Dawood Basha (Lebanese Meatballs Braised in Tomato Sauce)
Description
Dawood Basha is a comforting Middle Eastern meal the whole family will love! Serve these flavorful meatballs in tomato sauce with traditional Lebanese rice with vermicelli or plain rice for a delicious, satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
For the Kafta Balls
- 500 g 1 lb 2 oz ground beef, ground lamb, or a mixture of both
- ½ cup finely chopped parsley leaves
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- A dash of allspice
- A dash of cayenne pepper
- A dash of black pepper
For the Tomato Sauce
- 3 large onions thinly sliced (julienned)
- 3 large tomatoes peeled and diced
- ¼ cup canola oil or peanut oil
- A dash of white pepper
- 1 teaspoon tomato paste
- 2½ cups water
- 1 tablespoon butter
- A dash of cayenne pepper
- Salt to taste
- ⅓ cup pine nuts
- 2 tablespoons pomegranate molasses, optional
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the ground meat, onion, parsley, allspice, cayenne pepper, and salt. Before adding the onion and parsley to the meat, squeeze them firmly with your hands to remove excess liquid.
- Divide the meat mixture into portions about the size of an apricot. Gently roll each portion between your palms to form a round ball. Set aside.
- Heat the oil in a wide skillet over medium heat. Add the pine nuts and toast, stirring constantly, until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Add the meatballs to the same skillet in batches and sear for about 5 minutes, turning to brown both sides. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Add the onions to the same skillet and sauté until translucent.
- Add the diced tomatoes and salt, and cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, until the tomatoes begin to soften.
- Pour in the water and add the tomato paste. Stir well to combine.
- Season with the white pepper and cayenne pepper. Return the meatballs to the skillet and bring the sauce to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with the toasted pine nuts and serve with plain rice or Lebanese rice with vermicelli. How delicious!
Video
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