. After perusing the menu, I decided to order the yakhnet batata dish. A short while later, a friendly young Lebanese waitress brought the dish to our table.
As we were enjoying our meal, a customer accidentally broke a piece of decorative pottery in the restaurant which caused some commotion. However, after the staff cleaned up the mess, everything settled down, and we continued to enjoy our lunch.
After finishing our meal, I requested the recipe from the restaurant chef. To my delight, the chef agreed to give me the recipe, which included chopped onions, garlic, and cilantro, diced potatoes and meat (either lamb or beef fillet), tomato concentrate, boiling water, 7-spice, black pepper, salt, and lemon juice.
With the recipe in hand, I couldn’t wait to try making this delicious dish at home.
Pairing Suggestions
When it comes to serving this dish, there are a variety of dishes that can complement this hearty stew. Here are a few pairing suggestions that I recommend:
- Rice: A simple bowl of white rice is an excellent accompaniment to this Lebanese potato stew. The mild flavor of the rice helps to balance out the bold flavors of the stew.
- Flatbread: Warm, fluffy flatbread is perfect for soaking up its delicious broth. You can also use the bread to scoop up chunks of potato and meat.
- Salad: A fresh salad is a great way to add some brightness and crunch to your meal. Try a simple cucumber and tomato salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables are a great way to add some extra nutrition to your meal. Try roasting some carrots, bell peppers, or eggplant to serve alongside your meal.
- Grilled Meat: If you’re looking to add more protein to your meal, grilled meat is a great option. Try serving some grilled chicken or lamb kebabs alongside your stew.
Ingredients:
- 1 large chopped onion
- 2 chopped garlic cloves
- A small handful of chopped cilantro
- 4 medium diced potatoes
- 200 grams of lamb or beef, cut into small 1 cm thick cubes
- 3 tbsp of tomato concentrate
- 3 cups of boiling water to cover
- ¼ tsp of 7 spice
- ¼ tsp of black pepper
- ½ tsp of salt approx
- ½ lemon, juiced
How to make Yakhnet Batata?
- Start by heating a casserole dish and adding a good drizzle of mild olive oil (approx 2-3 tablespoons). Then, sauté the chopped onion until golden. Next, add the cilantro (fresh coriander) and garlic and sauté for a few more minutes to form the stew base.
- After that, add the diced cubes of lamb or beef fillet and sauté for a few more minutes on medium heat. Sometimes, fry the lamb off in a separate pan to avoid a fatty taste.
- Then, chop the potatoes into bite-sized chunks approx 2cm wide and add them to the onions and meat. Gently sauté for a few minutes, drizzling a little more mild olive oil if needed.
- Next, add the 7-spice, salt, black pepper, tomato pureé, and enough boiling water to cover. Let it come to a boil, then turn the heat down to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes until the potatoes are fully cooked. Sometimes, I like to add a little extra touch by drizzling some pomegranate molasses.
- Before turning off the heat, give it a taste and make sure the seasoning is just right. Squeeze on a little lemon when serving according to taste.
Variations of Yakhnet Batata
As I mentioned earlier, this is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit individual preferences. Here are some variations that you can try:
- Spicy Yakhnet Batata: If you like your food spicy, you can add some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the dish. This will give it a nice kick and make it more flavorful.
- Creamy Yakhnet Batata: For a creamier version of this stew, you can add some heavy cream or sour cream to the dish. This will give it a rich and creamy texture.
- Yakhnet Batata with Vegetables: If you want to make the dish even more nutritious, you can add some vegetables to it. Some great options include carrots, peas, and green beans.
- Yakhnet Batata with Rice: If you want to make the dish more filling, you can serve it with some rice. This will make it a complete meal and ensure that you stay full for longer.
Overall, this Lebanese potato stew is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. So go ahead and try out these variations to see which one you like best!
Conclusion
In conclusion, yakhnet batata is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for cold weather. With its combination of tender lamb, potatoes, and warming spices, it is sure to satisfy any appetite.
One of the things that makes it so appealing is its simplicity. The ingredients are easy to find and the preparation is straightforward, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
Another benefit of this dish is its versatility. You can easily customize the spices and seasoning to suit your taste, and it pairs well with a variety of sides like rice, bread, or salad.
Overall, I highly recommend giving yakhnet batata a try. It’s a comforting and flavorful Lebanese potato stew that is sure to become a new favorite.
By the way, it’s best to have this dish with rice pilaf.
Get the recipe now (by clicking the image below):
