Levantine

Dawood Basha

Tender, spiced meatballs cooked in a rich and thickened tomato sauce, a luxurious classic Levantine dish served with vermicelli rice.

45 min 4 servings 420 cal/serving Medium 5 views
Dawood Basha

Instructions

  1. Preparing the Meatballs
    In a deep bowl, mix the minced meat with the finely minced onion, parsley, half of the garlic, half a teaspoon of seven spices, a quarter teaspoon of cinnamon, one teaspoon of salt, and half of the black pepper until well combined. · 5 min
  2. Shaping the Balls
    Shape the meat mixture into equal medium-sized balls and set them aside on a plate. · 5 min
  3. Searing the Meatballs
    Heat two tablespoons of oil in a wide skillet over medium heat, then brown the meatballs on all sides until they take on a nice golden color, then remove them from the skillet and set aside. · 7 min
  4. Sautéing Onion and Garlic
    In the same skillet, add an extra tablespoon of oil if needed, then sauté the sliced onion and the remaining garlic until the onion softens and becomes translucent. · 4 min
  5. Preparing the Sauce
    Add the tomato paste and stir for a minute, then add the pureed tomatoes, hot water, the remaining spices, and salt, and let the sauce come to a boil and reduce slightly. · 5 min
  6. Simmering and Cooking
    Return the meatballs to the sauce, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let them cook through completely as the flavors meld together. · 10 min
  7. Serving
    Pour the Dawood Basha into a serving dish, garnish with toasted pine nuts and a little parsley, and serve hot alongside vermicelli rice. · 1 min

Nutrition / serving

420
cal
31
protein g
11
carbs g
28
fat g

Chef's tips

For cohesive meatballs that do not fall apart during frying, knead the meat mixture well until tacky, and make sure to thoroughly strain the liquid from the minced onion before adding it to the meat.